Atlantic City Line
| Company type | Commuter rail route |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1989-05-23 |
Area served | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| Products | Rail transport service |
| Parent | NJ Transit |
Atlantic City Line
The Atlantic City Line (ACL) is a commuter rail route managed by NJ Transit (NJT) that connects Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with Atlantic City, New Jersey. It follows the corridor along the White Horse Pike. This service runs over tracks that were originally part of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) and the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines. The ACL shares its route with SEPTA and Amtrak on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) until it crosses the Delaware River via the Delair Bridge, which is owned and operated by Conrail, entering New Jersey territory.
From Haddonfield to Lindenwold, New Jersey, the ACL operates alongside the PATCO Speedline, utilizing shared right-of-way. There are 12 scheduled trips daily in both directions. Conrail runs freight services on limited portions of the line, including the segment from the NEC over the Delair Bridge to its freight yard in Camden, New Jersey; these freight movements are kept separate from passenger operations. Unlike many NJT routes, the Atlantic City Line does not offer typical rush hour schedules. On NJ Transit maps, this line is marked with a dark blue hue and a lighthouse icon, symbolizing the well-known Absecon Lighthouse.
History
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Atlantic City served as the premier coastal getaway for residents of the Philadelphia region, attracting visitors from both affluent and working-class backgrounds. Similar to New York’s famed Coney Island, its accessibility was largely due to railroads providing affordable travel between urban centers and the shore. By the 1920s, three rival railroad main lines connected Philadelphia to Atlantic City: the Atlantic City Railroad (ACRR), controlled by the Reading Company, along with the Camden and Atlantic (C&A) and the West Jersey and Seashore (WJ&S), both under PRR ownership. The competition was fierce, with ACRR and C&A operating some of the fastest trains worldwide at that time, while WJ&S was a pioneer in railroad electrification.
The economic downturn of the Great Depression resulted in consolidation into the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines (PRSL). However, after World War II, increased automobile usage and construction of the Atlantic City Expressway led travelers to favor other destinations over rail travel to Atlantic City. By the late 1960s, only the former Camden and Atlantic Main Line continued as a commuter rail service funded by NJDOT, utilizing Budd RDC railcars operating from Lindenwold PATCO station. When Conrail assumed control of PRSL in 1976, it maintained routes extending to Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Cape May until NJDOT ceased financially unsustainable South Jersey rail operations in 1981.
In response to Atlantic City's economic resurgence fueled by casino development, regional leaders advocated for restoring rail connectivity, expressing frustration over transit investments concentrated in northern New Jersey. A partnership with Amtrak facilitated a full reconstruction of the line to establish a new service branded as the "Gambler's Express," providing direct links between Atlantic City and cities along the Northeast Corridor alongside NJ Transit’s local commuter trains.
1989 revival
The Atlantic City Line resumed operations on May 23, 1989, with Amtrak launching the Atlantic City Express service connecting New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. Service was briefly extended to Springfield, Massachusetts, Richmond, and Philadelphia International Airport. In September of that year, NJ Transit initiated commuter rail service between Atlantic City and Lindenwold, where passengers could transfer to the PATCO. However, by April 1, 1995, Amtrak discontinued its service due to insufficient marketing efforts and elevated ticket prices.
Although there were worries that NJ Transit might halt operations without Amtrak’s assistance for track upkeep and fueling infrastructure, NJ Transit maintained the line as its only commuter rail in South Jersey. In March 1996, a goal was set to reduce subsidies by $1 million. Subsequently, NJ Transit expanded service into Philadelphia via Amtrak’s 30th Street Station and constructed a new station in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The increase in ridership supported the continued operation of the line.
To improve connectivity to local casinos, a shuttle service operated by the Atlantic City Jitney Association was introduced, providing free jitneys between Atlantic City Rail Terminal and casino destinations.
The line experienced some damage during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 but was able to restore normal operations by November 4—marking one of the quickest recoveries among NJ Transit routes.
In 2013, NJ Transit launched the Pennsauken Transit Center to facilitate transfers between Atlantic City Line travelers and the River Line light rail connecting Camden and Trenton. This enabled seamless travel to New York City on NJ Transit without requiring transfers through Pennsylvania.
Between February 2009 and March 2012, Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City Express Service (ACES), operated under contract by NJ Transit, provided non-stop train trips from Atlantic City Rail Terminal to New York City's Pennsylvania Station.
On September 4, 2018, NJ Transit suspended all Atlantic City Line operations for five months to replace sections of track and install federally mandated positive train control systems before the December 31 deadline. This complete shutdown prompted public dissatisfaction; bus services were offered as substitutes. Service resumed on May 12, 2019, with an additional morning peak trip to Philadelphia included.
Proposed stations
On May 12, 2009, New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine alongside the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), which oversees the PATCO Speedline, revealed plans to expand the Atlantic City Line. The DRPA proposed enhancements such as a Transfer Station at the PATCO Woodcrest Station aimed at improving connections among PATCO, New Jersey Transit, and I-295 access. The plan also included track upgrades designed to increase service frequency and reliability as well as better access to the Atlantic City Airport Terminal. This initiative was part of a larger South Jersey transportation strategy that also envisioned a diesel light rail between Camden and Glassboro and express bus routes along NJ 42 and NJ 55 highways. The projected cost for the Atlantic City Airport station stood at $32 million in 2013. Nonetheless, by 2014 financial limitations caused postponement of plans for increased frequency and construction of the Woodcrest and Airport stations.
In 2016, Assemblymen Tim Eustace and John Wisniewski introduced legislation requiring the building of an Atlantic City Airport train station; however, it did not advance to a floor vote. Later in 2021, New Jersey Transit (NJT) together with the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) commissioned a study for a potential station near the airport along White Horse Pike adjacent to planned mixed-use developments. The study evaluated options including a rail spur extending into the airport or establishing a bus connection from this new station. In May 2022, legislation passed in the New Jersey Senate authorized the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to finance the proposed airport link.
