100+ Transit Riders & Workers Rally in Harrisburg to support Gov. Shapiro’s $282M funding increase to improve service in all 67 PA counties
Transit riders rallied, met with legislators, and visited the office of every House and Senate official in PA. Our message was clear: Rural and urban Pennsylvanians across our state need better service NOW!
On Tuesday, April 30th, over 100 transit riders and workers rallied on the Capitol and called on legislators to pass the first increase to transit funding at the state level in over a decade, following Governor Shapiro’s budget announcement of a proposed 1.75% increase in the sales tax allocation to the Public Transportation Trust Fund. The proposed funding increase would benefit the millions of Pennsylvanians all across the state who connect to jobs, healthcare, education, and community via fixed route and paratransit services by bringing $1.5 Billion to these systems over the next five years.
Public transit systems operate in all 67 PA counties. Whether we are black or white, whether we live in big cities, small towns, or rural communities, all Pennsylvanians deserve safe, reliable, dignified transportation to the places we need to go. Legislators recognized this message and joined us at the rally. Thanks to Lieutenant Govenor Austin Davis, Rep. Nick Pisciottano, Rep. Ben Waxman, Rep. La’Tasha D Mayes, Rep Tarik Kahn, PH.D, Rep Mary Isaacson, State Rep Paul Takac, Rep. Ed Neilson, Rep. Danilo Burgos for joining.
“Across the state, nearly 1 million Pennsylvanians’ use public transit every single day. We’re talking about young people going to school. Workers going to their jobs. Seniors going to their medical appointments and shopping. Without transit, Pennsylvania’s economy would come to a screeching halt. Investing in transit is key to our economic competitiveness and our economic future. That’s why the Governor and I have proposed a state budget that includes the first major new investment in public transit in more than a decade,” said Lt. Gov Austin Davis.
After the rally, advocates hand-delivered literature packets to the offices of 253 State Representatives and Senators explaining why they should expand transit access. Senator Costa even introduced the Transit for All PA! campaign on the Senate floor!
Help us follow up and send your elected officials in Harrisburg a letter asking them to expand transit access!
In rural counties, small towns and big cities across PA, transit riders and workers are facing catastrophic service cuts, fare hikes, and layoffs due to inadequate operating funding. This proposal provides transit agencies that provide service to every PA county with the resources to stabilize and expand service, improve the affordability of fares, and offer competitive compensation to recruit and retain the transit workforce.
“The Governor’s proposed funding increase would make a huge difference to Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) and the communities they serve. Each year, over 82,000 people utilize this bus system to go to work, school, visit family, go to the doctor, or go on vacation. Let’s face it. If you don’t own a personal vehicle, then there’s often simply no other way to get to travel from one of these places [Altoona, Johnstown, Scranton, Williamsport,etc] to the other,” said State Rep Paul Takac, who represents Centre County.
But, public transportation is essential for every walk of life. From getting people to school, work, the grocery store, doctors appointments, visiting friends, and going to community events. In fact, without public transportation, many riders wouldn’t have a way to get to essential places in their life. And, when there isn’t enough money for public transportation to run effectively, tough choices between service cuts and paying employees end up being made.
image description: Speaker and PPT Member Kelda Gorman raises her hands after delivering a speech at the t4apa rally
“When I hop on the bus, PRT has to decide between “are we going to maintain these vehicles for the safety and access of others?” or “are we going to pay our drivers so we can run them today?”, but with this funding they wouldn’t have to decide to cut service or pay to maintain and fix things that need to be fixed,” said rider Kelda Gorman from Pittsburgh.
When funding for public transportation is consistent, it helps our union workers as well to pay their salaries and health insurance, so they have job stability.
“We’re all here on the behalf of we want to protect our pensions, we want to make sure we’re getting healthcare, we need to be able to afford to pay bills and health insurance. We believe in funding fixed route service and funding our paratransit service. We need to get these people in order and their pay and wages in line, fairly, before we move on to take care of anyone else. We need to fund public transportation, in general,” said Lionel Randolph, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1436 Harrisburg and Legislative Director of the PAATU Legislative Joint Council.
