Category: Press Releases

Philadelphia, June 30, 2015 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter issued the following statement regarding the announcement of Pope Francis’ itinerary for his visit to Philadelphia:rnrn“From visiting with inmates and their families at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility to appearances at some of Philadelphia’s most important, recognizable landmarks like Independence Hall and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis will touch the hearts and souls of millions when he visits the City of Philadelphia this September. With the Holy Father’s itinerary now formalized, we will use this schedule to inform our planning, working closely with our partners at all levels of government, the World Meeting of Families and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The City of Philadelphia has a long history of hosting big events; we will be ready to welcome Pope Francis when he arrives.”

Possible Record Day for Bus Travel; Giving Religious Groups New Way to Organizern

Rally Bus, a crowd-powered technology platform that brings people together to enjoy trips to popular destinations and events on high-end buses, today announced that it will be providing extensive transportation services for Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia this September for the World Meeting of Families (http://rallybus.net/world-meeting-2015-papal-visit/), which marks his inaugural trip as Pontiff to the U.S. The Papal visit to the city on September 26-27 culminates in the Pope’s celebration of Sunday mass for an estimated two million visitors on Ben Franklin Parkway, one of the largest public gatherings that Philadelphia has ever had.

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“Given the sheer numbers of predicted visitors to Philadelphia and dire warnings of traffic gridlock and congestion from Mayor Nutter and other officials, we are potentially looking at one of the greatest opportunities ever for buses both as a preferred travel option and in terms of overall demand,” says Numaan Akram, founder and CEO of Rally Bus. “In the coming weeks, we will be working closely with local dioceses around the country to get the word out about Rally Bus as an easy, hassle free way to get to and from this historic event.”

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Akram notes that Rally Bus is also offering transportation services for the diocese of Bridgeport, CT to a post-Synod pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on October 24th (http://rallybus.net/postsynodpilgrimage/).

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“Planning our pilgrimage with Rally Bus was easy and stress-free,” says Gina Donnarummo, director of adult formation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. “All I had to do was give them locations and dates and Rally Bus handled the rest.”

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Those wishing to book travel should go online to RallyBus.net or download the Rally Bus app for iOS, Android and Windows. Once a reservation is made, the passenger can share trips and invite friends through all social media platforms to help ensure that a sufficient number of reservations are reached, which confirms a bus to be ordered according to Rally Bus’ tipping-point model.

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“What’s interesting is that Rally Bus is providing a whole new way for religious groups to organize and mobilize, using technology as the centerpiece,” adds Akram. “Booking travel through our apps enables a user to self-organize, control their travel options and monitor trip progress, in the company of friends, having fun and bypassing the usual travel headaches.”

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The Papal visit will include stops in New York and Washington, D.C., both of which Rally Bus will support with transportation services.

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Akram notes that each bus-load of Rally Bus passengers takes roughly 30 cars off the road, which alleviates traffic concerns, provides environmental benefits and makes the overall travel experience more fun and enjoyable. Rally Bus has relationships with hundreds of luxury bus operators around the country, which not only helps improve bus utilization rates but can also support local economies through these transportation partnerships.

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About Rally Bus

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Rally Bus (http://rallybus.net) is a crowd-powered, on-demand event travel company that is disrupting the charter bus industry and changing behavior by allowing riders to self-organize bus trips to and from events that enhance and extend the overall travel experience. Founded in 2010 as an alternative means to transport thousands of riders nationwide to the Rally to Restore Sanity event in Washington, D.C, the New York-based company has attracted more than 70,000 riders to a broad array of sports, entertainment and cultural events in more than 1,000 U.S. cities.

