PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Eagles fans headed to Lincoln Financial Field for Thursday's home opener were spared major transit headaches thanks to the last-minute return of SEPTA's Sports Express service.
The service had been previously cut as part of SEPTA's cost-saving measures to address a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. But with funding from FanDuel, the express trains were back in operation just in time for the game.
"Had the trains not been running, what was your plan B to get down here?" Asked Action News reporter Leland Pinder. Shar Smith of Olney said, "No plan. I wouldn't have come."
Fans arriving at the South Philadelphia sports complex said they were prepared to find alternate transportation, but ultimately didn't need to.
"We were gonna park somewhere like Oregon and walk but we changed our mind," said Elliott Korsen of Southport, North Carolina.
"Uber or we'll figure it out. We're gonna be at the game either way," added another fan.
Thousands boarded the Broad Street Line trains to the stadium, and most said the ride went smoothly.
"I thought it would just not be organized, but it was alright. It wasn't too bad," said Luk Broomall of North Philadelphia.
"It was packed but it was very respectful. We had a lot of fun. A lot of Eagles spirit," said Shanta Harris of Northeast Philadelphia.
As fans exited NRG Station, aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed heavy traffic and gridlock on nearby roads like Broad and Pattison. Police officers were stationed throughout the area to help manage the crowds and ensure safety.
"It's rough. It's so many diehard Eagles fans out here. The traffic going out is triple as bad as coming in," said Victoria Lawson of Northeast Philadelphia.
SEPTA advised fans to return to NRG Station quickly after the game. Trains heading back were free starting at halftime, and the complimentary service was scheduled to run for 70 minutes after the game ended.
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