Philadelphia has been bestowed a great honor: hosting his Holiness, Pope Francis, during the World Meeting of Families Pilgrimage. Out of hundreds of countries and thousands of cities, we’ve been chosen to not only host this joyous and memorable event, but also to showcase the vibrant culture of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
Before all the festivities begin, we want to make sure everyone attending is well informed and prepared — and the World Meeting of Families Papal Visit Playbook is a great resource to do that. If you haven’t already, we highly encourage visitors and residents to glance over the playbook and security perimeters in preparation for the Papal Visit.
Now that you’ve read through the playbook, here’s what you can expect from us:
Towing:
Vehicles parked within the designated Security Perimeter and Secured Vehicle Zone will be towed beginning on Sunday, September 20. Vehicles displaying a pre-purchased parking placard will have until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24 to remove their vehicles and park in their designated garage. The Security Perimeter and Secured Vehicle Zone around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will go into effect Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 p.m. Vehicles which are not removed will be towed and subject to a $76 fine, a $175 tow and storage fee(s).
Note: If your vehicle has been towed, please call 1-888-591-3636 and press 2 after hearing the language options. A map highlighting towing area schedules can be found here.
Parking Restrictions:
For vehicles in the event areas, temporary no parking signs will be posted indicating parking restrictions beginning at the following dates and times:
- At 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20, areas around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the Art Museum extending East to 12th Street.
- At 9:00 a.m. Monday, September 21, areas North and South of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- At 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, areas East of 12th Street to 3rd Street.
- At 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, designated emergency routes will be cleared of parked cars.
Note: These parking restrictions will remain in effect until the areas have been cleared on Monday, September 28. Residents who regularly park in the above mentioned areas are highly encouraged to pre-purchase parking spaces as referenced below.
Resident Parking Discounts:
To address the needs of Philadelphia residents, we will pre-sell spaces in designated garages for residents to park their vehicles. The cost is $20 and allows vehicles to park in our garages beginning Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m., through Monday September 28. After a vehicle has entered, it will not be permitted to leave until traffic restrictions are lifted on Monday, September 28.
Garage Locations:
- Gateway Parking Garage – 16th & Vine Streets
- Family Courthouse Garage – 15th & Arch Streets
- Old City AutoPark – 2nd & Sansom Streets
- Jefferson AutoPark – 10th and Ludlow Streets
- The Gallery Mall AutoPark - 9th & Filbert Streets
- Chestnut Street Surface Lot – 8th & Chestnut Streets
Residents who purchase a parking space in one of our garages will be issued a placard which will exempt their vehicle from towing until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24. Residents who pre-purchased a space can begin parking in our garages on Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Residents who wish to pre-purchase a space may go to:
Philadelphia Parking Authority
Customer Service Office
35 N. 8th Street
September 14 – September 18
September 21 – September 24
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In order to pre-purchase a space, please bring a proof of residence, which can include:
- Driver’s License
- Vehicle Registration
- Utility Bill
Note: Any document showing the vehicle owner’s name and address within the tow area will be accepted as proof of residence. Each vehicle will be assigned a specific garage in which to park.
If you have any questions regarding discounted parking for Philadelphia residents during the Papal Visit, you may contact the Philadelphia Parking Authority between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., at 215-683-9600.
Taxis:
Taxis will be permitted to move in and out of the Traffic Box until 2:00 a.m. on Saturday September 26.
Taxis will assist visitors who arrive late by plane or train, despite the Traffic Box going into effect on Friday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m..
Starting at 3:00 a.m. on Monday September 28, the city will have taxi stands in the Traffic Box to provide service to people trying to get to the airport or elsewhere.
People with Disabilities:
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Cabs (WAVs) which are ADA compliant will operate in the Traffic Box along with SEPTA CCT vehicles and for ADA scheduled trips.
If you have any questions, we’re listening on Twitter and Facebook.