Pope Francis will be in Philadelphia for as part of the World Meeting of Families Pilgrimage. It’s an honor that we’ve been chosen to host him, and the city has been preparing for his arrival for months now.
As a Philadelphia resident or someone who works in the city, you probably have a lot of questions about how to get around while Pope Francis is here, like where can I park? and how can I still park in the city during the papal visit?
You can find the answers to those questions in the blog post.
Parking Enforcement:
Normal enforcement of parking violations will continue up until 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25. However, starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, September 25, our Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs) will only be enforcing safety violations such as parking too close to the corner, double parking, parking too close to a crosswalk or fire hydrant, etc.
Time limits at meters and kiosks will not be enforced. Normal enforcement will resume on Monday, September 28.
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. However, if the vehicle has a current, valid Residential Parking Permit, the $20.00 fee will be waived. After a vehicle has entered, it will not be permitted to leave until 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 10:00 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:
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
September 19:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
September 20:
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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 215-222-9100 and select option 2. .
Residential Permit Parking:
To further assist residents with vehicles that must be moved during the Papal Visit, the Philadelphia Parking Authority will permit vehicles with Residential Parking Permits to park in other permit parking districts on a limited basis.
Residents of Residential Permit Parking Districts 1 (Rittenhouse Square), 4 (Washington Square West), 5 (Society Hill), 6 (Logan Square), and 10 (Chinatown), may park on posted Residential Permit Parking blocks in any district from Sunday, September 20, 2015 until 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2015.
Note: This is only available for residents who have a current permit from their Permit Parking District. Additionally, this will only apply to posted permit parking blocks and does not permit vehicles to be parked in violation of other parking rules.
People with questions may call 215-222-9100 and select option 2.
For more information, check out:
- The World Meeting of Families Papal Visit Playbook
- What to Do if Your Vehicle is Towed During the Papal Visit
- Taxis During the Papal Visit
- How to Reach the PPA During the Papal Visit
If you have any questions, we’re listening on Twitter and Facebook.