If you intend to come into Philadelphia to see the Pope, or even if you just need to get to the city on September 26 or 27, set a reminder for this Monday. That's when PATCO and SEPTA start selling the passes and regional rail tickets you will need to ride the rails. Regular monthly passes, weekly passes, tickets will not be honored. Okay, let me say that again: no other passes or tickets will be accepted for transit during those days.

The PATCO dedicated website starts selling FREEDOM cards at 8 a.m., Monday, July 20. The cards afford non-stop service westbound to Center City between each of the following four New Jersey stations and 9/10th & Locust Street station: Lindenwold; Woodcrest; Ferry Avenue; Broadway (Walter Rand Transportation Center).

The SEPTA's e-commerce site will begin selling the one-day papal visit passes at 9 a.m., Monday, July 20. The passes will cost $10, and are non-refundable. Up to 10 passes can be purchased in one transaction, and if you are planning to travel into Philadelphia on both Saturday and Sunday, a pass will be required for each day. Check the website for stations that will be served during the two days, as well as times of operations, because they are drastically reduced from regular schedules.

Although Amtrak is not producing special papal visit tickets, reservations for trains are required, and some of the trains have already sold out.