April 28, 2025
The $29.3 million project preserves Franklin Square Station’s historic legacy while transforming it into a modern transit station for today’s riders.
Earlier this month, DVRPC staff joined other organizations, transit enthusiasts, and community members at the reopening of the PATCO Franklin Square Station, located near 7th and Race Streets in Franklin Square Park. The station was last in operation in 1979.
The $29.3 million project preserves Franklin Square Station’s historic legacy while transforming it into a modern transit station for today’s riders. The project included the construction of a headhouse that features a skylight over the stairs and transparent walls for daylighting. The station has been updated with new mechanical, electrical, and communications systems, making it fully aligned with the latest PATCO standards. Eco-friendly upgrades include a green roof to manage stormwater runoff, bird-friendly glass to reduce bird collisions, and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the station. New amenities for riders include benches, leaning benches, electrical outlets, and USB plugs. There are also bike storage racks within the paid area of the station and a bike runnel along the stairwell, which provides cyclists a track to walk their bikes down the stairs. Additionally, the station meets modern ADA-requirements with the installation of an elevator, escalator, and ramps. To preserve the station’s historic character, the original green and white subway tiles from the 1930s have been cleaned and restored.
View photos from the opening:
