PATCO Cutting Overnight Trains? Here's What South Jersey Residents Need to Know

If you live in South Jersey—or you're thinking about moving here—you may've heard the buzz around recent changes to PATCO’s overnight service. It’s more than just a scheduling shift. For many, it’s a reminder of how vital PATCO is to life in our region—and how changes like this can ripple out into daily routines.

Starting July 14th 2025, PATCO started rolling out Phase One of a pilot program that reduces weekday overnight service to every two hours from 12 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. That’s two fewer trains each night during the so-called "owl service" hours.

In addition to less frequent trains, PATCO is also temporarily closing select stations on a rotating two-week schedule to allow for deep cleaning, repairs, and safety improvements.

Here’s the station schedule:

Then comes Phase Two, starting September 1—when PATCO will suspend all overnight weekday service entirely for six months. That means no trains and no open stations from 12:01 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend service will continue as usual.

PATCO says the temporary suspension is aimed at improving the overall rider experience—through deep cleaning, track & signal maintenance, and increased public safety operations. The agency is also coordinating with the City of Philadelphia to clean and secure concourse-level areas, which are jointly managed.

While less than 25 people typically ride during overnight hours (so they say), PATCO emphasized that this two-phase plan allows time for commuters to adjust.

For those who depend on late-night travel—impacting particularly shift workers, those who work in the bars and restaurants in the city—this is a meaningful change. Even if the affected group is small, the impact is real.

And yet, it also brings up a bigger conversation about life in South Jersey and the value of our direct connection to Philly. Communities like Collingswood, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill etc remain incredibly desirable in part because of the quick, reliable access to Center City via PATCO. It’s one of the reasons South Jersey punches well above its weight when compared to suburbs of major East Coast cities.

Homeownership costs here are significantly lower than in New York, Boston, or DC suburbs. And our blend of quiet residential neighborhoods, rich community life, and easy city access makes this region a top choice for first-time buyers, families, and even Philly transplants looking for a little more space and a backyard.

If you’re a late-night PATCO rider, now’s the time to check your travel plans. And if you're one of the many considering a move to South Jersey, know that while these changes may cause short-term disruption, PATCO remains one of our region’s most valuable assets—and it’s being upgraded with long-term benefits in mind.

If you want to know more about these changes, visit ridepatco.org and you can read the full press release here.

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