The only thing hotter than the weather today likely will be the SEPTA website.
That's because tickets go on sale today at 9 a.m. for the special regional rail passes you will need to get in and out of the city for the two days that that Pope Francis will be in town for the World Meeting of Families in late September.
You can get all the details here.
There are several things to keep in mind, both for getting today and for much of that week in late September.
First - and maybe foremost - be patient. This is going to be something of a slog. And it's likely going to start today when people deluge the SEPTA website trying to get tickets.
The tickets are only being sold online, you will not be able to buy them at any SEPTA stations or on board the rails during your normal commute.
Also, remember that your normal tickets and passes for the regional rail lines will not do you any good on those two key dates, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27, when the pontiff will visit the city, and take part in World Meeting of Families activitites, including a massive outdoor Mass set for Sunday afternoon on the Parkway.
You will have to buy one of the special passes to even consider getting on board.
SEPTA says it will sell 175,000 passes for each day. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for them to sell out today, and if SEPTA will possibly add additional sales.
Then, on those days, there will be additional limits on rail travel. There will be two main pushes to get people into the city in the morning. You will only be able to board the regional rail lines and specific stations. One of them happens to be right here in Primos. I've joked we should sell some of the parking spaces both in front and in back of the building. At least I think I was joking.
SEPTA says they learning from their experience getting the throngs into the city for the Phillies World Series Parade back in 2008. That's one of the reason they are staggering the times you can get into the city.
But what also interests me is what will happen when people head back to the trains at night after the festivities.
I give SEPTA credit. They are telling people now that there will long lines, and also reminding people that they will have to walk some distances once they're in the city.
We want to hear from people trying to get rail passes for the pope visit today. Email me at editor@delcotimes.com and we'll get back to you.
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