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Released: 1/9/2008

DRPA/PATCO Announces Dates for Public Open Houses for Philadelphia Waterfront Transit Expansion Study

The Delaware River Port Authority announced that it will soon begin the first round of public outreach for the Alternatives Analysis portion of the Philadelphia Waterfront Transit Expansion study. The first set of public open houses is scheduled to be held at two locations in Philadelphia.

John J. Matheussen, DRPA’s Chief Executive Officer and the President of PATCO announced that Authority officials and consultants will meet with area residents to update communities on the progress of the study, to educate communities on the Alternatives Analysis phase of the study and to seek further input on the alternatives.

“The public is our most important stakeholder,” said Matheussen. “It is incumbent upon us to listen to their ideas and comments in order to help shape this project into a transit extension that benefits the people of this region.”

Anyone who cannot attend the open houses is invited to learn about the project and provide their input online at PATCO’s website, www.ridepatco.org. Updated information will be posted by January 22, the date of the first public open house.

There will be two public open houses in Philadelphia. The open houses will have no formal program, and attendees may arrive at any time during the open house hours. Presentation boards with information on the possible Philadelphia alternatives will be on display. Both open houses will take place between 6 and 8 p.m. The dates and locations are as follows:

For the PATCO Alternatives Analysis, DRPA will study various potential alignments and modes of transportation including three suggested routes in Center City Philadelphia along Columbus Boulevard/Delaware Avenue. During the public open house process, adjustments and additions to the alternatives may also surface for consideration.

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation and development agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, and PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.