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| |  | PRT says the goal of its “refresh” is to shift away from weekday, rush-hour commutes to and from Downtown, and instead provide all-day, all-week service. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh) |
| PRT Redesigns Refreshes Bus Network | The deadline is approaching for public feedback on PRT’s Bus Line Refresh, a network-wide overhaul that will create and eliminate some bus lines, modify paths, and rename every single route (goodbye 61D, hello O50). | - Wasn’t this called a “redesign”? It was! But after receiving over 16,000 comments, PRT scaled back its proposals and rebranded the changes as a “refresh.” [PRT]
- The plan is cost-neutral, so no new funding. The refresh will rearrange existing resources, which involves tough compromises like cutting low-ridership routes. Personally, I think the bus network could be more efficient (I never see anyone on the 65), but PRT is definitely hampered by its budget. [Pittsburgh Progress]
- There are models for this. Philly is undergoing a “Bus Revolution,” another cost-neutral overhaul. Houston implemented a successful bus redesign back in 2015 that increased ridership without increasing its budget. [🔒 Philly Inquirer / NATCO]
- If you want to get involved, PRT has some fun tools to play with, like a map and before-and-after route comparison. (I’m excited for the 64 to go up to Millvale — catching concerts at Mr. Smalls will get a lot easier.) Pittsburghers for Public Transit also posted a handy explainer. You can share your thoughts via email, phone, or mail through Sept. 30. [PRT / PPT]
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| | | Discover Athens County, Ohio, where more than 100 miles of mountain bike trails, scenic paddling, hiking and winding backroads meet a vibrant college-town culture. Explore local art, catch live music, and savor locally crafted food and drink. Whether you’re seeking adventure, inspiration or a great meal, Athens County offers plenty of ways to get out, explore and experience something different. | |
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| What Else Pittsburgh’s Talking About |
| Titusz Makes NYT's 50 Best | Reservations are about to get even tougher for chef Csilla Thackray's "effervescent" Lawrenceville restaurant. The Hungarian- and Austrian-inspired concept opened April 2 and already earned a spot on The New York Times' latest list of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. Owners say they're really grateful and that Titusz is "a dream to honor the past lives that have shaped our own." [🔒 Post-Gazette / NYT / @titusz_pgh] | - Thackray once worked alongside other local luminaries through Legume, Churchview Farms, Fet-Fisk, and others. That tapestry of culinary talent is a unique part of Pittsburgh's restaurant scene, where inspiration can bloom across friendships, skillsets, and more. [TribLive]
- How well do you know Pittsburgh's major restaurant groups? Get to know big Burrito, Richard DeShantz, Legacy, Independent, and Opal — plus one local player who's been in the game for over 70 years — on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast.
| | Federal Research Cuts Impact PA | In July, the feds terminated more than 150 health research grants nationwide, including studies at Pitt and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman wrote a letter to HHS this week expressing concern that the cuts could eliminate jobs and delay medical advances. [WESA] | - Pitt lost funding for two Alzheimer’s studies. Faculty say their research was targeted because of the Trump administration’s anti-DEI stance. [Pitt News]
- We spoke to three doctors last April about how medical cuts would impact patients, scientists, and our city. Spoiler: they saw this coming. [City Cast Pittsburgh]
| | City To Close Homeless Center | The ROOTS center on East Ohio Street serves as a resource hub where people can get connected to housing and health care, receive paperwork help, and pick up mail. But its lease is set to expire. Mayor Corey O'Connor previously said he wants the program to focus more on outreach than having physical drop-in sites. His spokesperson told City Cast today they're looking at options but want the program to continue. This is the third ROOTS center to close. [WESA / City Cast Pittsburgh] | - Shelter space was just secured in the Hill District. Catholic Charities recently purchased St. Joseph House of Hospitality, which provides shelter for men over 50. [Catholic Charities]
- Almost 4,000 students in Allegheny County are experiencing homelessness. A new book collects essays and art by some of those children. [Kidsburgh]
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| | | It’s time for recommendations from our City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a regular spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events. | - 🦄 Mary Ann U. wants to shout out Assemble in Garfield. “For 15 years, Assemble has inspired young people to create, explore, and build confidence through hands-on STEAM learning. There’s plenty of events and workshops to attend for adults and kids. We're also hosting Unicorn Palooza, Assemble's exciting new fundraising event, on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the WBU Event Space. Unicorn Palooza reimagines traditional fundraising as a vibrant, cardboard carnival experience filled with interactive art, costumes, hands-on making, and community connection."
| | Want to share your own shoutout? Become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor! | |
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Need to miss school or work? Penguins captain Sidney Crosby very generously signed an absence slip for a student while carrying out the age-old tradition of hand delivering season tickets to local families. Don’t want to cough up cash for a ticket? You can also watch the Penguins’ training camp for free today, tomorrow, and Saturday. | | Stay frosty. |
| — Boen Wang | ✍️ City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris contributed to this newsletter. |
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