Red graphic with yellow, off white and black writing, flowers, our PPT logo and a yellow bus image. Three circle frame pictures appear in the middle of the graphic.
PPT Spring Training for Members, Organizers and Activists! Saturday May 4th, 9am-3pm (with Happy Hour social time after!), at the Friends Meeting House, 4836 Ellsworth Ave.
Its springtime! And the perfect time to kick our transit just organizing up a notch by honing our existing skills, introducing new ones, and growing the network of leaders doing this work. PPT is hosting a day-long training on May 4th to do just that. AND WE WANT YOU INVOLVED!
Our 2024 PPT Organizer/Activist Spring Training will hold workshops, panels, speakers, discussions and fun social time to grow our network’s skills and build the intersectional movement for justice that we’re involved in.
We will gather at Pittsburgh Friends Meeting House for the day-long training on Saturday, May 4th from 9am-3pm. To wrap up, we will spend some social time together getting to know each other because relationships are the core of movement work and we value our time spent with you.
Spring Training Workshop Schedule, co-facilitated entirely by PPT’s Members!!
9:15-10am
A Vision for Equitable Transit Service, co-facilitated by Bo Fan and Amy Zaiss
Sustaining Yourself in Movement Organizing, co-facilitated by Fawn Walker-Montomery and Samey Jay
10:15-11am
How to Make Our Transit More Accessible, co-facilitated by Brian Hatgalatkas, Laura Perkins, and Margot Nikitas
Art Making for Movements, co-facilitated by Marcel Walker
11:15am-noon
Press Training, Amplifying our Voices Through the Media, facilitated by Patrick McGintey
Worker and Rider Solidarity, co-facilitated by Askai Singh and Marcus McKnight
1:00-1:45pm
Creating Presentations, facilitated by Dean Mougianis
Power Mapping, co-facilitated by Alley Shaw and Gabriel McMorland
2:00-2:45pm
How to Be An Ally to our Disability Constituency, co-facilitated by Alisa Grishman and Monica Still
Canvassing at Bus Stops & on Buses, co-faciliated by Ms. Teaira Colling and Connor Chapman
Save your spot by RSVP’ing to join us on May 4th, 9-3pm at the Friends Meeting House 4836 Ellsworth Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15213
Accessibility information
Space’s physical accessibility: Pittsburgh Friends Meeting House is an accessible location with an entrance ramp to the bottom level, and first floor level of the building. There are two accessible bathrooms, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor level. There is a large meeting room on the ground level and several rooms where workshops, panels, and activities will be taking place.
Getting there: Pittsburgh Friends Meeting House is located at 4836 Ellsworth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, on the 75, 71A, and 71B bus routes. The 75 lets you off at Ellsworth and Clyde, with a one minute walk to our location. The 71A lets you off at Centre Ave. and Millville Ave. with an eight minute walk to our location. The 71B lets you off at Fifth Ave. and Neville St. with a four minute walk to our location. If any of these transportation modes are cost-prohibitive for you, contact PPT to discuss options, at 551-206-3320 or info@pittsburghforpublictransit.org.
Covid procedures: Masks are encouraged indoors. We also encourage everyone to take an at-home COVID rapid test before arriving. Please stay home if you are feeling sick or have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19. There is outdoor patio and large porch out in the front of the building.
About the PPT Members who are co-facilitating our workshops
Akshai Singh
Akshai Singh, or shay (they/he), is staff for Mobility, Opportunities, and Vibrant Economy Ohio (MOVE Ohio), and a union barista and member of Starbucks Workers United. Shay helped found Clevelanders for Public Transit and is on DSA’s Green New Deal Campaign Committee as well as a board member of Transit Members of the US Together (TRUST Riders).
Alisa Grishman
Alisa Grishman is a disability activist and founder of Access Mob Pittsburgh, an advocacy group that utilizes positive approaches to making change, such as education and economic incentives. A self-described shameless agitator, Grishman has also been arrested multiple times fighting for disability rights with ADAPT, a national advocacy group. Her work has been recognized locally and nationally in such outlets as the Rachel Maddow Show, NPR, Huffington Post, Esquire Magazine, KDKA News, and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Along with her direct advocacy work, Grishman co-runs Ballots for Patients and Care to Vote, sister efforts that respectively collect emergency absentee ballots from hospitalized peoples on election day and work with nursing and personal care homes to help residents register to vote and fill out ballots. In her free time, Grishman enjoys knitting and collecting antique books. She lives in the Uptown neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA.
