| History Overview PATCO started off as the "Bridge Line" in July of 1936, running over the Benjamin Franklin bridge into Camden, New Jersey. The tracks for this line actually connected to SEPTA's Broad Ridge Line near 8th and Market Street Station, where trains would go North to Girard Station. Today the tracks are severed, but you can still see the connection point to the PATCO system. In February of 1969, service was extended to Lindenwold, NJ. New cars from Budd were put into service for the line in 1968, making PATCO the first transit line to use Automatic Train Operation. In 1980, Woodcrest Station opened, and cars nearly identical to the Budds, built by Canadian Vickers, were delivered in as well. Future Plans Today, PATCO still strives to be cutting edge. Although the cars are the same, PATCO is rehabilitating their entire fleet with a federal grant they received. Soon, they will have AC traction motors and a modern blue/grey interior. Twelve cars at a time are being rehabbed so that PATCO doesn't go into a car shortage. Also, PATCO is introducing a new Freedom Card system. This is a touch less smart card system, where riders will be able to purchase and use debit-card like Freedom cards to pay their fares. Also, the plastic magnetic cards will be replaced with new paper tickets with magnetic strips. This system is in its trial stages now, and every station has a machine and special Freedom gate installed. More information about the freedom card program can be found here: http://www.ridepatco.org/freedom.asp Additionally, PATCO is also conducting a study of the feasibility of extending service to Gloucester County. This study will take 18 to 24 months. As if that wasn't enough, they are studying the feasibility of creating a waterfront light rail line along Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia. More information about both of these projects can be found at these websites: New Jersey Expansion: http://www.patconjexpansion.com Pennsylvania Expansion: http://www.patcopaexpansion.com | 
