Nov 13, 2009 11:47 pm US/Eastern
3 On Your Side: PATCO Commuter Discounts
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
For many commuters, taking the train is an easy way to reduce traveling expenses. There's no need for gas money, bridge tolls or parking fees. But you could be saving even more.
3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan shows you how your daily commute could reward you with deep discounts too.
Who isn't eager to get on board with the idea of saving money? Well the PATCO Freedom card can help you do it.
"You don't have to worry about coupons. Just take out your freedom card which is the size of a credit card or a drivers license," said PATCO spokesperson, Jeffrey Nash.
The Freedom card is a transit pass, but it doubles as a discount card. A result of a partnership between PATCO and more than 100 businesses.
"We want our customers, our commuters to use the stores that are near and around our station," said Nash.
Like 10 percent off at The Polished Plate in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
These times are tough for everyone," said store owner, Barbara Frenzel.
That's why she was happy to take part in the program.
"It sounded like a good opportunity to market the store and give people and opportunity to have a bit of savings," said Frenzel.
Rider, Courtney Sherwood has taken advantage of dining discounts in Collingswood, New Jersey.
"I've used it at a couple of the restaurants in town," said Sherwood.
And that's not all.
"There's a salon called Verde salon, and I've used it there several times.
At Verde, you'll get 10 percent off services and products. You can also get 10 percent off baked goods at DiBartolo's bakery in Collingswood too.
Whether buying cookies or cakes, owner Mike DiBartolo says customers love the freedom card savings.
"Anything that saves any kind of money, they're for it," said DiBartolo.
And some discounts are deeper, like here at Balance Health Center in center city Philadelphia, where cardholders get 35 percent off massages.
"We have quite a number of patients who come here for services. It's been a very popular program since it started," said owner Dr. Christopher Bernabei.
"It's a great idea, because I'm already carrying the card. It's like my triple a card. So as long as I have it, if they'll take it, I'm gonna take the discount," said Steve Ehrlich of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Look at it this way, if you're going to commute, at least this card makes saving money a piece of cake.
PATCO provides service between New Jersey and Philadelphia. So you might not have any reason to ride the speedline.
But some business owners tell us, they have customers who buy the Freedom cards just so they can cash in on the savings.
The one time cost for the card is $5. And the first time you use it you have to put $20 worth of value for train rides.
Related Link:
www.ridepatco.org
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