Philadelphia residents are bracing for a busy sports week that will attract visitors from around the globe to the city later this week.
On Monday, SEPTA has laid out plans to help thousands of people navigate the city during this year's NFL draft on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Penn Relays on the University of Pennsylvania's campus. Both events will take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29.
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Transit officials urge potential riders to plan travel plans in advance as more customers are expected to affect parking availability and service options. The Broad Street Line, the Market-Frankford Line, the Norristown High Speed Line and Regional Rail are recommended.
Road closures are already disrupting traffic, parking and bus routes in the area of the Eakins Oval and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
SEPTA is steering customers who drive to connect to public transportation stations at lots with free parking. Options include the sports complex to ride the BSL, Festival Pier at Columbus Boulevard to hop on the MFL, and Cornwells Heights Station on Interstate 95 and Lansdale Station for Regional Rail. Fee parking is also available at the Frankford Transportation Center for the MFL and Norristown Transportation Center for both the Norristown High Speed Line and Regional Rail.
All modes of transportation will operate on regular schedules on each day with added features.
The BSL and MFL will have additional afternoon and evening service to ease overcrowding. Both subway lines will also operate 24 hours for late-night travel.
Regional Rail trains will hook up additional cars during off-peak hours to increase capacity. Most ticket offices in the system will feature additional hours of operation.
SEPTA officials said staff members will be available at Center City stations to answer travel questions and riders should expect to see enhanced security.