Trains, ferries added to help New Jersey pope riders

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — As Pope Francis visited Philadelphia on Saturday amid blocked-off streets and a massive security operation, a different kind of mobilization was taking place across the Delaware River. Transportation officials urged the thousands of people expected to travel from or through New Jersey to leave their cars at home and use trains, ferries, good old-fashioned shoe leather, or a combination of them. A quick guide:

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WHERE HE'LL BE

Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Saturday morning at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He was scheduled to speak in the afternoon on immigration and religious freedom at Independence Mall, an event organizers project will draw about 40,000 people. About 500,000 people were expected for a festival and concert featuring Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

More than a million are expected at his outdoor Mass on the parkway on Sunday.

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FORGET THE CAR

Gov. Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency for New Jersey, but don't rush to the supermarkets looking for bottled water and light bulbs. The governor took the precaution so he can use the New Jersey National Guard if needed and change traffic flow on roads as circumstances dictate.

Transportation officials warned anyone who doesn't have to drive within a 50-mile radius of Philadelphia to stay put. For those going to see the pope by car, 8,500 parking spaces were made available in Camden. Parking placards had to be purchased online in advance and cost $44. Overnight parking is not allowed.

From Camden, visitors can cross into Philadelphia on a ferry that can fit 500 people each hour, on PATCO trains or on foot over the Ben Franklin Bridge, which was closed to traffic Friday night. Bicycles are allowed but can't be ridden on the bridge. Banned items include selfie sticks, hard-sided coolers and anything made of glass.

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TAKE THE TRAINS

New Jersey Transit expanded the sale of special papal tickets on its Atlantic City Rail Line. The special tickets were scheduled for sale between 5 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for hourly departures from Atlantic City to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. River Line tickets were scheduled for sale both days between 6 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. for departures sold in scheduled two-hour windows. NJ Transit said it is best to purchase the tickets online.

PATCO began its eastbound train service to New Jersey from 9/10 and Locust in Philadelphia at 5:30 p.m. According to officials, trains will depart Philadelphia every 10 minutes and make stops at Broadway, Ferry Avenue, Woodcrest and Lindenwold.

Trains will run until 3:40 a.m. Sunday.

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Camden information: http://www.ci.camden.nj.us/papal-visit-2015

Parking information: https://gatewaytothepope.clickandpark.com