PATCO's GM said staff are working on replacing motors, so there are shortages of trains.
LINDENWOLD -- PATCO officials have apologized to riders, acknowledging that their efforts to repair trains have inconvenienced and delayed them for over a week.
"We are monitoring customer feedback and we have heard the frustration of passengers who have withstood extended wait times, crowding our platforms and in our trains," PATCO General Manager John Rink said in a statement this week.
Rink said that since the snowstorm Jan. 7, PATCO has been replacing motors and making other repairs to "counteract the effects of winter." There is also a backlog of repairs, Rink said.
Third train - no space. @ridepatco, how do we get our refund? Would have been faster to walk. pic.twitter.com/EqF6OHeYj7
-- markcorrea (@markcorrea) January 17, 2017
@marmkid We are working on refurbing all of the old trains to provide better equipment and service.
-- PATCO (@RidePATCO) January 17, 2017
So far, 21 motors have been replaced. He said staff have been working three shifts and overtime to complete the repairs, maintenance and inspections. Over the last weekend, more than 500 hours were logged on the work, Rink said.
While many riders had taken to social media to complain about delays in recent days, some were understanding after PATCO released its explantation.
@RidePATCO Poor patco, this is so sad when you're on top of it 99% of the time! I love u, u always get me to work and back safe and sound [?]
-- Kelly Sims (@kelllysims) January 17, 2017
ICYMI: #PATCO GM John Rink's statement on recent delays & steps taken to maintain/repair trains to counteract the effects of winter weather pic.twitter.com/HqVilk3Ui3
-- PATCO (@RidePATCO) January 18, 2017
Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.