PATCO, NYSW and MBTA unveil US 250th anniversary wraps

The Port Authority Transit Corp. (PATCO) unveiled a special "America 250" commemorative train wrap to mark the anniversary of the nation’s founding and the shared history of the states served by PATCO.

The two-car train features custom artwork highlighting iconic people, places, symbols and moments from both states. One rail car showcases Pennsylvania-inspired imagery, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Benjamin Franklin; the other displays New Jersey iconography, including Washington Crossing the Delaware, the Battleship New Jersey and Camden City Hall. Red, white and blue ribbons symbolize the connections between the states. 

The commemorative trainset will operate throughout the PATCO system during a celebration period, including daily trips across the Ben Franklin bridge between Philadelphia and South Jersey. 

The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corp. (NYSW) has also debuted a specially wrapped locomotive, NYSW 3634, in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

The design, chosen by NYSW employees, features the company's traditional colors on the cab with red, white and blue flowing behind. “The result tells a clear story,” said NYSW President James Bonner in a post on LinkenIn. "[NYSW] pulling America forward. Thank you to our Mechanical Department, INPS Rail Solutions and everyone on the [NYSW] team who helped bring this project to life.”

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has also debuted a commemorative locomotive that will serve the North Side Commuter lines; the custom paint job was designed in-house by the MBTA and features U.S.-themed motifs with "1776" on the front of the locomotive to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The GP40 locomotive was originally built in the 1970s for freight operations in Canada and was acquired by the MBTA in the late 1990s for Commuter Rail service. It was overhauled this year with the rebuilding and refurbishing of all major components, with additional upgrades including remote monitoring and diagnostics, forward-facing and cab cameras, and modern brake and control systems.