Operations
Initially constructed as a double-track route, the line currently functions with a single track supplemented by passing sidings. The Atlantic City Rail Terminal includes a dedicated fueling station where locomotives are refueled during midday intervals. Routine daily inspections and minor repairs are conducted onsite by Herzog Transit Services, while more extensive maintenance is performed at New Jersey Transit’s primary facility in North Jersey. On weekends, rolling stock is transported via Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor to undergo thorough cleaning and major servicing.
Following Amtrak’s reconstruction efforts, the majority of the line was outfitted with cab signaling technology and upgraded to meet Class 4 track criteria, enabling speeds up to . A segment of straight track near Absecon was originally built to Class 5 standards, permitting speeds up to ; however, New Jersey Transit subsequently downgraded this section to Class 4 due to the high upkeep expenses. Control of dispatching transitioned from Amtrak’s Section E dispatcher based at 30th Street Station to Hoboken Terminal, and eventually moved to the Meadowlands Maintenance Complex after NJT assumed responsibility in 1995.
Prior to 1995, NJT trains terminating at Lindenwold utilized a passing siding just east of the current Cherry Hill Station for crew changes and to clear the main line for "Gambler's Express" services. After relocating the terminal to 30th Street Station, NJT commuter trains were staged at the southern end of platforms, allowing diesel engines to vent exhaust into open air rather than enclosed areas.
Service
The Atlantic City Line predominantly operates with GP40PH-2B diesel locomotives hauling three to four Comet coaches. Under Amtrak management, motive power consisted of now-retired F40PH units paired with a Metroliner cab car for push-pull operation. Trains typically run with the locomotive positioned on the western end and a cab control car on the eastern end; this arrangement facilitates efficient boarding and minimizes diesel emissions within Atlantic City Terminal.
An initial plan called for implementing a proof-of-payment system aimed at lowering operational costs through ticket vending machines and pre-boarding validation. However, this approach was never fully adopted; instead, conductors continue to collect fares onboard.
Ridership peaked near one million passengers in 2014 but declined to roughly 800,000 by 2016, with daily boardings averaging about 2,000.
Cross-honoring
Tickets purchased for Atlantic City Line trains are also accepted on NJ Transit bus routes 551 and 554 for travel to and from train stations at all times. Passengers holding rail tickets using route 554 must board and disembark within one block of Lindenwold, Hammonton, Egg Harbor City, Absecon stations, or at the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. Additionally, tickets between Philadelphia and Atlantic City are valid on route 551 between corresponding bus terminals.
Stations
| State | Location | Station | Miles (km) | Date opened | Date closed | Connections/notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA | Philadelphia | 30th Street Station | 0.0 (0.0) | 1933 | Amtrak long-distance: Cardinal, Crescent, Palmetto, Silver Meteor; intercity: Acela, Carolinian, Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian, Northeast Regional, Vermonter SEPTA Regional Rail, all lines NJ Transit Bus: 313, 315, 316, 414, 417, 555 SEPTA City Bus: 9,12,21,30,31,42,44,49,62,LUCY SEPTA Suburban Bus: 124,125 Martz Trailways Peter Pan Bus Lines | |
| NJ | Pennsauken Twp. | Pennsauken Transit Center | 10.3 (16.6) | 2013 | NJ Transit River Line; NJ Transit Bus: 404,417,419 | |
| Cherry Hill | Cherry Hill | 14.2 (22.9) | July 2, 1994 | NJ Transit Bus: 406,450 | ||
| Lindenwold | Lindenwold | 21.4 (34.4) | 1969 | PATCO Metro; NJ Transit Bus: 403,459,554 |
Stations
| State | Location | Station | Distance (mi/km) | Inaugurated | Closed | Connections / Remarks | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA | Philadelphia | 30th Street Station Template:NJT acc | 0.0 (0.0) | 1933 | — | Amtrak long-distance and intercity routes; SEPTA Regional Rail services; NJ Transit and SEPTA bus lines; Martz Trailways; Peter Pan Bus Lines | |||||||||||||||||||
| NJ |
Pennsauken Twp. || Pennsauken Transit Center Template:NJT acc || 10.3 (16.6) || 2013 || — || NJ Transit River Line; NJ Transit bus routes 404, 417, 419 |
- |
Cherry Hill |
Cherry Hill Template:NJT acc || 14.2 (22.9) || 1994 || — || NJ Transit bus lines 406, 450 |
- |
Lindenwold |
Lindenwold Template:NJT acc || 21.4 (34.4) || 1969 || — || PATCO Metro service; NJ Transit buses 403, 459, 554 |
- |
Berlin |
Long-a-Coming Depot || — || 1856 || 1960s || — |
- |
Atco |
Atco Template:NJT acc || 27.5 (44.3) || 1989 || — || NJ Transit bus 554 |
- |
Hammonton |
Hammonton Template:NJT acc || 40.5 (65.2) || 1989 || — || NJ Transit bus 554; shuttle operated by South Jersey Transportation Authority |
- |
Egg Harbor City |
Egg Harbor City Template:NJT acc || 51.4 (82.7) || 1989 || — || NJ Transit bus 554; airport/shuttle service by South Jersey Transportation Authority |
- |
Absecon |
Absecon Template:NJT acc || 62.0 (99.8) || 1854 || — || NJ Transit buses 508, 554, 559 |
- |
Atlantic City |
Atlantic City Rail Terminal Template:NJT acc || 67.9 (109.3) || 1989 || — || Numerous NJ Transit buses including routes to Atlantic City Bus Terminal; Atlantic City Jitney Association services |