March 07, 2017

PATCO train breaks down on Ben Franklin, inspires scenic photos of Delaware River

By Patricia Madej
PhillyVoice Staff

Thom Carroll/for PhillyVoice

A PATCO train crosses the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from New Jersey headed to Pennsylvania.

PATCO riders experienced delays Tuesday during the evening rush hour as an eastbound train on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was halted due to "a mechanical defect," PATCO said.

At about 6:16 p.m., PATCO tweeted that its train lines to and from South Jersey were experiencing a 15-20 minute delays due to the disabled train on the eastbound tracks and earlier that an "operator is work[ing] with staff on correcting" the problem.

PLEASE NOTE: We have a 15-20 min delay in both directions due to a disabled train on the bridge. We are currently single tracking around it.
— PATCO (@RidePATCO) March 7, 2017

Riders who took to social media to voice their frustration said a "rescue train" was en route to transfer passengers.

2 words you never want to hear on your @RidePATCO commute home: "Rescue Train"
— Ted Mann (@turkeymonkey) March 7, 2017

@RidePATCO stalled on the bridge, jumped trains, went better than you'd think pic.twitter.com/5MbsrPP4rz
— Paul James Cleary (@pauljamescleary) March 7, 2017

@RidePATCO @PatcoWatchers Rescue train? Jesus take the wheel.
— Shonna927✌ (@shonna927) March 7, 2017

Though, some riders did share one perk for us to enjoy while they begin their trek home: the view.

@RidePATCO train broke down on the Ben Franklin Bridge. Silver lining: chance to appreciate Delaware River at sunset pic.twitter.com/d7d7CVasMS
— Ted Mann (@turkeymonkey) March 7, 2017