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For more information, visit: http://rallybus.net

Reduction in live race days will fund increased purses during a two month-long Fall Festival; Parx to invest $4.4 million in track improvements and beautificationrnrnBENSALEM, Pa., June 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Parx Racing® and the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) announce the creation of a new, annual $20 Million Parx Racing® Fall Festival that will commence on Saturday, August 29, 2015, and continue through October 20, 2015. By doubling purse levels throughout the two month festival, Parx and the PTHA have created a signature racing meet that will attract top horse racing talent in the industry, increase the field size of the races, enhance betting interest, and draw new fans to the legendary racetrack.rnrnOver the past four years, Parx Racing® and the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) have worked to build a Fall Festival around one of the track's signature racing days – the $1 Million Pennsylvania Derby (GII) and Cotillion Stakes (GI) – which last year featured Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome, along with the eventual Breeders' Cup Classic champion Bayern. In addition, last year's Cotillion Stakes was led by Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Untapable. This exciting new initiative will build on that past success by doubling purses for each of the 32 live race days during the new Fall Festival. rnrn"Parx is thrilled to work with the PTHA on this revitalizing plan to enhance our overall live racing product for our owners and trainers as well as racing fans," said Joe Wilson, COO Parx Racing®. "This significant agreement is a reflection of the ongoing commitment of Parx Racing® and the PTHA to offer the highest caliber racing program for our devoted fans. We especially look forward to our new $20 Million Parx Racing® Fall Festival and the great anticipation that will be generated each year leading up to it."rnrnTo help fund the increased purse levels during the Fall Festival, Parx and the PTHA have agreed to reduce the annual number of live racing days to 153. This reduction in live race days will consist of two separate breaks in winter and summer that will include the Christmas holidays through mid-February and three weeks in August beginning in 2016. The track will remain open for training year-round, including the days closed for live racing.rnrnAlso as part of the new agreement, Parx Racing® will invest an additional $4.4 Million in racetrack infrastructure and property improvements to enhance the overall racing experience for everyone associated with the live racing events. Improvements will include installation of a new safety rail, beautification of the track's paddock and Winner's Circle, and a variety of enhancements to the backside including paving and planting of trees between barns.rnrn"The PTHA is excited by the changes to our live racing schedule and the creation of a signature racing meet during the fall at Parx that will attract some of the top national and regional horses and talent," said Salvatore M. DeBunda, President of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "Doubling purses will improve the competitiveness and caliber of our racing product, make the races more exciting, and increase fan and bettor interest." rnrnFor additional information, kindly contact Pete Peterson, Pa. Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, ppeterson@bellevuepr.com and/or Carrie Nork Minelli, Parx Racing®, cnorkminelli@parxcasino.com.rnrnABOUT PARXrnrnParx Casino®, largest and most impressive gaming complex in Pennsylvania, and Parx Racing®, legendary thoroughbred racetrack, are owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. Conveniently located 20 minutes north of center city Philadelphia, I-95 exit 37 or PA Turnpike exit 351 (westbound), exit 352 (eastbound) onto Street Road in Bensalem, Parx features 164,000 square feet of gaming; 3,300 slot machines; 110 live table games; 80 poker tables; live racing & simulcast action; Parx Grill, an upscale signature restaurant; Foodies food court; Chickie's & Pete's crab house and sports bar; Earl of Sandwich®; 360 bar and live music venue; Jax sports bar; Finish Line bar and complimentary parking for over 5,000 cars. For more information on Parx visit www.parxcasino.com and www.parxracing.com.rnrnAbout the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen AssociationrnrnThe Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen Association (PTHA) is a statewide organization representing owners and trainers at Parx Racetrack and Casino Racetrack in Bensalem, Pa. The PTHA works hard to protect and provide for the horsemen through the guarantee of live racing, increased purses, and health care for its families. Through the efforts of the PTHA and the track management, thoroughbred racing in the state of Pennsylvania has undergone many positive changes and Parx has been recognized throughout the industry as the starting point for stricter medication rules and for its model retirement program for Thoroughbred horses. For more information, visit http://patha.org/.rnrnContact: rnrnCarrie Nork MinellirnParx RacingrnPhone: 215-801-9389rnEmail: CNorkMinelli@parxcasino.comrnrnPete PetersonrnPa. Thoroughbred Horsemen's AssociationrnPhone: (215) 990-8928rnEmail: ppeterson@bellevuepr.comrnrnSOURCE Parx RacingrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.parxracing.com

June 18 2015rnrnNational LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration Adds Rainbow Colors To Red, White & Blue Festivitiesrn

