SEPTA publicizing pickup points for train travelers during papal visit … but not drop-off

SEPTA has designated 31 regional rail stations for the hundreds of thousands expected to take the train to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis at the end of September.

But officials still won’t say where the trains will let out those passengers.

SEPTA spokeswoman Gerri Williams said Wednesday she can’t divulge if riders will be dropped off at 30th Street, Suburban or Jefferson stations.

“The dropoff locations, we’re not ready to announce those yet,” she said.

The issue is security, sources say, adding that Suburban Station is definitely out because it’s too close to the events on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  Even Jefferson Station at Ninth and Market streets might be too close.

Since SEPTA has already marked Cecil B. Moore Avenue as a pickup location for the Broad Street subway, it’s a pretty good bet that southbound trains will make it to Temple University — although no one is confirming that either. 

So Mayor Michael Nutter’s words bear repeating.

“Be prepared to walk, at least a few miles or more,” he said Tuesday in announcing the transit preparations for the World Meeting of Families to be capped off with the papal Mass on the Parkway Sept. 27.

The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies will have the final say in the matter.