Dozens of 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 – on a number of major City Transit routes that will get attendees close to the events, or to connecting services such as the Market-Frankford Line subway/elevated and the Broad Street Line subway. The Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines will operate high-frequency, express-type service from transit hubs and other selected stations to locations near the Papal Visit events.
City Transit Buses operating with this weekday-level service will include routes 3, 5, 6, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 31, 33, 42, 47, 50, 52, 55, 58, 66, 70 and R. City Trolley Routes 11, 13, 14, 15, 34 and 36 will also operate with weekday service levels.
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.
In 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. For detour routing and information on buses that will not operate, please visit the Papal Visit section of SEPTA’s website, https://www.septa.org/papalvisitphilly.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 1, riders using buses, trolleys and subways will have the opportunity to purchase a special three-day Papal Pass – valid from Saturday, Sept. 26 through Monday, Sept. 28. Please go to SEPTA’s website for a list of sales office locations.
Sales location information will be posted on the Papal Visit section of SEPTA’s website.
The three-day pass gives riders unlimited travel on these transit modes. Riders will also be able to use tokens and weekly and monthly passes on transit modes. For ease of travel, riders are urged to purchase passes or tokens ahead of the Papal Visit. Cash can also be used to pay fares on buses and City Transit Trolley routes, but will not be accepted on the Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line.
Additional adjustments to the transit service plan may be made to further accommodate regular riders, local businesses and visitors for the Papal Visit. For more information and the latest updates, please continue to check the special Papal Visit section on SEPTA’s website at https://www.septa.org/papalvisitphilly.