Visitors planning to get around Philadelphia during the Papal visit are being warned of major transportation restrictions, and should expect to do a lot of walking.
Marking 100 days before the Pope’s visit September 26-27, city officials are encouraging visitors and residents alike to start planning transportation now.
"Private vehicles will really not be a viable option," Mayor Michael Nutter said, adding that visitors should anticipate about two hours of walking each day.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will only operate 31 of its 282 subway, trolley and commuter train stops during the Papal visit to ensure express services from the outer suburbs are not held up.
Due to demand for downtown hotel beds, many of the estimated 65,000 hotel rooms within a 60-mile radius of Philly are sold out.
Up to two million people are expected during the weekend.
More specific transit details will be disclosed soon, with a ‘Know Before You Go’ booklet for tourists, and the Papal Visit Playbook, which is aimed at Philly-area residents.
Philadelphia International Airport CEO Mark Gale said he expects up to 20% more passenger traffic for the Pope’s visit and all regional Amtrak trains require advance reservations.
