hiladelphia, September 16, 2015 – The City of Philadelphia released details about its preparations for the World Meeting of Families – 2015 Philadelphia from Tuesday, September 22nd until Friday, September 25th, and the Papal Visit during the weekend of Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th.rnrn“The neighborhoods in Center City Philadelphia will be most impacted by the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and the Papal Visit, but the entire city has the opportunity to participate in this historic event,†said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “I am asking Philadelphians who are not already joyously anticipating the arrival of Pope Francis to get excited and get involved. This is an incredible moment for our City and the Nation.â€rnrnPapal Visit ItineraryrnrnPope Francis’ schedule for Philadelphia is as follows:rnrnSaturday, September 26:rnrn9:30 a.m. – Arrival at Atlantic Aviationrn10:30 a.m. – Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paulrn4:45 p.m. – Independence Mall Address (This event is open to the public.)rn7:30 p.m. – Festival of Families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (This event is open to the public.)rnSunday, September 27:rnrn9:15 a.m. – Meeting with Bishops at St. Charles Borromeo Seminaryrn11:00 a.m. – Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility Visitrn4:00 p.m. – Papal Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (This event is open to the public.)rn8:00 p.m. – Departure from Atlantic Aviation.rnA detailed itinerary for Pope Francis’ September 2015 Apostolic Journey to the United States of America is available online athttp://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visit-schedule.cfm.rnrnTravel RestrictionsrnrnRoad closures, parking restrictions and changes to public transportation routes and public works services will be necessary during the Papal Visit. The public’s cooperation and patience in abiding by these restrictions is appreciated.rnrnParking restricted areas will be posted with “Emergency No Parking†signage. Fencing, other physical barriers and uniformed law enforcement officers will also be utilized to enforce vehicle restricted zones. A map of the restricted areas in Center City is available on www.phila.gov.rnrnThe following streets describe the U.S. Secret Service secure vehicle perimeter or “no vehicle zoneâ€. Only the streets that outline the secure vehicle perimeter are described below and these streets will be open to vehicular traffic. Every street inside of the below described perimeter will be closed to vehicular traffic.rnrnCity of Philadelphia restrictions:rnrnBeginning at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, the following secure vehicle perimeter will go into effect:rnrnFairmount Drive from the intersection of Kelly Drive to N 24th Streetrn24th Street between Fairmount Drive and Wallace StreetrnWallace Street between N 24th Street and N 23rd StreetrnN 23rd Street between Wallace Street and Mount Vernon StreetrnMount Vernon Street between N 23rd Street and N 22nd StreetrnN 22nd Street between Mount Vernon Street and Green StreetrnGreen Street between N 22nd Street and N 21st StreetrnN 21st Street between Green Street and Brandywine StreetrnBrandywine Street between N 21st Street and N 20th StreetrnN 20th Street between Brandywine Street and Hamilton StreetrnHamilton Street between N 20th Street and N 19th StreetrnThrough the north side of the park between N 19th Street and N 18th StreetrnThe Community College of Philadelphia will serve as the perimeter between N 18th Street and N 17th StreetrnN 17th Street south of Spring Garden Street to Callowhill StreetrnCallowhill Street between N 17th Street and N 16th StreetrnN 16th Street from Callowhill Street, over I-676 (Vine Street Expressway) to the East Bound Lanes of Vine StreetrnAlong the sidewalk that parallels East Bound Vine Street and runs perpendicular to the Hahnemann Hospital – Drexel University College of MedicinernVine Street between N 15th and N Broad StreetrnN Broad Street between N 15th Street and Race StreetrnRace Street between N Broad Street and N 12th Streetrn* N 12th Street continuing S to S 12th Street between Race Street and Sansom Street* (This will change beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25)rnSansom Street between S 12th Street and S 17th StreetrnS 17th Street between Sansom Street and Chestnut StreetrnChestnut Street between S 17th Street and S 18th StreetrnS 18th Street continuing N to N 18th Street between Chestnut Street and Cuthbert StreetrnCuthbert Street between N 18th Street and N 21st StreetrnN 21st Street between Cuthbert Street and Cherry StreetrnCherry Street between N 21st Street, past N 23rd Street to the RiverrnBeginning at 10:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, the following secure vehicle perimeter will go into effect:rnrn* N 12th Street between Race Street and Filbert Street* (The secure vehicle perimeter map that was released on August 13 showed the secure border from N 12th Street between Race Street and Arch Street. As an update, the secure border now runs from N 12th Street between Race Street and Filbert Street) rnFilbert Street between N 12th Street and N 9th StreetrnN 9th between Filbert Street and Cherry StreetrnCherry Street between N 9th Street and N 8th StreetrnN 