NJ Transit unveils transportation plan for Pope Francis' U.S. visit

New Jersey Transit officials yesterday announced the agency's plans for operation during the weekend of Sept. 26-27, when Pope Francis visits Philadelphia.

The agency will change its regular service to accommodate the estimated 2 million people who are expected to travel to see the pope during his two-day visit to Philadelphia. The pope also will visit New York City on Sept. 25 and Washington, D.C., on Sept. 24.

NJ Transit will offer a special, limited service on its Atlantic City Rail Line and River Line for people attending the World Meeting of Families and papal visit on Sept. 26-27.

At noon tomorrow, the agency will begin selling special tickets for travelers planing to ride the Atlantic City Rail and River lines — only those with special event tickets purchased in advance will be able to ride the lines during those two days, officials said.

NJ Transit will try to accommodate as many riders as the system will allow, said Executive Director Veronique "Ronnie" Hakim in a prepared statement posted on NJ Transit’s website.

"We have put forth a transportation plan that will get as many people as possible, as close as possible to Philadelphia, all with an eye on safety,” she said.

The agency has set up a webpage with additional details about the event. The New Jersey Department of Transportation also has posted a webpage with transportation information during the papal visit.

For information about how the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in Philadelphia has been preparing for the pope’s visit, read this story on ProgressiveRailroading.com.