Experts Say Local Holiday Travelers Will Have Plenty Of Company
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The AAA Mid-Atlantic estimates more than a half million Philadelphia-area residents will travel 50 miles or more away from home over the Thanksgiving holiday. That's more than a four-percent increase over last year.
The schedule board at 30th Street Station is expected to be very active. Amtrak's Craig Schultz says extra trains are being added to accommodate more travelers and there is a change with tickets on the Keystone Service -- multi-ride tickets which normally don't have to be reserved must now be.
"People who are used to commuting using a multi-ride ticket during the thanksgiving period here those trains are all reserved seating."
And with Thanksgiving gasoline prices the lowest in five years, AAA Mid-Atlantic says 88-percent of Philadelphia-area residents will travel by car.
PennDOT and NJDOT will suspend construction activities on major highways and expressways Wednesday morning to Monday morning to help with the traffic flow.
The New Jersey turnpike widening project is complete on a stretch in Burlington and Middlesex Counties with three additional lanes in each direction.
"It gives a lot of additional capacity and it should ease traffic this holiday season," NJDOT's Steve Schapiro says.
Philadelphia International Airport says to expect long lines, especially with returning flights.
"Interestingly, people think Wednesday is the busiest day and, of course, it's incredibly busy, but Sunday and Monday are actually looking now to be more busy," says Mary Flannery with the airport
Officials are advising travelers to check with the status of an airline before heading out to the airport.