8th Street from Cherry Street continuing N across the eastbound lanes of Vine Street, under I-676 (Vine Street Expressway) and across the westbound lanes of Vine StreetrnThe perimeter will run parallel to I-676 through a grassy area to N 6th streetrnN 6th Street just south of Callowhill Street to the structure supporting I-676 and over to the area of Randolph Street, Vine Street and across N 5th StreetrnNew Street/Marginal Road between N 5th Street and N 4th StreetrnN 4th Street between New Street/Marginal Road and Arch StreetrnArch Street between N 4th Street and N 3rd StreetrnN 3rd Street continuing S to S 3rd Street between Arch Street and Willings Alley near St. James PlacernThrough Willings Alley to S 4th Streetrn S 4th Street between Willings Alley and Locust StreetrnLocust Street between S 4th Street and S 6th StreetrnS 6th Street between Locust Street and S. Washington SquarernS. Washington Square between S 6th Street and S 7th StreetrnS 7th Street between S. Washington Square and Manning StreetrnManning Street between S 7th Street and S 8th StreetrnS 8th Street to Spruce StreetrnSpruce Street between S 8th Street and S 9th StreetrnS 9th street from between Spruce Street and Cherry StreetrnCherry Street between S 9th Street and S 12th StreetrnState of Pennsylvania restrictions:rnrnAll vehicular road restrictions will be coordinated between the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions.rnrnThe below road closures will begin on Friday, September 25 at 10 p.m., until Monday morning, September 28:rnrnI-76 eastbound fromI-476 to I-95 and I-76 westbound from I-95 to U.S. Route 1 (Roosevelt Extension)rnI-676 in both directions fromI-76 to I-95rnI-95 northbound and southbound exit ramps to Callowhill StreetrnI-95 northbound and southbound exit ramps to I-676rnI-95 northbound and southbound exit ramps to Washington Avenue(Open to registered buses only)rnI-95 northbound and southbound exit ramps to Broad Street (Open to registered buses only)rnThe following exit ramp closures will begin Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 p.m., until Monday morning, September 28:rnrnI-676 East exit at 23rdStreet/Ben Franklin ParkwayrnI-676 East exit at BroadStreet (PA 611)rnI-676 East exit at 8th StreetrnI-676 West exit at BroadStreet (PA 611)rnI-676 West exit at Ben Franklin ParkwayrnThe below road closure will begin Saturday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m., until late Sunday afternoon, September 27:rnrnU.S. Route 1 in both directions from U.S. 30 to Belmont AvenuernSecurity Checkpoint Locations:rnrnBelow are the Ben Franklin Parkway event security entry points for ticket holders on Saturday, September 26 (Festival of Families) and Sunday, September 27 (Papal Mass), beginning at 6:00 a.m. each day.rnrnPennsylvania Avenue at the intersection of N 23rd Street and Spring Garden StreetrnN 22nd Street at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Hamilton StreetrnHamilton Street between N 21st and N 22nd Streetsrn21st Street between Hamilton Street and Pennsylvania AvenuernN 20th Street at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Callowhill StreetrnN 20th Street at Race StreetrnN 21st Street at Winter StreetrnBelow are the Ben Franklin Parkway event security entry points for non-ticket holders on Saturday, September 26, 2015 (Festival of Families), beginning at 6:00 a.m.rnrnN 15th Street at Cherry StreetrnN Broad Street at Cherry StreetrnS Broad Street at Chestnut StreetrnS 15th Street at Chestnut StreetrnS17th Street at Market StreetrnS 17th Street at John F. Kennedy BoulevardrnBelow are the Ben Franklin Parkway event security entry points for non-ticket holders on Sunday, September 27, 2015 (Papal Mass), beginning at 6:00 a.m.rnrnN 19th Street at Wood StreetrnN 18th Street at Cherry StreetrnN 19th Street at Cherry StreetrnBelow are the Independence Mall event security entry points for ticket holders on Saturday, September 26 ONLY (Meeting for Religious Freedom), beginning at 6:00 a.m.rnrnN 6th Street at Race StreetrnN 5th Street at Race StreetrnN 5th Street at Arch StreetrnN 4th Street at Market StreetrnS 4th Street at Chestnut StreetrnTow Schedule/Placard Exemptions/Garage Parking:rnrnTo accommodate the construction of the secure perimeters and event infrastructure, towing in the Center City area will begin Saturday, September 20 and will be completed by Wednesday, September 23.rnrnAll no-parking areas will receive notice (signs posted by September 16th).rnrnTo assist residents in these no-parking areas, the City and Philadelphia Parking Authority are offering the following parking options:rnrn– Residential Parking Permit zones (other than the one to which they are assigned) anywhere in the city from Sunday, September 20th until 8:00 am on Tuesday, September 29th.rnrn– Naval Hospital Lot, 1600 Pattison Ave. – 1,500 parking spots available beginning September 21st (free);rnrn– Gateway Parking Garage, 16th and Vine Streets ($20 flat rate parking Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28; free with a residential parking permit);rnrn– Family Courthouse Garage, 15th and Arch Streets ($20 flat rate parking Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28; free with a residential parking permit);rnrn– Old City AutoPark, 2nd and Sansom Streets ($20 flat rate parking Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28; free