Amtrak lays on more trains for Pope’s visit

With just one month to go, Amtrak said it will add more trains and extra services on the Northeast corridor to cope with the expected influx of visitors during Pope Francis’ U.S. visit.

There will be an additional 34 trains in service for Francis’ September 26-27 Philadelphia stop, the rail operator said.

More rail cars will also be added to scheduled trains between New York and Washington DC.

Amtrak said seat reservations are essential for Acela, Northeast Regional and Keystone Service trains from September 25-28.

The extra trains will likely help ease the expected travel chaos for travelers headed to Philadelphia.

A large downtown area will be closed to all traffic and the region’s commuter rail system is capped at a maximum of 175,000 riders a day.

However once in the city, many of the expected two million people will be required to walk within the downtown area.

"Private vehicles will really not be a viable option," Mayor Michael Nutter said in June, adding that visitors should anticipate about two hours of walking each day.