CRO RAILWAYS TO ENSURE SPECIAL PILGRIM TRAINS DURING POPE'S VISIT

( Editorial: --> 1302 ) ZAGREB, Sept 18 (Hina) - The Croatian Railways (HZ) will introduce special trains to run on October 2 to 4 during Pope John Paul II's visit to Croatia. Additional railway lines will be introduced for the transport of pilgrims to Marija Bistrica shrine, near Zagreb, and the coastal town of Split. On October 2 and 3, special pilgrim trains will be running to Zlatar Bistrica from all towns in which more than 600 pilgrims will register for the Pope's arrival. All local trains will be temporary out of service on those days. Special tickets with the departure and arrival time and date will be issued for pilgrims. The price of two-way tickets from Vinkovci, Osijek, Djakovo, Zupanja and Zadar will be around US $15 and around three dollars from Cakovec and Varazdin. Return tickets from Rijeka, Pozega and Slavonski Brod will be around $12,50. The same tickets from Koprivnica and Virovitica will sell for six dollars. The time-table including stops along the way will be announced by the middle of next week. On September 4 and 5, the HZ will bring in extra carriages for pilgrims from the Sibenik-Knin County travelling to Split. The price of the return ticket from Knin and Sibenik will be $4,50. The HZ recommends to all pilgrims to register with their parishioners latest by September 20 so that enough trains could be ensured. (hina) it/rml 181233 MET sep 98