Gates, PATCO Station, 8th Street, Philadelphia

In Albums: Philadelphia transit

Jul 19th, 2011, by Alex Zorach

This photo shows the entry gates at the PATCO station in 8th street in Philadelphia. This station allows direct access to the extension of SEPTA's broad street line, to the Market-Frankford line, and also to the underground mall which connects to the SEPTA regional rail trains.

These gates are quite different from the old-fashioned turnstyles used in most SEPTA stations. The different design of the gates reflects the fact that PATCO stations are generally unmanned, whereas the SEPTA stations tend to be manned. While it would still be possible to jump or evade these gates, it would be more difficult, and would require more active exertion, and such an action would be more overtly visible motion, drawing attention to oneself.

To go through these gates, you must purchase a ticket at the nearby ticket machine. Because its stations are unmanned, riding PATCO can be a bit impersonal, and even eerie, especially if you ride at a time of day or a station where there are few other passengers waiting for the train. While the unmanned nature of PATCO stations was a political selling-point, in the sense of keeping costs down, it helps contribute to the alienation of modern life. I prefer SEPTA's stations with their attendants and old-fashioned turnstyles.