Lottery winners get word of Pope Francis rail passes

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Word is going to out to the winners of a lottery for special train passes for the weekend of Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority on Thursday is notifying those who requested the 328,045 passes. They will have three days to complete the purchase, or someone else will be selected.

The agency is capping ridership at 175,000 for each day of Francis' Sept. 26-27 visit.

About 20,000 of the commuter rail tickets remain unsold.

MORE: Bright Outlook For Papal Pass Lottery Entrants

Overwhelming demand last week crashed a SEPTA website and forced a halt to ticket sales.

SEPTA is limiting papal visit service to select stations.

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