Like SEPTA, PATCO Will Also Limit Station Stops During Pope's Visit
By Mike DeNardo
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Just as SEPTA commuter trains aren't making all station stops for the visit of Pope Francis in September, PATCO trains are doing the same.
The PATCO plan for the pope has express trains running from only four stations: Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry Avenue, and Broadway.
DRPA chief executive officer John Hanson says it's a lesson learned from the Phillies' World Series parade, in 2008.
"We know that we need to stop at fewer stations so that the trip takes less time," Hanson said today, "so we've targeted the stations that have the greatest parking or the greatest access."
Those trains will only stop at 9th-10th and Locust, in Philadelphia. Hanson says that's part of a coordinated effort to spread out the papal commuters, so Center City transit stations won't be overwhelmed.
The DRPA has also approved a special $5 day pass, through Freedom Cards only. PATCO will not issue paper tickets that weekend.