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rnFourth of July ParadernrnAs the calendar zooms towards Independence Day, Philadelphia, where the nation was born 239 years ago, revs up for a full week of flag-waving, heart-swelling, hand-clapping, patriotic fun. The annual Wawa Welcome America! celebration lasts for an entire week, and come Friday, July 3, the revelry really picks up with 48 hours of fun. That means patriotic ceremonies, parades, concerts, fireworks and festivities that mark the 50th anniversary of a protest demonstration that laid the groundwork for LGBT civil rights. Here’s a look at what’s happening on July 3 and 4:rnrnJuly 3:rnrnVisitors are free to celebrate at the Liberty Block Party, the largest block party of the summer. Some of the most historic streets in the city will be packed with revelers nibbling treats from local restaurants and jamming to live entertainment. On 5th & 6th Streets between Market & Chestnut Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnThe BYOB (bring-our-own-blanket) POPS! On Independence concert has become a traditional holiday favorite and for good reason. The combination of The Philly Pops under the baton of Michael Krajewski, a lively score of family-friendly tunes and the dramatic backdrop of Independence Hall creates a perfect setting for a night of music under the stars. 6th & Chestnut Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnWith Dumblonde’s Aubrey O’Day and Shannon Bex handling hosting duties and a musical lineup headlined by GoGo Morrow, Ferras, America’s Got Talent’s Jonathan Allen and others, the LGBT Civil Rights Movement 50th Anniversary Concert features a night of dancing and entertainment. A who’s who of drag performers, including Adore Delano, Mimi Imfurst, Satine Harlow, Ariel Versace and others, add glitz and glam to this evening of fun. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (800) 745-3000, ticketmaster.comrnJuly 4:rnrnInspiring remarks, music and a reading from the Declaration of Independence kick off the Independence Day festivities at Independence Hall. This year’s Celebration of Freedom Ceremony commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first major LGBT protest in the United States, the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 50th anniversary of the Immigration & Nationality Act of 1965 and the 150th anniversary of the addition of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A naturalization ceremony for new American citizens is also on the agenda. 6th & Chestnut Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnPatriotic pageantry is on display when more than 6,000 participants from across the nation hit the streets for the Independence Day Parade. Marching bands, floats, military groups, Miss America and special performance teams will be waving the red, white and blue during this hometown-style parade. The parade steps off at 5th and Chestnut Streets and ends at Front and Chestnut Streets. welcomeamerica.comrnDescendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence lead a ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell during this program hosted by the Sons of the American Revolution. Liberty Bell Center, 6th & Market Streets, welcomeamerica.comrnA star-studded line-up awaits at the National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration. Comedian Wanda Sykes will emcee the tribute to gay pioneers in a program that features performances by the Washington, New York and Philadelphia gay choruses, Jonathan Allen and Gogo Morrow, Bishop Gene Robinson, Judy Shepard, James Obergefell, Edith Windsor and others. Between 5th & 6th Streets and Market & Chestnut Streets, lgbt50.orgrnThe day-long Party on the Parkway features blocks of games, food and live entertainment on two stages. Pogopalooza, the world championship of extreme pogo, and the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Road to Rio Tour will be among the activities that make this a festive frolic. 20th Street to Eakins Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.comrnAs the sun goes down, the lights go up for the Philly 4th of July Jam concert and fireworks grand finale. Hometown musical group The Roots serve as headliners and are joined by Miguel, Jennifer Nettles and others. Then all eyes turn to the skies for a dazzling fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.com rn rnVISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782

Fun Structures Encourage People To Snap & Share Philly Photos On Social MediarnrnJun 11 2015rn rnrn rnXOXO marks the spot this summer in Philadelphia thanks to six fun #visitphilly Photo Spots located at highly trafficked and iconic areas throughout the city. From June 11 through September 30, 2015, locals and the millions of visitors in […]

SOURCE: Visit PhiladelphiarnrnBillowing sails will waft in the breeze when the Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden pulls into port. Visitors can tour the ships, which will dock at Penn’s Landing and the Camden Waterfront. Headlining the dozen-ship fleet will be L’Hermione, a replica of the ship that brought General Lafayette to the aid of the fledgling […]

