EDITORIAL: PATCO to expand Rowan to the world

When talks of the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) expanding to Glassboro first began in 2005, it seemed nothing short of a dream. Then, the state of New Jersey choose a route between Gloucester City and Glassboro, and it was a home run for the Rowan University community.

While the state selected Glassboro route, it did not state which type of service it would be: either the heavy rail that is separated from the roadway – like PATCO – or the substantially cheaper light rail, like the River LINE.

Although it is unlikely that current Rowan students will be able to use this helpful new system, as it does not yet have funding, it is expected that this new transit addition will completely revolutionize the way Rowan and the surrounding communities function.

First, the new transit system will be a major draw to prospective students who may initially be turned off by Rowan’s country, small-town feel. With cheap and easy access to Philadelphia, Rowan will no longer seem like it is in the boondocks. The train will provide not just access to Philadelphia, but also through New York and Washington, D.C. We have all seen the maps on the admission catalogues with Rowan placed in the center of these three metropolitan cities. When and if PATCO comes to Glassboro, it will make Rowan’s location at the center of these three cities much more of a reality.

Secondly, the effect this will have on students will be beyond imaginable. In addition to easy assess to Philadelphia for weekend trips and leisure with friends, it will make it much easier for students to consider a commute into Philadelphia for things like internships and jobs. Parking in Philadelphia is anything but cheap and the new PATCO line to Glassboro will encourage students to expand their horizons when searching for internships during the academic year.

For commuters, faculty and staff that live near one of the current PATCO stations, things like driving in the snow or in the heavy rain will no longer be cause for concern when worrying about their commute to class. Instead, they can just jump on the train and come to Rowan.

Since it’s inception, Rowan’s Camden campus has had a difficult time assimilating with its main campus. The new PATCO line will easily connect the two campuses into an ultimately a more cohesive Rowan.

The effects of the new PATCO line to Glassboro will, no doubt, effect the town of Glassboro itself. With the new development of Rowan Boulevard and new shops coming to town, the new PATCO line could draw in shoppers from communities in the surrounding areas. Likewise, a trip to the Deptford Mall will take shorter than the fifteen-minute car ride we’re all too used to.

The Whit is all too excited about the new PATCO line and all the other changes that will be coming to Rowan over the next few years. With projects like the PATCO line on Rowan’s horizons, we all expect the most pivotal days in Rowan’s history to take place in our years as young alumnus.