with a residential parking permit);rnrn– Jefferson AutoPark, 10th and Ludlow Streets ($20 flat rate parking Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28; free with a residential parking permit);rnrn– The Gallery Mall AutoPark, 9th and Filbert Streets ($20 flat rate parking Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28; free with a residential parking permit); andrnrn– Chestnut Street Surface Lot, 8th and Chestnut Streets ($20 flat rate parking Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28; free with a residential parking permit).rnrnResidents can purchase parking spots at all aforementioned locations, except the Naval Hospital Lot, in advance. Once purchased, residents will be issued a placard which will exempt their vehicles from towing until Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 p.m. Placards must be displayed in the front windshield of the car. In order to purchase a garage space, proof of residency is required.rnrnResidents can park their cars in their purchased garage spaces beginning Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m.rnrnFor more information on purchasing garage parking and getting a towing exemption placard, log on to www.philapark.org or call 215-683-9600 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).rnrnIf your vehicle has been towed, please call 1-888-591-3636 and press 2 after hearing the language options.rnrnAdditionally, Luxe, a private valet service that will pick up your car and move it out of the no parking zones for you, is available for $20/per day. Residents can email Philly@luxe.com for more information or can register for pick up on www.luxe.com/Philadelphia.rnrnPublic TransportationrnrnPapal event attendees are encouraged to use public transportation as many streets in and around Center City Philadelphia will be closed to private vehicles.rnrnSEPTA rnrnOn Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, SEPTA will double capacity by modifying Regional Rail operations in an effort to accommodate travel demand. Center City drop-off and boarding locations are listed below and riders will have to board at the same Center City Station they were dropped off for return service to their outlying station. Service will operate express-type inbound service every half-hour from the outlying stations to Center City from 5:30 a.m. to noon both days. Below are the Regional Rail lines and outlying stations that will be in operation, listed by their Center City drop-off/boarding station. All Center City drop-off/boarding stations are located within the Francis Festival Grounds:rnrnJefferson Station rnrnNorristown/Manayunk Line – Norristown Transportation CenterrnLansdale/Doylestown Line – Pennbrook and Fort Washington StationsrnWarminster Line – Warminster StationrnWest Trenton Line – Woodbourne StationrnFox Chase Line – Fox Chase Stationrn*Airport Line – Terminal A/B, Terminal C/Drn30th Street Station rnrnPaoli/Thorndale Line – Paoli and Radnor StationsrnChesnut Hill West Line – Chestnut Hill West StationrnTrenton Line – Levittown and Croydon/Cornwells Heights StationsrnWilmington/Newark Line – Wilmington and Marcus Hook StationsrnUniversity City Station rnrnMedia/Elwyn Line – Media and Primos Stationsrn*Airport Line – Eastwick Stationrn*Airport Line – Terminal A/B, Terminal C/DrnSEPTA is urging customers planning to use rail service for Papal Visit travel to arrange to be dropped off at or near one of the open outlying stations. Parking will be limited at SEPTA stations and surrounding locations, and spots are expected to fill up quickly both days. However, SEPTA is working with local officials, businesses and other organizations to offer additional parking at or near these stations. The Papal Visit section of www.septa.org/papalvisitphilly features an interactive matrix with customized maps showing available parking and suburban road closures surrounding the 18 outlying Regional Rail Stations opened during the Papal Visit weekend.rnrn*The Airport Line is the only Regional Rail line that will operate inbound and outbound both days and these trains will operate every 30 minutes. As noted above, Airport Line trains will stop in Center City at Jefferson and University City Stations. Local residents and other visitors traveling to Center City to see the Pope can pay to park in an airport lot and those with pre-purchased One Day Papal Passes will get priority boarding between 5:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m., pre-purchased tickets and weekly and month passes that are normally valid for the Airport Line will be accepted. Airport employees commuting to work, as well as those with a flight reservation, will be able to board at the Jefferson and University City Stations as noted above. These airport bound trains will not stop at the Eastwick, 30th Street or Suburban stations.rnrnSubway Service rnrnSEPTA has doubled the number of stations scheduled to be open for the Papal Visit along the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines – among them, 8th Street and 34th Street on the Market-Frankford Line, which provide close access to the Francis Festival Grounds. The service plan has been adjusted in response to requests from riders and businesses regarding transit service for weekend commuting needs, and to provide additional travel