SEPTA Broad Street Line "Sports Express" Service Set for Eagles Home Opener

September 14, 2006

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- SEPTA is ready to offer Eagles fans a new season of Broad Street Line "Sports Express" service as Philadelphia's favorite football team sets out to reach its goal of another Super Bowl finale.

For the 1 p.m. Eagles home opener on Sunday, September 17, versus the Eastern Division rival New York Giants, Broad Street Line Sports Express trains will operate every 10 minutes from 10:10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. between Fern Rock Transportation Center and Broad Street & Pattison Avenue near Lincoln Financial Field.

Sports Express trains stop only at the Olney Transportation Center, Erie, Girard, Spring Garden, Race-Vine, City Hall and Walnut-Locust Stations en route to Pattison Station.The express trip from City Hall Station to the stadium takes only about eight minutes.It is a 27-minute ride from Fern Rock.Local Broad Street Line trains will also operate about every 12 minutes during the day.

To provide easier access for fans, SEPTA will open the lower level platform at Pattison to accommodate the additional trains and expected large crowds.After the game fans will find northbound trains standing by to provide express and local service back to Fern Rock.

Again, this year SEPTA will operate Broad Street Line Sports Express service for every Eagles home game.As Eagles fans have discovered the convenience of Broad Street line service, game day ridership has steadily increased, averaging more than 10,000 riders per game for the 2005 season.

In addition, Eagles fans driving into Center City can park at any one of five city-owned parking lots for only $5.00.There they can purchase two SEPTA tokens ($2.60) and take the short walk to the Broad Street Line City Hall Station where they will find only a short wait for the next scheduled stadium bound train.

The parking lots include:

AutoPark - JFK Plaza Garage - 15th & Arch Streets

AutoPark - Center City Lot - 15th & Arch Streets

Gateway Garage - 15th & Vine Streets

AutoPark - Gallery Mall - 10th & Filbert Streets

AutoPark - Jefferson - 10th & Ludlow Streets

"While the Parking Authority experienced a slight decline in parking offenses in the stadium area last season, there are still many fans that like to roll the dice and take their chances," said Parking Authority representative Rick Dickson.

"More than 400 parking offenses were recorded last football season costing fans over $11,000.00.Last year, the average fine violation was about $25.00, not including towing fees.This year, fans should be aware that parking fines have increased to $30.00.For the cost of only two SEPTA tokens you can get to the stadium quickly, conveniently, and comfortably, without the hassle."

For additional information, call SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800.