PRT plans major bus route overhaul
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Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is moving forward with a major bus network redesign.
Why it matters: Public transit users have adapted their habits since the pandemic — less workday commuting and more weekend use, for example — and PRT wants to adjust its network to better accommodate riders.
The big picture: The redesign will eliminate routes to some outlying communities to increase frequency on the existing network, boosting service to low-income and car-free households, according to an analysis by advocacy group Pittsburghers for Public Transit.
By the numbers: The redesign will impact 90 of PRT's 95 bus routes:
- 20 routes will be eliminated.
- 14 new routes will be added.
- 56 routes will be modified.
Zoom in: Some of the commuter routes being eliminated, like the P7 McKeesport Flyer, have declined in ridership since 2019.
- Many suburban communities like Ross, Monroeville and South Park would see their service cut.
- White Oak and parts of Penn Hills would lose service entirely.
Yes, but: The 64 route would be extended, creating new connections for East Liberty and Millvale to Squirrel Hill and Homestead.
- Wexford and the McKnight Road corridor would see new service.
- More routes that used to end Downtown would travel through or terminate in Oakland.
Zoom out: PRT says 99.4% of its current riders would have transit access within a quarter-mile of their existing stops.
Airport service would likely be faster. The 28X out would use the East Busway and parts of the coming-soon University Line, add a Carnegie stop and bypass its old service at Robinson Town Center.
- The shopping center would be served by the 25 and 29 routes instead.
Pro tip: Check if your route will be altered here, and see a map of the proposed changes here.
What they're saying: PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman said in a statement the change could attract new riders who want better frequency and reliability.
The other side: Pittsburghers for Public Transit director Laura Wiens told Public Source there are pros and cons to the proposal, but she is concerned about the older Pittsburghers who rely on the proposed cut routes.
Friction point: These proposed changes will be drastically cut if the state government doesn't increase public transit funding to help PRT avoid a looming budget deficit in 2028, according to Kelleman.
What's next: People have until Sept. 30 to comment on the proposed redesign.
- Submit comments here.