options for those going to see the Pope.rnrnTrains on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines will operate in both directions the weekend of September 26 to September 27 from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. each day. There will be no overnight weekend service on these lines during the Papal Visit.rnrnThe updated service map of open stations is included with this press release. Here is a summary of the updated service plan:rnrnMarket-Frankford Line Eastbound Express Service: Will run from 69th Street Transportation Center directly to 30th Street Station. These same trains will then continue with Local service, stopping at 8th Street Station, 2nd Street Station; Girard Station; Huntingdon Station; Allegheny Station; Erie-Torresdale Station; Arrott Transportation Center; and Frankford Transportation Center.rnMarket-Frankford Line Eastbound Local Service: Trains will originate at 60th Street Station, with stops at 52nd Street Station; 34th Street Station; 30th Street; 8th Street; 2nd Street; Girard; Huntingdon; Allegheny; Erie-Torresdale; Arrott Transportation Center; and Frankford Transportation Center.rnMarket-Frankford Line Westbound Express Service: Trips will operate from Frankford Transportation Center directly to 2nd Street, then continue with Local service to 8th Street; 30th Street; 34th Street; 52nd Street; 60th Street; and 69th Street Transportation Center.rnMarket-Frankford Line Westbound Local Service: Trips will originate at Arrott Transportation Center, with stops at Erie-Torresdale; Allegheny; Huntingdon; Girard; 2nd Street; 8th Street; 30th Street; 34th Street; 52nd Street; 60th Street; and 69th Street Transportation Center.rnBroad Street Line Northbound Express Service: Trains will run from AT&T Station directly to Walnut-Locust Station. These trains will continue with Local service to Spring Garden Station; Cecil B. Moore Station; North Philadelphia Station; Erie Station; Olney Transportation Center; and Fern Rock Transportation Center.rnBroad Street Line Northbound Local Service: Trains will operate from Snyder Station to Walnut-Locust; Spring Garden; Cecil B. Moore; North Philadelphia; Erie; Olney Transportation Center; and Fern Rock Transportation Center.rnBroad Street Line Southbound Express Service: Trains will run from Fern Rock Transportation Center directly to Spring Garden; these trains will continue with Local service to Walnut-Locust; Snyder; and AT&T Station.rnBroad Street Line Southbound Local Service: Trains will originate at Olney Transportation Center, with stops at Erie; North Philadelphia; Cecil B. Moore; Spring Garden; Walnut-Locust; Snyder; and AT&T Station.rnCustomers using the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines can ride using their existing fare instruments, such as weekly and monthly passes and tokens. In addition, SEPTA now has a special $10 Three-Day Papal Transit Pass – or $5 for those who qualify for reduced fare – on sale now that will be valid for travel on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines, as well as buses and trolleys, between Saturday, September 26 and Monday, September 28. These passes are on sale at SEPTA sales locations; for a list of sales offices, visit the Papal Visit section of SEPTA’s website athttp://www.septa.org/papalvisitphilly. Weekly, monthly and Three-Day Papal Transit Passes, as well as tokens and cash, can be used for travel on buses and trolleys.rnrnFor ease of travel, riders are urged to purchase passes or tokens ahead of the Papal Visit.rnrnBus Service rnrnMany SEPTA bus routes will be adjusted during the weekend of the Papal Visit to complement increased capacity on the rail network and to maximize operations while traffic restrictions are in place. Service will run on weekday schedules providing more frequent service than normal Saturday and Sunday operations. By utilizing weekday service, a number of major City Transit routes will allow attendees to get close to the events. Additionally, this weekday service will facilitate getting attendees to connecting services such as the Market-Frankford Line subway/elevated and the Broad Street Line subway.rnrnCity Transit Buses operating with this weekday-level service will include routes 3, 5, 6, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 31, 33, 42, 47, 50, 52, 55, 58, 66, 70 and R. City Trolley Routes 11, 13, 34 and 36 will make all regular stops from the start of each line in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties to the 40th Street Portal. From 40th Street, the next and last stop will be 30th Street. Similarly, a number of key Suburban Transit Bus routes, including those that provide access to Regional Rail service and destinations such as the Philadelphia International Airport, will also remain on weekday schedules through the weekend. This includes Routes 99, 103, 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 123, 124, 125, 201 and 206.rnrnIn addition, dozens of other routes in the city and the suburbs will maintain regular weekend service levels. Some of these routes will be subject to detours due to road closures. Traffic restrictions will also result in the suspension of 28 city and suburban bus routes. The Route 10 trolley will also be suspended.rnrnFor more information about SEPTA’s service plan, please visit