Strollers OK (if folded) on PATCO trains, but not bicycles

Those who want to cross the Ben Franklin Bridge with their bicycles during the pope's visit can walk the bikes into Philadelphia, but cannot bring them within the papal event perimeters on the Ben Franklin Parkway or Independence Mall, transportation officials announced Wednesday.

Strollers also may be used to cross the bridge and aboard PATCO trains, but must be folded to accommodate passengers in train aisles, said Kyle Anderson, director of communications for the Delaware River Port Authority. Bikes will not be allowed on PATCO trains, he said.

"If someone has a baby, we would hope someone would get up to stand and offer their seats," Anderson said, acknowledging that caring for children on train rides has challenges. He suggested that passengers extend the same courtesies to those with physical disabilities.

Bridge travel and train schedules have been altered as enormous crowds are expected for Pope Francis' visit. The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicles - but open to pedestrians - from Friday, Sept. 25, at 10 p.m. until about noon the following Monday.

For protection, the Secret Service has imposed bans, including barring bikes in areas designated for papal events. However, those who want to use bikes in other sections of the city will be allowed to walk their bikes across the bridge.

"We feel that it is prudent and appropriate to apply the same standards for prohibited items as the Secret Service," said DRPA chief executive officer John Hanson. "We've opted to deviate slightly and make the exception for bikes on the bridge to accommodate bicycle riders who wish to participate in events or patronize businesses outside of the Ben Franklin Parkway and Independence Mall secured perimeters."

All attendees, including general public and ticketed guests, will be subject to security screenings before entering the papal events on the Ben Franklin Parkway and Independence Mall. Authorities said to expect long security lines.

Train schedules also will be significantly altered.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., PATCO will provide nonstop service westbound to Center City - 9th/10th & Locust Streets Station - from Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry Avenue, and Broadway stations.

The express trains will travel only one way to maximize passenger capacity, and other stations will be closed, officials said.

There will be no eastbound service during this period, and all PATCO service will be suspended from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on both days, during the papal events on Ben Franklin Parkway and Independence Mall.

Eastbound service will begin that Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. to Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry Avenue, and Broadway Stations, and will continue for several hours until all passengers are out of the city.

Schedules are expected to remain the same the previous Friday and following Monday.

Officials stressed that there will be no PATCO service or operations at any stations other than those listed.

For more information, go to www.drpa.org/papalvisit.