Posted on June 19, 2015 by City of PhiladelphiarnEverett A. Gillison, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Chief of Staff to Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources, and District Attorney Seth Williams kicked off the 2015 pool season at Mander Recreation Center (2140 North 3rd Street) in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. During the next two weeks, pools will open every day until all 70 are open; and all pools will open by July 1. Pools will operate from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday – Friday, and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekends.rnrnCity pools provide opportunities for exercise and relaxation in a healthy and safe environment. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the City agency that operates and staffs the pools, hires approximately 800 pool staffers each summer as lifeguards or pool maintenance aids also provides free swim lessons to children. Parents or guardians can visit or call their neighborhood recreation center to find out how to apply.rnrn rnrnTo find a pool in your neighborhood visit: http://www.phila.gov/Poolsrnrn rnrnFor more free summer fun opportunities visit: http://www.phila.gov/youthprograms/Pages/default.aspxrnrnrnThe City pool opening schedule for 2015 is as follows:rn

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rn Friday, June 19th rn rn Mander- 33rd and Diamond rn Max Myers- 1601 Hellerman Street rn Vare- 2600 Morris Street rn Kelly- 4231 N. Concourse rn rn	rn Monday, June 22nd rn Fox Chase-7901 Ridgeway Street rn Vogt-4131 Unruh Ave rn Bridesburg-4625 Richmond Street rn Feltonville-Ella and Wyoming rn Awbury- Ardleigh and Haines rn Francisville- 1750 Wiley Street rn Lee- 4400 Haverford Ave rn rn Carousel- Belmont and North Concourse rn Lincoln- 3201 Ryan Ave rn Pickett- Wayne and Chelten rn Hartranft- 8th and Cumberland rn Sayre- 59th and Spruce rn rn	rn Tuesday, June 23 rn rn Samuel- 2501 E. Tioga rn Northern Liberties- 321 Fairmount Ave rn Simpson- 1010 Arrott Street rn rn Hillside- Fountain and Fowler rn rn rn Waterloo- Waterloo and Cumberland rn rn Christy-56th and Christian rn J. Finnegan- 69th and Grovers rn rn rn rn	rn Wednesday, June 24 rn rn Jardel-Cottman and Pennway rn Cohox- Cedar and Cambria rn Cione- 2600 Aramingo (at Lehigh) rn rn rn Lederer- E. Montgomery & Girard Ave rn Lonnie Young- Chelten and Ardleigh rn E. Poplar-800-842 N. 8th Street rn Ridgway- 1200 Carpenter Street rn rn	rn Thursday, June 25 rn rn Lackman- Chesworth and Bartlett rn American rn Legion- 6201 Torresdale Ave rn rn rn Ziehler- 200-64 E. Olney Ave. rn Lawncrest- 6000 Rising Sun rn Gathers- 25th and Diamond rn Barry- 18th and Bigler rn Cobbs Creek- Cobbs Creek and Walnut rn rn
rn Friday, June 26 rn rn Mitchell- 3700 Whitehall Lane rn Heitzman- 2136 Castor Ave rn Hancock- Hancock and Master rn rn Morris Estate-1610 East Chelten rn rn Penrose-12th and Susquehanna rn Anderson-17th and Fitzwater rn Myers-58th and Kingsessing rn rn	rn Saturday, June 27 rn rn Jacobs- Linden and Jackson rn McVeigh- D and Ontario rn Piccoli-4300 Castor Ave rn Pleasant- 6750 Boyer Street rn Dendy- 10th and Oxford rn Murphy- 4th and Shunk rn Kingsessing-50th and Chester rn rn	rn Monday, June 29 rn rn Hunting Park- 1101 W Hunting Park Ave rn Houseman- 5091 Summerdale Avenue rn Amos- 16th and Berks rn Athletic- 26th and Master rn Chew- 19th and Washington rn Sacks- 4th and Washington rn Mill Creek- 4700 Brown Street rn Shepard-5700 Haverford Ave rn	rn Tuesday, June 30 rn rn Scanlon- J and Tioga rn Schmidt- Howard and Ontario rn Shuler- 27th and Clearfield rn ML King-22nd and Cecil B Moore rn Ford- 609 Snyder Ave rn O’Connor- 26th and South rn 39th and Olive- 39th and Olive rn Tustin-5901 W. Columbia Ave rn	rn Wednesday, July 1 rn rn Cruz-6th and Master rn Cambria & 12th – 12th and Cambria rn Cherashore- 10th and Chew rn Belfield- 21st and Chew rn Kendrick- Ridge and Pensdale rn CB Moore– 2551 N 22nd Street rn Stinger Square-32nd and Dickinson rn Baker- Conestoga and Lansdowne rn rn