http://www.septa.org/papalvisitphilly.rnrnNJ TRANSIT rnrnNJ TRANSIT’s Atlantic City Rail Line will operate reservation-only hourly trips from the Atlantic City Rail Terminal which will express to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. The trains will NOT stop at Absecon, Egg Harbor City, Hammonton, Atco, Lindenwold, Cherry Hill, and Pennsauken. The last train to leave Atlantic City bound for Philadelphia will be at 3:00 p.m. Travel time will be about one hour and 25 minutes. A total of 690 seats will be available on each train, with a total of 4,140 available seats for the eight-hour service to 30th Street Station. Following the Papal events, trains will leave 30th Street Station expressing to Atlantic City at 10:00 p.m. and operate on the half-hour. Please note, no bicycles will be allowed on the Atlantic City Rail Line during the weekend of the Papal Visit.rnrnSpecial round trip tickets will be needed to travel on the Atlantic City Rail Line on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. No other tickets, including monthly passes, Family Super Saver or cash, will be accepted on the Atlantic City Rail Line. The limited tickets are on sale now at njtransit.com/papal. The last day to purchase tickets will be Friday, September 25.rnrnTo accommodate customers traveling to stations not being served by rail, an enhanced Bus Route No. 554 service will supplement the Atlantic City Rail Line and stop at stations between Atlantic City and Lindenwold. This bus will continue express service to Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden. The No. 554 bus route does not serve Cherry Hill or Pennsauken.rnrnBus Route No. 419 service will accommodate customers departing from Pennsauken Transit Center for travel to Camden, and Bus Route No. 450 will serve customers who want to travel from Cherry Hill station to Camden. Additionally, Bus Route No. 406 service will accommodate customers traveling from Route 70 in Cherry Hill to Camden.rnrnNJ TRANSIT’s River Line will offer limited service and operate on a 15-minute schedule starting at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 from Trenton, making stops at Bordentown, Florence, Burlington South, Route 73, Pennsauken Transit Center and the Walter Rand Transportation Center. Trains will NOT stop at Hamilton Avenue, Cass Street, Robeling, Burlington Towne Center, Beverly/Edgewater Park, Delanco, Riverside, Cinnaminson, Riverton, Palmyra, and 36th Street. Once events in Philadelphia have begun, the River Line will shift to a 30-minute schedule.rnrnTrains will not operate beyond the Walter Rand Transportation Center in downtown Camden due to expected crowded road conditions. Following the Papal events, River Line trains will leave the Walter Rand Transportation Center on a load-and-go basis. In an attempt to increase overall seating capacity, no bicycles will be allowed on River Line trains that weekend.rnrnSpecial round trip tickets will be needed to ride the River Line. No other tickets, including monthly passes or cash, will be accepted on the River Line. The limited tickets are on sale now at njtransit.com/papal, or at all River Line stations. The last day to purchase tickets will be Friday, September 25.rnrnTo accommodate customers wanting to go to stations on the River Line not being served by train service on Saturday and Sunday, bus service that parallels the River Line will operate additional service and stop at those stations.rnrnBus Service rnrnOnce the Ben Franklin Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, all bus routes that normally travel to Center City Philadelphia will terminate at the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden but will remain on schedule for trips outbound from the Camden arearnrnLimited additional bus service will operate on Route 419 which runs along the River Line between Burlington Town Center and CamdenrnLimited additional service will be provided on Route 554rnNo special ticketing is needed for regular bus route servicernAccess Link rnrnAccess Link, NJ TRANSIT’s ADA-paratransit service to and from Philadelphia, will be suspended on Friday, September 25 following the closure of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Regular reservation service will resume on Tuesday, September 29. On Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, all service in and out of Camden County will be suspended.rnrnFor complete train schedule and ticketing information for both the Atlantic City Rail Line and the River Line, please visit www.njtransit.com/papal.rnrnPATCO/DRPArnrnAs mentioned above, in an effort to facilitate pedestrian travel into Center City Philadelphia, the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning on Friday, September 25 at 10:00 p.m. The Ben Franklin Bridge will re-open for vehicular traffic on Monday, September 28 at or around 12:00 noon. During this period, PATCO will operate express trains providing non-stop, one-way service westbound into Center City Philadelphia on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. This express service will operate every 16 minutes to the 9/10th and Locust Street Stations in Center City from the Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry Avenue and Broadway stations in New Jersey. There will be no PATCO service or operations at any station other than those