Aly Shaw
Aly Shaw is a Research Analyst working in the state power mapping program at LittleSis. She works with activists and base building groups around the country to conduct power research on corporations, billionaires, and rightwing groups. Based in Pittsburgh, she previously spent 8 years as an environmental justice organizer at Pittsburgh UNITED and labor organizer at UFCW Local 1776. Over the years she has led campaigns to prevent the privatization of Pittsburgh’s water system, to make drinking water safer and more affordable, and organized grocery store workers to win higher wages and safer working conditions during the COVID 19 pandemic. She received her BA in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master’s in Public Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.
Amy Zaiss
Amy Zaiss has been a transit rider and cyclist all of her life, having lived car-free for the past fifteen years in five major cities. Her strong belief that better public transportation improves the quality of life for everyone led her to join Pittsburghers for Public Transit shortly after moving to the area in 2021. She contributed to PPT’s Represent Our Routes Report – a comprehensive analysis of the state of transit in Pittsburgh at the district level. Though it was her first introduction to speaking with elected representatives, it was not her last. She continues to stay involved with PPT and holds a leadership position in Pro-Housing Pittsburgh. When she’s not volunteering, you might spot her around town riding her e-bike.
Bo Fan
Mobility data worker turned advocate. They are a community researcher with Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Abolitionist Law Center, and the coveillance counter-surveillance collective. They are now the Pittsburgh Data Justice Project Coordinator at Urbankind.
Brian Hatgelakas
Brian has been an ACCESS and PRT transit user since his college days. He believes that we can improve on-time transit and strengthen ACCESS services by allowing riders to make same-day trips. Brian has been a PPT member since 2022.
Connor Chapman
Connor Chapman is a PPT member and is an active member of PPT’s organizing committee. Connor is graduate worker pursuing a PhD in sociology at the University of Pittsburgh and is also a volunteer labor organizer on the Pitt Grad Union campaign.
Dean Mougianis
Dean Mougianis has been a media producer for fifty years and an educator for thirty years. As a producer, writer, video editor and motion graphic artist, Dean has worked with a wide range of projects and clients, both commercial and non-profit. In the nineteen seventies was among the group of people who put community radio station WYEP on the air and served as an early station manager As an educator Dean has taught courses and workshops in various aspects of video production from beginner to advanced for Pittsburgh Filmmakers, as well as local colleges and unviersities. An early convert to digital media, Dean now specializes in teaching motion graphics and animation.
Fawn Walker-Montgomery
Fawn Walker Montgomery is a community leader, healer, activist, and consultant who is deeply committed to supporting her community, advocating for social justice, promoting Black Liberation, and advancing racial equality. She’s the principal consultant at Fawn Walker Montgomery Consulting and CEO/Co- Founder at Take Action Advocacy Group (TAAG). Fawn has extensive experience in public service and human services. She served two terms as a councilwoman in McKeesport and made history as the first Black woman to run for a State seat in the Mon Valley without a major party endorsement. Fawn’s mental and physical health suffered significantly as a result of years of hard work. After bravely facing a life-threatening battle with endometriosis in the public eye, she decided to start a blog. The purpose of her blog was to raise awareness about holistic natural remedies, such as herbalism, and the healing power of ancestral connections. Additionally, she shed light on the injustices faced by Black women in the medical field. She has a strong belief in using community organizing to push for change.
Gabriel McMorland
As Casa San Jose’s Human Rights Organizer, Laura Perkins is on-call 24/7 to respond to immigration and police detentions in southwest Pennsylvania. With the goal of a Pittsburgh region that is safe for all immigrants, Laura runs monthly new arrival orientations, Know Your Rights sessions, a jail visitation program, and legal clinics. She coordinates the Fondo Solidario, which pays immigration bonds and loans money to victims of workplace violations. Before working at Casa San Jose, Laura did human rights work in Honduras and Nicaragua, throughout two political crises. In her free time, you can find Laura legally observing protests, playing ultimate frisbee, and looking for window cats.
