Lottery to be held for regional rail passes for papal visit
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Special rail passes to be used by commuters during Pope Francis' visit to the city in September will be sold via an online lottery, officials announced Tuesday, a week after overwhelming demand forced a halt to sales.
A one-day lottery will be held Aug. 3 for passes on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's regional rail system, SEPTA officials said. They emphasized that customers will be able to enter their requests anytime that day so there will be no reason to rush immediately after midnight to the link that will be posted on the transit system's website.
"No matter what time you enter your lottery submission, everyone has the same chance of being selected," spokeswoman Jerri Williams said.