above. For the return trip eastbound to New Jersey, trains will depart the 9/10th and Locust Street Stations in Center City and stop only at the stations listed above. This express return service will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 and will operate until for several hours. Riders should expect long lines departing Philadelphia to return to New Jersey.rnrnFor more information regarding DRPA/PATCO, please visit www.drpa.org/papalvist.rnrnAMTRAK rnrnWith some minor exceptions, operations in and around New York and Washington will be normal, although passengers should expect large crowds during the Pope’s scheduled events. Amtrak service will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, September 21, 2015 through Friday, September 25, 2015 with extra coaches added to some trains to accommodate additional demand.rnrnStarting Friday, September 25 through Monday, September 28 reservations will be required on all Acela Express, Northeast Regional and Keystone Service trains. Amtrak will operate Philadelphia-centric “Event Extra†service on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 in some cases utilizing equipment from Amtrak commuter partners.rnrnTo better ensure efficient train movements for all users of the NEC, Amtrak will suspend maintenance activities, pre-position rescue equipment to quickly respond to any disabled train and continuously share real-time dispatching information with our regional transit agency partners.rnrn30th Street Station rnrnTo ensure public safety and aid in crowd control, some special procedures will be implemented at the Philadelphia 30th Street Station during the weekend of the Papal Visit. In addition to Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT trains, SEPTA service to/from Levittown, Marcus Hook, Wilmington, Croydon and Cornwells Heights, will operate from the lower-level/main concourse. Specific boarding procedures and recommended points of entry will be announced at a later date. Additional station personnel and ambassadors will be on hand to assist, but passengers should expect long lines and crowded conditions.rnrnTaxi service and rental cars will not be available to/from 30th Street Station. Station restrooms will be closed to the public but facilities will be available outside. Food court eateries will be open and accessible from the Market Street entrance.rnrnTickets for all Amtrak trains are available now at Amtrak.com. Passengers are advised to book as early as possible to ensure availability. Additional announcements with more detailed information will be made in the weeks to come and posted to www.amtrak.com/papalvisit, which will be updated regularly.rnrnTaxis/Rideshare ServicesrnrnTaxis and legal Uber vehicles will be able to access the Francis Festival Grounds until Saturday, September 26, at 2:00 a.m. Service in the Francis Festival Grounds will resume on Monday, September 28, at 3:00 a.m.rnrnWAV (wheelchair accessible vehicles), SEPTA CCT and UberWAV (PUC-licensed paratransit partners) will have no restrictions entering the Francis Festival grounds.rnrnBicycles/IndegornrnBicycle use is permitted anywhere in Center City, except within the Secure Perimeter (bicycles cannot go through the mag lines), during the Papal Visit.rnrnAdditionally, Indego, the City’s bike share program, will offer special service during the Papal Visit from Friday, Sept. 25th – Sunday, Sept. 27th.rnrnIndego will provide staffed, corral service at several stations to guarantee bike and dock availability, and to answer customer questions. The following locations will provide this service:rnrnRittenhouse Square station (Walnut & 19thstreets);rnFoglietta Plaza station (Front & Dock streets);rn30thStreet station (30th & Market streets); andrnBroad & Spring Garden station.rnMost other Center City stations will be closed to accommodate this service. A complete list of open and closed stations is available onwww.rideindego,com/stations, or for real-time station and bike availability during the Papal Visit, download the ‘BCycle Now’ app.rnrnBusiness AccommodationsrnrnDeliveries and Commercial TrashrnrnThe window for deliveries and commercial trash collection that need to enter the Traffic Box (Francis Festival grounds) will be 12:00am – 4:00am on Saturday and Sunday, and will be limited to vehicles 28ft or smaller.rnrnDelivery and trash collection trucks that will service businesses located within the Secure Perimeter and Secure Vehicle Perimeter must be screened by the USSS. Additional information about screenings and entry points will be provided directly to businesses and commercial trash haulers over the next week. Businesses with questions should contact the Business Service Resource Center by calling 215-683-2100.rnrnBusinesses can also walk deliveries into the Secure Perimeter and Secure Vehicle Perimeter, therefore negating the need for vehicle screenings.rnrnBusiness Services CenterrnrnBusinesses with questions should contact the City’s Business Resource Center by calling 215-683-2100 or by e-mail at business@phila.gov. In the lead up to the Papal Visit, the Business Resource Center will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center will operate from 9 a.m. Friday, September 25, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 27.rnrnVenue Details and Public Safety InformationrnrnThe