Laura Perkins
As Casa San Jose’s Human Rights Organizer, Laura Perkins is on-call 24/7 to respond to immigration and police detentions in southwest Pennsylvania. With the goal of a Pittsburgh region that is safe for all immigrants, Laura runs monthly new arrival orientations, Know Your Rights sessions, a jail visitation program, and legal clinics. She coordinates the Fondo Solidario, which pays immigration bonds and loans money to victims of workplace violations. Before working at Casa San Jose, Laura did human rights work in Honduras and Nicaragua, throughout two political crises. In her free time, you can find Laura legally observing protests, playing ultimate frisbee, and looking for window cats.
Marcel Walker
As Casa San Jose’s Human Rights Organizer, Laura Perkins is on-call 24/7 to respond to immigration and police detentions in southwest Pennsylvania. With the goal of a Pittsburgh region that is safe for all immigrants, Laura runs monthly new arrival orientations, Know Your Rights sessions, a jail visitation program, and legal clinics. She coordinates the Fondo Solidario, which pays immigration bonds and loans money to victims of workplace violations. Before working at Casa San Jose, Laura did human rights work in Honduras and Nicaragua, throughout two political crises. In her free time, you can find Laura legally observing protests, playing ultimate frisbee, and looking for window cats.
Marcus McKnight
Marcus McKnight is a lifelong resident of the Logan neighborhood of Philadelphia with over 15 years of experience both working in the transit industry and advocating for better public transit. He has past experience working at SEPTA in the planning and customer service sectors. He has served as the chairperson of SEPTA’s Youth Advisory Council and was a part of a team that was instrumental in restoring all night subway service in Philadelphia. He is currently a schoolteacher, transit operator and cofounder of the Philly Transit Riders Union which is an advocacy organization that highlights the viewpoints of transit riders and transit employees.
Margot Nikitas
Margot Nikitas is an activist and labor union attorney based in Pittsburgh.
Monica Still
Monica Albert Still, RN, BSN is an adult with Spina Bifida who is proud to be among the first generation of kids with SB on the threshold of Senior Citizenship. Monica spent most of her life in Connecticut. She has spent her nursing career keeping people in the community. Working her way from client care in the home to starting two Home Health Care Agencies as the administrator, she decided to take on a new challenge. After 30 years in nursing, she has now turned her focus to the advocacy part of nursing and serving her community on a broader level. She is involved in advocacy at the local, state and national levels. Monica currently serves as a board member of Access Mob Pittsburgh. She is honored to serve as the secretary of the board for Disability Rights PA, chair fior the Mental Health Advisory Council and member of the CT Health Law Project board. She is on the planning committee for Disability Pride Pittsburgh. She is also a founding member of the SBA Adult Advisory Council and continues to serve to this day as well as serving on various other committees. She combines care with advocacy.
Patrick McGinty
Patrick McGinty is an English professor at Slippery Rock University and serves on the statewide executive committee of his faculty union (APSCUF). His debut novel Test Drive depicts life for workers in Pittsburgh’s driverless car sector.
Samey Jay
Samey Jay is a passionate organizer invigorated by her early experiences during the Occupy movement and her working-class background, she believes that our activism must be accessible, impactful to, and most importantly, grassroots-led. She was a founding member of Fight Back Pittsburgh, a community-labor affiliate organization of the United Steelworkers local 3657. Samey has developed digital organizing strategies and communications for local campaigns around Affordable Housing, Environmental, Racial, and Economic Justice, and has coordinated marshalls and volunteers for marches and public demonstrations around Pittsburgh for over 6 years. Samey’s activism is informed by intersectional ideals that prioritize wellness above all else. Samey now works for Thomas Merton Center as a community organizer.
Teaira Collins
Teaira Collins is a lifelong transit rider, a Hazelwood community leader, a mother and foster mother, and now a grandmother to six grandchildren. he is very active in the community, volunteering with The Mission Continues to help veterans and with the Hazelwood Family Support Center to uplift young mothers. