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Inside The Papal Visit: SEPTA And Security

By Pat Ciarrocchi

PHILADLEPHIA (CBS) -- If you've been waiting for a Papal pass on SEPTA's Regional Rails, Monday, August 3 is your day to register online for a lottery to purchase one.

Getting to and from Philadelphia, and where you can go once you get here, is still a work in progress.

The welcome banner is unfurled at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

We know on the day that Pope Francis steps foot on Philly soil, SEPTA's Regional Rail lines will be running, but who will be on the train?

It depends on the Papal train ticket lottery.

Jerri Williams, of SEPTA Media Relations says, "No matter what time you enter your lottery submission, everyone has the same chance of being selected no matter what time you make your entry."

The first online system failed, pumping out only 200 of the 350,000 tickets.

An expensive reboot gave birth to the lottery, allowing potential riders a 24-hour period to register to buy tickets.

It seems the Pope will be the only visitor with a ride guaranteed.

Mayor Nutter says, "It's a challenge, but we're up to it."

And when it comes to the secret service, "They are about safety and security. They want maximum security as we know. Pope Francis wants maximum access. Those are two fairly defined extremes."

So, it's still a work in progress.

In a rare news release, the secret service said in part, "The exact configuration of the venues he will visit has not been finalized. As such, the overall security plan has not been finalized."

There's no gnashing of teeth at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Like with all of the cultural institutions and businesses within a few blocks of the Parkway, opening or closing is an individual decision.

Sara Hertz says, "They aren't mandating whether we open or close in any way."

The dinosaurs will be resting over Papal weekend. Opening Friday or Monday is still to be determined.

And the ultimate toast for the Pope is possible, too.

A Narbeth marking expert has met opportunity with entrepreneurship, creating a toaster that burns the Pope's face on toast.

It's one way to spread the love until Pope Francis arrives.

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