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rnPLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Host an intimate wedding reception, bridal shower, family reunion or other special event at Courtyard Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting, and once the party is over, use the savings to explore the City of Brotherly Love!rnrnThe hotel in Plymouth Meeting, PA has announced that event planners who book 10 or more guest rooms by June 30, 2016, will receive double Marriott Rewards points plus discounts on guest room reservations and event space reservations. Event planners taking advantage of this offer will also receive discounted catering service for groups of up to 36 people.rnrnCourtyard Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting features two indoor event spaces: a spacious meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 attendees and a smaller event room that can seat up to 10. The hotel also boasts a gorgeous outdoor patio featuring comfy seating and shaded tables. Catering is provided by The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect., the hotel's on-site restaurant offering a variety of tempting breakfast and dinner options in addition to signature cocktails and Starbucks beverages. High-speed Internet and AV equipment rental are readily available, and event planners are on hand to assist with all the details.rnrnHome to a variety of world-class attractions, nearby Philadelphia is the perfect destination for memorable group travel. Spend an afternoon at Independence National Historical Park, residence of the famed Liberty Bell, or Valley Forge National Historical Park, known for its impressive monuments and scenic trails. Or marvel at masterful paintings and sculptures at the Barnes Foundation or Philadelphia Museum of Art.rnrnSports fans will enjoy catching a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, and adventurous eaters can sample cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, craft beers and more on one of the city's celebrated food tours. In the mood for some shopping? Discover an array of independent vendors at the historic Reading Terminal Market, or find all your favorite brands at the sprawling King of Prussia Mall.rnrnGuest rooms at Courtyard Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting feature sleek decor and convenient amenities, including mini refrigerators and flat-panel TVs with cable and satellite. Sleep soundly on thick mattresses and plush bedding, and stay connected to friends, family and colleagues with complimentary Wi-Fi.rnrnIn addition to comfortable guest rooms, a popular restaurant and two event rooms for Plymouth Meeting events, the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool and modern fitness center with cardio machines and free weights.rnrnTo be eligible for double Marriott Rewards points and the discounts detailed above, event planners must book and actualize 10 or more guest rooms by June 30, 2016. Make reservations at Courtyard Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting online or call 1-610-238-0695 to book over the phone.rnrnAbout Courtyard Philadelphia Plymouth MeetingrnCourtyard Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting at 651 Fountain Rd. in Plymouth Meeting, PA offers a convenient location near Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia Mall and the Philadelphia Zoo. The Plymouth Meeting, PA hotel features 4 floors with 149 guest rooms, 8 suites, a restaurant, fitness center, indoor pool and 2 event venues with 1,200 square feet of total space. Complimentary wireless Internet is provided in all guest rooms and public areas. For information, visit www.CourtyardPlymouthMeetingSocials.com or call 1-610-238-0695.rnrnJoin Marriott Rewards now and earn points that can be redeemed for free hotel stays and room upgrades at 3,800 hotels in over 70 countries.rnrnLearn more about Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott International Inc.rnrnPress ContactrnHolly Pitcavagern1-610-940-0400rnholly.pitcavage@marriott.comrnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150609/221802rnrnSOURCE Courtyard Philadelphia Plymouth MeetingrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.CourtyardPlymouthMeetingSocials.com

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 17, 2015

Coast 2 Coast Mixtape presents the release of the "U Mad (Freemix)" single by Freeway and Scholito. This single is exclusively available to stream and download on the Coast 2 Coast Mixtape website.

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Continuing a wave of freestyle tracks, referred to as "Freemix's," Philadelphia rhyme spitter Freeway enlists help from newcomer Scholito for the newest offering. This offering is the remix to the Vic Mensa and Kanye West original. Freeway is gearing up for the release of his upcoming solo album, Free Will.

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To stay up-to-date with Freeway, follow him on Twitter at: @phillyfreezer

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About Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes rn
Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are the most widely distributed mixtapes in the world, with over 100 million downloads/plays generated by over 200 volumes officially hosted by major artists. Coast 2 Coast has a solid reach in the new music industry with a digital magazine, DJ coalition, industry tips blog, yearly convention, and more. Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes represents a unique opportunity for artists of all urban genres, from major to indie. For more information, visit http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com.

