Station modernization project updates: PATCO, DART, MTA

The Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO), Dallas Area Transit Authority (DART) and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) are making improvements to transit stations to improve the rider experience.

PATCO reopens Franklin Square Station

PATCO and the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) opened the newly renovated Franklin Square Station on April 3. Located at 7th and Race St.’s, PATCO notes the reopening will bring Franklin Square Station into PATCO’s rapid transit system as its 14th station, enhancing connectivity between Philadelphia and Lindenwold, N.J.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the reopening of Franklin Square Station with the community,” said PATCO General Manager John D. Rink. “The revitalization of this station marks an exciting new chapter, offering enhanced transit access and convenience for both residents and visitors. We are proud of the station’s transformation, and we look forward to welcoming both old and new riders to this historic, transformed station.”

PATCO notes Franklin Square Station originally opened on June 7, 1936, as part of the Bridge Line connecting Philadelphia and Camden, N.J., and has played a key role in the region’s transit history. According to PATCO, even though its use has been intermittent over the years, the station last underwent a major refurbishment in the 1970s, reopening to serve visitors during the U.S. Bicentennial celebration. PATCO notes the station’s last passenger service was in 1979 and both the city and its transit needs have evolved significantly over the decades sense. According to PATCO, the revitalization preserves the station’s historic legacy while transforming it into a modern transit station for today’s riders.

PATCO says the reopening comes at a time when the surrounding neighborhoods are undergoing significant growth. The reopened station will:

Provide additional transportation options for the community.
Promote intracity travel by offering a convenient connection between Franklin Square and Rittenhouse Square.
Complement development in the surrounding area, providing improved transportation options to local attractions and businesses.

Renovations and features

The renovation cost PATCO $29.3 million, with construction beginning in March 2022. The project included the following upgrades:

Full accessibility: The station is now fully ADA compliant, featuring an elevator, escalator and ramps for easy access.
Sustainability: The station includes eco-friendly upgrades such as a green roof to manage stormwater runoff, bird-friendly glass to reduce bird collisions and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the station.
Powered by the sun: PATCO trains run on electrified third-rail power, with 50 percent of the energy supplied from solar panels installed at PATCO station parking lots.
Modernized systems: The station has been updated with new mechanical, electrical and communication systems, making it fully aligned with the latest PATCO standards.
Historical preservation: The renovation keeps the station’s original 1930s green and white subway tiles, cleaned and restored to preserve its historic character.
Customer convenience: The station features benches, leaning benches, electrical outlets and USB plugs for riders. PATCO notes that this summer, fare gates will begin accepting additional payment options, including mobile payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay and more.
Bike-friendly: The station includes bike storage racks within the paid area and a bike runnel along the stairwell, providing cyclists with a track to walk their bikes up or down the stairs.

DART to modernize Cityplace/Uptown Station

DART will begin work to modernize the Cityplace/Uptown Station in April. The renovation is part of DART Transform, a modernization program focusing on improving the customer experience through five core elements:

Vehicles
Stations and passenger facilities
Resiliency
A unified signaling system
Operating facilities

DART notes Cityplace/Uptown Station is scheduled to receive upgraded lighting, new ticket vending machines and improved walkways with the removal of digital kiosks.

Focus is on new escalators, inclinators

According to DART, the bulk of construction will initially focus on the removal of the existing escalators and inclinators and installation of new ones to improve accessibility to the platforms. Demolition work is anticipated to begin in mid-April when the escalator and staircase on the tower side of the platform level will be removed. Construction will continue at the next level, with each escalator and inclinator taking approximately six to eight months to remove and replace.

DART says that while work at Cityplace/Uptown Station is underway, customers will need to use the staircase to go down and access the platform. As each escalator is removed, the other will be reprogrammed to only take customers up. According to DART, as work progresses and the inclinator and escalator are both out of service, DART will provide a bus bridge with shuttle service to and from connecting stations to limit service interruptions. The agency notes initial work is not expected to cause service interruptions.

MTA breaks ground on new Yaphank Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station

MTA has broken ground on the new Yaphank LIRR station strategically relocated to be closer to William Floyd Parkway, the Long Island Expressway and Brookhaven National Laboratory.

“The new Yaphank station promises to be a world-class, fully accessible experience that connects riders to additional amenities faster than ever before," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Today, we are delivering for Long Islanders once again — continuing on the path to strengthen the local economy and bring these riders the modern, efficient transit experience they deserve."

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “The old Yaphank station dates back to 1844 and today's riders deserve a modern transit hub that’s closer to the action. The new station will deliver a 21st century experience while connecting riders to the best service in LIRR’s 190-year history.”

The authority notes the new station will be fully ADA accessible and outfitted with several improvements, including:

A parking lot with space for 50 cars that will have an integrated bus loop to accommodate pickups and drop offs.
A plaza area with an information totem providing train schedules and bike rack.
A help point intercom on the platform.

MTA notes in the coming weeks, the construction site will be graded and utilities will be installed. Construction is targeted for substantial completion in the second quarter of 2026, with the station scheduled to be commissioned soon after. According to the authority, once the new station is up and running, the existing Yaphank Station will be demolished.

MTA says the existing Yaphank Station is located on the Ronkonkoma Branch in Suffolk County, N.Y., serviced by a diesel-operated fleet. The authority notes the station has long had low ridership and is geographically restricted for future expansion and improvements. According to the authority, the new location chosen for the station presents a better opportunity for usage considering the nearby industrial park and proximity to Brookhaven National Laboratory. The new station’s platform will accommodate two train cars, which is similar in size to the existing station, and sized to the length of trains serving the line between Ronkonkoma and Greenport.

MTA notes the $20 million project will be supported by funding from within the MTA capital program.

“The LIRR is helping build Long Island by providing the best customer experience for people to get to jobs and activities throughout the region,” said LIRR President Rob Free. “A convenient new location, near local highways and the modern amenities that come with the new station will make it easier for businesses to attract more people and strengthen the local economy.”

MTA President of Construction and Development Jamie Torres-Springer said, "Riders in Eastern Suffolk deserve a more convenient and modern transit hub, and we’re ready to deliver one better, faster and cheaper than ever before. Yaphank can look forward to a fully accessible station with modern amenities that will anchor this neighborhood for generations to come.”