vicinity of the festival on the Parkway and Independence Hall will be firmly secured and protected for maximum public safety.rnrnThroughout the Papal Visit weekend, the City will provide a strong presence of law enforcement and emergency medical services. The City, the United States Secret Service and WMOF officials will utilize a network of prevention and response services, which will be integrated, mobile and in constant communication.rnrnEMS personnel will respond within each zone by foot, bike, Segway, Gator, or ambulance, and provide services at each first aid tent and medical station.rnrnFirst aid tent capabilities include triaging, treatment of minor injuries (such as insect bites, rehydration, sunburns, and heat exposure), CPR with AED, and diagnostics for diabetic concerns. Each tent can accommodate up to 20 patients.rnrnFirst aid tents will be placed in the following locations:rnrnName LocationrnFA2: Ben Franklin HS Lot 2 1314-1332 Green StreetrnFA6: Public Health Building Lot 500 S Broad StreetrnFA5: Market Lot Market Street (Between 8th and 9th)rnFA1: Moore College of Art and Design Race Street (20th street to Logan Circle)rnFA4: Rittenhouse Square Rittenhouse Square ParkrnFA3: PECO Surface Lot Market St. and 22nd StreetrnMedical station capabilities include advanced life support, minor trauma treatment (wound repair, splinting, suturing), triaging, cardiac resuscitation, obstetrical assessments and emergency childbirth management, and pediatric services. Each medical station can accommodate up to 50 patients.rnrnMedical stations will be placed in the following locations:rnrnName LocationrnMS4: Francisville Playground Wylie Street (N 19th to Cameron)rnMS2: City Hall Courtyard Market and Broad StreetrnMS1: Roman Field N 24th Street and Benjamin Franklin ParkwayrnMS3: American College of Physicians Race Street (Between 6th and 7th)rnWater Stations will be positioned along walking routes at the following places:rnrnSouth Broad Street and Locust StreetrnRittenhouse HousernSpring Garden Street between 17thand 18th StreetsrnFranklin SquarernProhibited ItemsrnrnThe following list pertains to events held during Papal Visit Weekend. The following items will not be permitted past the security entry points. Please note: the Secret Service also may prohibit any item determined to be a potential safety hazard.rnrnAerosolsrn• Ammunitionrn• Animals, except for service animalsrn• Backpacks and bags exceeding 18″ x 13″ x 7″ (Clear bags are recommended to speed the MAG line process.) rn• Balloonsrn• Bicyclesrn• Dronesrn• Explosives, firearms, or weaponsrn• Glass, thermal, or metal containersrn• Hard-sided coolers (soft-sided thermal coolers are allowed)rn• Laser pointersrn• Mace or pepper sprayrn• Packagesrn• Selfie sticksrn• Signs exceeding 5′ x 3′ x 1/4″ made of any material except cardboard, poster board, or clothrn• Structuresrn• Supports for signs and placardsrn• Toy gunsrnMissing Persons/ItemsrnrnAmerican Red Cross and PPD personnel will staff lost children posts at all first aid tents and medical stations. Additional posts will be located at 30th Street Station and in the vicinity of the Sports Complex. Reunifications will be coordinated through a Multi-Agency Reunification Center staffed by the ARC. Each reunification site will utilize the web-based Safe and Well program (https://safeandwell.org/) to coordinate reunifications.rnrnClosuresrnrnCourtsrnrnCity Courts will close Wednesday, September 23 and will reopen Tuesday, September 29.rnrnSchoolsrnrnThe Philadelphia School District Administrative Offices and Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 24, and Friday, September 25. (Please note: The School District of Philadelphia will also be closed Wednesday, September 23 for Yom Kippur.) School closings for Monday, September 26, will be decided early that morning, in accordance with inclement weather procedures.rnrnArchdiocesan Schools will be closed Wednesday, September 23, through Friday, September 25. Philadelphia Archdiocesan Schools (city and region) will also be closed Monday, September 28. Parents should confirm closure dates with their child’s school.rnrnColleges and UniversitiesrnrnThe closing or schedule changes for local colleges and universities were made by university leadership. Local college students should check with their schools about possible cancellations or schedule changes for Friday, September 25, and Monday, September 28. Any information about cancellations or delays will be posted on each school’s website.rnrnCity of Philadelphia GovernmentrnrnCity government will operate on an “essential services only†status beginning Thursday, September 24 through Monday, September 28. City employees should contact their immediate supervisors to determine if they are essential services personnel.rnrnCity libraries, recreation centers, parks and health centers outside of the ‘Francis Festival Grounds’ (formerly known as the Traffic Box) will operate normally with a few exceptions:rnrnHealth Department:rnrnHealth Center 1 (500 S. Broad Street), STD testing and treatment, will be closed Friday for patient care.rnHealth Center 2 (1930 S. Broad Street) will not be offering clinic hours on Saturday.rnOffice of Supportive Housing:rnrnEmergency housing intake for families and single women will operate from 2532 N Broad Street on Friday and Monday.rnDepartment of Human Services:rnrnHotline and walk-in services staff will be relocated to 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue from Monday, September 21 through Monday, September 28.rnBen Franklin Parkway InstitutionsrnrnThe institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway cultural corridor and the vicinity will operate the following dates and times during the World Meeting of Families and the Papal Visit:rnrnAcademy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University:rnrnOpen Mon. 9/21, 10 am – 4:30 pmrnOpen Tues. & Wed., 9/22 and 9/23 extended hours until 9 pm.rnOpen Thurs. 