Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Saturn64
I had been running under the assumption that the PATCO line was a method for New Jerseyans who work in Philadelphia to get into the city, like how SEPTA's Regional Rail lines are for commuters getting into the city. I think a PATCO station to connect this project to Philly and the NJ suburbs would be a good thing, but it's not a realistic goal.
|
Yes, the vast majority of passengers are NJ residents heading to Philly. But there are a decent number of NJ residents who travel from a NJ stop to Ferry Ave or Camden to the hospitals, Rutgers, and various businesses. The same can be said for Philly residents traveling to Cooper, Lourdes, or Rutgers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin7
Why? We're talking about a platform, a fair gate, an elevator, and some stairs.
|
It's a helluva lot more than that.
In concept I like a station here. But for it to be worth the money and a viable station this area actually needs to be fully built out and support 1,500+ jobs (Not sure how many Subaru and Campbell's have/will have). Aside from everything negative you can say about the DRPA, there are actually several location/logistical challenges that will make it an expensive effort.
1.)The Patco right of way is directly next to an active freight line, which is directly next to a major highway
2.)The RoW is built up 20 some odd feet above street level
3.)Somewhere between Haddon Ave and Newton Ave the RoW begins a somewhat steep downgrade decline into the tunnel under MLK Blvd.
All of that said, none of that makes the station impossible. But the entire RoW will need to be rebuilt to make room for platforms and accessibility to those platforms. All completed while not disrupting freight service for major lengths of time. And then the most obvious item is the NJT Bus facility currently on the spot where the Patco stop will be. A new facility has to be built before any of this happens.