PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With fewer passengers on the rails during the summer months, the region’s transit agencies will be conducting some much-needed maintenance on its lines.
PATCO trains will be running less often starting on Saturday, July 8, as an eight-week rail replacement project begins.
During rush hours, PATCO trains will run every 12 minutes instead of the current seven minutes. Mid-days during the week, they will run every 22 minutes, up from every 15 minutes.
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On Saturdays, trains will come every 22 minutes instead of 20 minutes. Sunday schedules will remain the same. (Updated train schedules can be found here.)
PATCO is replacing three miles of track between Ferry Avenue and Broadway stations — a $6 million upgrade.
PATCO General Manager John Rink said ridership is traditionally lower in the summer, so the agency is putting the project in motion before the fall — when more people are expected to commute for their return to the office.
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Meanwhile, SEPTA is closing the Center City trolley tunnel for its annual two-week maintenance blitz.
Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, July 7, trolley service will only operate west of 40th and Market streets. That impacts trolley routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36.
Passengers heading inbound should transfer to the Market-Frankford Line.
Buses will also replace trolleys on Route 13 during the tunnel closure.
The tunnel is expected to reopen for regular use by 5 a.m. on July 24.