Philadelphia, June 16, 2015 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter, City and agency officials announced preliminary information about public transportation options during the World Meeting of Families convening, September 22-25, 2015, and the weekend of the Papal Visit, September 26-27, 2015.rnrn“At this point, we are about three months away from hosting the largest event in this City’s history,” said Mayor Nutter. “We wanted to begin sharing information with residents and business owners as soon as possible so that they can begin making arrangements for this week, whether they plan to attend any of the World Meeting of Families events or just need to go about their daily routines. Make no mistake, the City of Philadelphia will have the world’s attention, and we are doing our part to be as prepared and coordinated as possible.”rnrnWith more than 1.5 million people expected for the Papal Visit on Saturday and Sunday, and substantial crowds for the World Meeting of Families convening during the week, it is critical for visitors and residents to understand the logistics involved in getting into Center City Philadelphia. Travelers should keep in mind:rnrnBe prepared to walk to your destination after debarking transit—up to a couple of milesrnPrivate vehicles will not be a viable transportation optionrnPublic transportation routes and schedules will be vastly altered for efficiency and capacityrnContinue to check WorldMeeting2015.org for transportation updates and sign up to receive the Papal Visit Playbook, a guide for residents and visitors to navigate Center City neighborhoods during the event.rnSEPTA rnrnDuring the World Meeting of Families convening, September 22-25, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will operate all services on normal weekday schedules. During the Papal Visit on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, service will be truncated drastically throughout the rail network to accommodate the events and maximize operational efficiency.rnrnSEPTA will reduce the number of stations that will be used from the usual 282 to 31 on its Regional Rail, Market-Frankford Line subway/elevated, Broad Street Line subway, trolley lines and Norristown High Speed Line. (The 31 stations are boarding locations only and are shown as blue dots on the SEPTA system map attached.) Event drop-off locations in Center City will be announced at a later date.rnrnCity officials urge those who will take SEPTA to plan ahead. Regular riders who rely on SEPTA for daily commuting will likely be severely impacted by the adjustments made to accommodate event attendees and should plan accordingly.rnrnA special $10, three-day SEPTA transit pass, valid from Saturday, September 26 through Monday, September 28, will be sold for travel on subways, buses and trolleys. Standard SEPTA passes and tokens can also be used on these transit modes. For Regional Rail, a one-day special event pass valid for Saturday, and another valid for Sunday, will be sold for $10 each in advance. Only those riders with the pre-purchased special event passes will be permitted to ride Regional Rail. Quantities for sale will be limited to the number of riders SEPTA can carry on the vehicles in operation. No passes will be sold on the day of the event.rnrnThe following is a summary of the major service adjustments SEPTA is planning to make for the weekend of the Papal Visit, September 26-27:rnrnRegional Rail: SEPTA will maximize service capabilities by shrinking the railroad. The number of stations served will be significantly reduced and trains will operate express-type, pick-up only service to the event from 18 select outlying stations. Similarly, post-event service will express from Center City Philadelphia to the selected outlying stations.rnrnAt this time, SEPTA plans to operate pick-up only service at these specific stations:rnrnPaoli/Thorndale Line – Paoli and Radnor StationsrnNorristown/Manayunk Line – Norristown Transportation CenterrnChesnut Hill West Line – Chestnut Hill West StationrnLansdale/Doylestown Line – Lansdale and Fort Washington StationsrnWarminster Line – Warminster StationrnWest Trenton Line – Woodbourne StationrnFox Chase Line – Fox Chase StationrnTrenton Line – Croydon and Cornwells Heights StationsrnMedia/Elywn Line – Media and Primos StationsrnWilmington/Newark Line – Wilmington and Marcus Hook StationsrnAirport Line – Terminals C & D, Terminal B and Eastwick StationrnMarket-Frankford Line: Similar to Regional Rail, pick-up only service will be available westbound from Frankford Transportation Center and the Girard Avenue Station; eastbound pick-up only service will operate from 69th Street Transportation Center and 52nd Street Station, with drop-offs at yet-to-be-determined Center City stations. After the event, service will express back to the outlying stations. Riders will not be able to board or exit the Market-Frankford