Pittsburgh Regional Transit is beginning the first phase of construction on the bus rapid transit line (or University Line). Changes will take effect Oct. 1. The University Line will cost $300 million and connect the city’s two largest business districts, Downtown and Oakland; the corridor serves around 30,000 people per day.
Service Changes
Of the eight buses that currently travel among Oakland, Uptown, and Downtown, half will be labeled “short” and turn around at Robinson Street and Fifth Avenue. Notices will also be posted at bus stops. The other four lines will continue the Downtown route, running every four minutes during peak hours.
How This Will Affect Riders?
Folks who pay cash will have to pay two fares, one for the first half and a second for their transfer bus. Laura Chu Wiens from Pittsburghers for Public Transit told 90.5 WESA it makes the whole system less accessible for older adults and people with disabilities.
Uptown resident and Access Mob Pittsburgh founder Alisa Grishman said: “I’m so frustrated. I built my life around access to these buses.” 🎧 She talked to me last year about what it’s like to navigate Pittsburgh in a wheelchair on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast.
Where To Learn More
Pittsburgh Regional Transportation will host a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12 to explain upcoming service adjustments to the 61- and 71-series bus routes. Sign up to attend.
