FanDuel restores SEPTA express service for Philadelphia Eagles home opener

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Sports betting company FanDuel has stepped in to restore service Thursday to SEPTA’s Broad Street Line during the home opener for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Subway trains will run as previously scheduled before and after the game. FanDuel’s sponsorship will cover free rides home from Lincoln Financial Field starting at halftime.

SEPTA’s fleet of express and local trains will be awaiting fans at NRG Station immediately following the game.

“This is a challenging time for SEPTA and our customers, but this partnership will ensure that Eagles fans have safe, clean, and reliable service to-and-from the game — and with the added bonus of free rides home,” Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s general manager, said in a press release.

SEPTA’s doomsday scenario is unfolding in full force, with an ongoing budget crisis forcing the transit agency to reduce and slash a number of vital lines and routes, including Sports Express trips.

The Philadelphia Eagles issued a travel advisory Tuesday, warning fans without tickets to avoid coming to the Sports Complex and creating additional congestion.

SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch told WHYY News last week that fans would have to wait longer to get home after the game. He said it would take about $100,000 to restore the Sports Express trains.

“We appreciate FanDuel and SEPTA for collaborating to help provide Eagles fans with convenient transportation to-and-from our home opener,” said Don Smolenski, president of the Eagles, in a statement. “Their generous support will assist fans in getting to Lincoln Financial Field so that we can all enjoy the Championship Moment together as we take on the division rival Dallas Cowboys.”

FanDuel is an official team partner of the Eagles.