9/24, 10 am – 4:30 pmrnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Mon., 9/28rnBarnes Foundation:rnrnOpen Mon. 9/21 – Fri. 9/25 extended hours, 10 am – 8 pmrnClosed Sat. 9/26 and Sun. 9/27rnOpen Mon. 9/28 and Tues. 9/29, 10 am – 5pmrnCathedral Basilica Saints Peter & Paul:rnrnOpen (main Cathedral) Mon. 9/21 thru Thurs. 9/24, 9 am – 9 pmrnOpen (Chapel) Mon. 9/21, 6:30 pm continuously thru Thurs. 9/24, 8:30 pm for Adoration of the Most Blessed SacramentrnMon. 9/21 thru Thurs. 9/24 Mass 7:15 am, 12:05 pm, 5:30 pmrnClosed Fri., 9/25 following 7:15 am MassrnClosed Sat. 9/26 am for private Papal MassrnSat. 9/26 4:15 Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation in Confessionals and 5:15 pm Mass, then closedrnSun. 9/27 Mass 8 am, 9:30 am and 11am, then closedrnEastern State Penitentiary:rnrnOpen Sun. 9/20 – Thurs. 9/24 extended hours, 10 am – 8 pmrnOpen Fri. 9/25 10 am – 3 pmrnClosed Sat. 9/26 thru Mon. 9/28rnFairmount Water Works:rnrnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Mon., 9/28rnFranklin Institute:rnrnOpen Mon. 9/21 – Thurs. 9/24, Museum 9:30 am – 5 pm; Special Exhibits, until 9 pmrnOpen Fri., 9/25, 9:30 am – 5 pmrnClosed Sat. 9/26 and Sun. 9/27rnFree Library/Parkway Central:rnrnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Mon. 9/28rnFriends Select School:rnrnClosed Thurs. 9/24 thru Mon. 9/28rnMoore College of Art & Design:rnrnClosing offices Thurs. 9/24 at 1 pm (students on Fall Break Thurs. & Fri.)rnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Mon. 9/28rnMutter Museum:rnrnOpen Mon. 9/21 thru Thurs., 9/24 extended hours 10 am – 8 pmrnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Sun. 9/27rnUndecided re Mon. 9/28rnPennsylvania Horticultural Society:rnrnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Mon. 9/28rnPhiladelphia Museum of Art:rnrnClosed Mon., 9/21rnOpen Tues. 9/22, 10 am – 5 pmrnOpen Wed., 9/23, 10 am – 8:45 pmrnOpen Thurs. 9/24, 10 am – 5 pmrnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Mon. 9/28rnRodin Museum:rnrnOpen Mon. 9/21, 10 am – 5 pmrnClosed Tues., 9/22rnOpen Wed. 9/23 and Thurs. 9/24, 10 am – 5 pmrnClosed Fri. 9/25 thru Sun. 9/27rnEmergency Weather Alerts & Heat-related Precautions InformationrnrnEvents during the Papal Visit are rain or shine events. In the case of severe weather, listen for announcements and sign up ahead of time to receive emergency texts or e-mail alerts at ReadyPhiladelphia: www.phila.gov/ready. Plan for a safe, informed, joyous event.rnrnIn the event of high temperatures, be aware of the risk of heat-related health issues. EMS personnel will be on duty all day at an accessible First Aid Station and will be on patrol to monitor activities. Many heat stress or heat exhaustion issues can be avoided by taking simple precautions.rnrnStay hydrated by drinking lots of water; avoid over-indulging in alcoholic liquids, caffeine and avoid wearing excessive layers of clothing.rnConsider the Three L’s Rule: light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Wear garments made of natural fibers like cotton.rnFor more information on being prepared for excessive heat visit: https://alpha.phila.gov/natural-hazards/excessive-heat/.rnFor tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend. Visit:https://alpha.phila.gov/news/oem/office-of-emergency-management-creates-special-events-safety-guide-for-visitors-attending-large-gatherings/.rnrnResourcesrnrnFor up-to-date World Meeting of Families and Papal visit information, please use the following resources:rnrnCity of Philadelphiarnrnwww.phila.govrnrn215-686-8686rnrn@PhiladelphiaGovrnrnWorld Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015rnrnwww.worldmeeting2015.orgrnrn1-855-WMF-2015 (1-855-963-2015)rnrn@WMF2015rnrnPhiladelphia Police Departmentrnrnwww.phillypolice.comrnrnNon-emergency calls: 311rnrnEmergency calls: 911rnrn@PhillyPolicernrnPhiladelphia Fire Departmentrnrnwww.phila.gov/firernrn215-685-4200rnrnEmergency calls: 911rnrn@PhillyFireDeptrnrnPhiladelphia Office of Emergency Managementrnrnwww.phila.gov/readyrnrnNon-emergency calls: 311rnrn@PhilaOEMrnrnSEPTArnrnwww.septa.orgrnrn215-580-7853rnrn@SEPTA or @SEPTA_SOCIALrnrnAmtrakrnrnwww.amtrak.comrnrn1-800-872-7245rnrn@AmtrakrnrnGO GROUND (Official Transportation Management Partner of WMOF – Philadelphia 2015)rnrnwww.wmof.goground.comrnrn@GOGROUNDrnrnNJ Transitrnrnwww.njtransit.comrnrn1-973-275-5555rnrn@NJTRANSITrnrnPATCOrnrnwww.ridepatco.orgrnrn856-772-6900; 215-922-4600rnrn@RidePATCOrnrnPennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot)rnrnwww.dot.state.pa.usrnrn1-717-787-2838rnrn@PennDOTNewsrnrnPhiladelphia International Airportrnrnwww.phl.orgrnrn215-937-6937rnrn@PHLAirport
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