Line from any other stations.rnrnBroad Street Line: Pick-up service will operate northbound from AT&T Station only; southbound pick-up service will be available at Fern Rock Transportation Center and the Cecil B. Moore Station, with drop-offs at yet-to-be-determined Center City stations. Riders will not be able to board or exit the Board Street Line from any of the other stations.rnrnTrolley: Operating normal service: Route 15 Service from 63rd & Girard; Route 11 and 13 service from Darby Transportation Center; Route 34 Trolley service from 61st & Baltimore; Route 36 Service from 60th & Eastwick. There will also be service from a limited number of stations on the Norristown High Speed Line and Route 101 Media and Route 102 Sharon Hill Trolley Lines.rnrnBus: At least 26 buses in the Center City and surrounding areas will be on detours due to street closures. Select bus routes will operate on weekday schedules throughout the weekend to accommodate ridership increases.rnrnSEPTA will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.septa.org.rnrnAmtrakrnrnAmtrak is prepared to move significant numbers of people into and out of Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families convening. Amtrak officials are working closely with partners at SEPTA and New Jersey Transit (NJ TRANSIT) to optimize schedules and accommodate as many people as possible. Amtrak will monitor and adjust seat inventory as needed as the World Meeting of Families approaches. Officials encourage passengers to book tickets as far in advance as possible, and based on those bookings Amtrak will add coaches – and possibly even operate extra trains – as necessary. All Amtrak trains will require reservations the weekend of the Papal visit. Passengers will not be permitted to purchase tickets on board trains.rnrnAmtrak will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.amtrak.com.rnrnPhiladelphia International AirportrnrnPhiladelphia International Airport (PHL) officials are looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world for the World Meeting of Families convening and the Papal Visit. PHL expects a significant increase in the number of national and international travelers arriving in the days and weeks leading up to the event. PHL officials are working closely with partners at SEPTA to ensure that passengers and employees are able to travel to and from the Airport.rnrnPHL will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.phl.org.rnrnNJ TRANSITrnrnNJ TRANSIT officials are developing a transportation plan for the World Meeting of Families convening and Papal Visit that will accommodate as many customers as possible, recognizing the physical constraints of the system. However, there are key pieces of information that customers planning to use NJT need to know as it will not be a typical weekend travel experience.rnrnNJ TRANSIT’s regular weekend service on the Atlantic City Rail Line and River Line will NOT operate on September 26-27. NJ TRANSIT will offer special tickets targeted specifically for the different service options that will be available. Those tickets will go on sale later this summer. No one will be allowed to board without a special ticket – passengers will not be permitted to purchase tickets on board trains.rnrnNJ TRANSIT will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.njtransit.com.rnrnPATCOrnrnThe Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) will provide express, non-stop service westbound to Center City Philadelphia on September 26-27 between each of the following four New Jersey stations and 9th/10th & Locust Streets station:rnrnLindenwoldrnWoodcrestrnFerry AvenuernBroadway/Camden/ Walter Rand Transportation CenterrnPassengers can board only at these four stations and all passengers will disembark at 9th/10th & Locust Streets station in Philadelphia. There will be no PATCO service or operations at any station other than those above.rnrnFor the return trip eastbound to New Jersey, trains will depart 9th/10th & Locust Streets station and stop only at the stations listed above.rnrnSpecial fares will be in effect on September 26-27. A one-day pass will cost $5.00 and a two-day pass will cost $10.00. Customers who have FREEDOM cards will be able to pay $2.50 for a one-way single ride. FREEDOM card one-day and two-day passes can be purchased prior to the dates of travel, beginning in mid-July. rnrnThere are spaces for approximately 3,300 cars at the PATCO Lindenwold station, 1,900 spaces at PATCO Ferry Avenue station and 2,700 spaces at PATCO Woodcrest station. PATCO does not offer parking spaces at the PATCO Broadway station in Camden. Passengers should expect parking spaces to fill quickly. Broadway-Camden serves as the transfer point for New Jersey Transit buses and the RiverLINE at Walter Rand Transportation Center.rnrnPATCO will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.ridepatco.org.