Officials Encourage Residents to See Pope, Additional Parking Announced

By ANTHONY BELLANO:

Calling Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to the Philadelphia area a “joyous” and “historic” occasion, officials encouraged people to make the trip to see the Pope when he visits America for the first time for the World Meeting of Families.

“As many people as possible should participate,” said Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. during a press conference in Camden Wednesday afternoon.

Cappelli acknowledged that the way information has been rolled out concerning the Pope’s visit on Sept. 26 and 27 has caused some “confusion and angst” among Catholics who may want to see attend the Papal Mass or any one of a number of events in which the Pope will be participating.

Earlier this month, SEPTA still had about two-thirds of the passes still available that it had set aside to get into the city to see the Pope, and Amtrak said very few train rides were sold out. Hotels still had room available for the visit.

“We don’t want people to be discouraged,” Cappelli said. “We want as many people to participate as possible.”

John Hanson, CEO of the Delaware River Port Authority, said many numbers were thrown around concerning the number of people expected to attend, and that they weren’t surprised or disappointed by the number of tickets sold so far.

“We’ve never known for sure what we would see,” Hanson said, adding that people who were still considering whether or not they wanted to go see the Pope still had time to make a final decision.

READ MORE: POPE’S VISIT, FOOTBALL GAME COULD BE HELL ON EARTH FOR TRAFFIC

During Wednesday’s press conference, the Camden County Freeholder Board announced 8,500 parking spaces were being made available on the Camden Waterfront.

These spaces need to be pre-registered for through gatewaytothepope.com in order to secure a space. Officials said cars that attempted to park at the Waterfront that weren’t pre-registered would be directed to park elsewhere, although that may ultimately be based on capacity.

Permits are $30 per vehicle, per day, which Redd said was the standard rate of parking, even for concerts and events.

Those who park at the Waterfront have the option of taking the PATCO from Broadway, walking across the Ben Franklin Bridge or taking the RiverLink Ferry to Penn’s Landing, the recommended option for those with disabilities. There will be no ADA assistance for those walking over the bridge, and bike riders must walk their bikes over the bridge.

“Parking on the waterfront will provide easy, convenient access to Philadelphia through public transportation,” Cappelli said. “These are the best options to see the Pope and participate in the festivities over the weekend. If you park on the waterfront you won’t need to walk a block to get to the ferry, which will be taking up to 500 people an hour over the Delaware River.”

Walking routes have been established for visitors traveling from the Waterfront and the Walter Rand Transportation Center to the Ben Franklin Bridge. Overnight sleeping in cars, parks, parking lots and camping is strictly prohibited.

PATCO also announced on Wednesday they will be selling tickets on Saturday and Sunday on the weekend of the Pope’s participation. They are no longer selling tickets online.

Portions of I-676 will be closed and the Admiral Wilson Boulevard will be closed as well. Pre-registered vehicles will have access to parking on the waterfront and will be given the ability to get into the city. These closures will coincide with the Ben Franklin Bridge closing at 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26. In addition, based on expected volume for the Pontiff’s visit other impacted roads include I-295 and Routes 38, 42, 45, 47, 55, 70, 73, 76, 90, 130, 168 and 322.

READ MORE: NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCES SPECIAL SCHEDULE FOR POPE’S VISIT

Camden Mayor Dana Redd advised city residents to limit travel unless absolutely necessary and avoid restricted areas in the downtown and Waterfront. She said residents should have their ID on them at all times.

Camden County Police Capt. Albert Handy said the police department is taking an “all hands on deck” approach to the weekend.

“We’re confident everyone will be safe and feel safe,” Handy said.

The event marks the first visit by any Pope to the region since 1979.

“Safety is a primary concern for this event, but make no mistake, this is a celebration and we want to do everything possible to act as a catalyst for anyone who wants to participate and see Pope Francis,” Cappelli said. “This is a festive occasion and a historic weekend to see a man who is leading his flock to our region for a once in a lifetime event.”