Sale of rail passes for pope's visit halted

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Overwhelming demand has forced the Philadelphia area's transit system to halt the sale of special rail passes to be used during Pope Francis' September visit to the city. Andrew Busch, a spokesman for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, says the number of customers was significantly higher than expected when tickets went on sale online Monday morning.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF PREPARATIONS FOR VISIT FROM POPE FRANCIS

Busch says technicians are working on the problem and SEPTA expects to announce Tuesday when ticket sales will resume.

The Port Authority Transit Corporation also started selling special Freedom cards at the Broadway station in Camden, New Jersey, and online. Passengers who don't have them won't be permitted on the trains on Sept. 26-27.

A one-day pass costs $5 and a two-day pass is $10 for those 5 and older. There is a limit of 10 cards per purchase.

Passengers may use their regular Freedom cards during the pope's visit and pay $2.50 for each ride.

Online: http://www.ridepatco.org/PapalVisit/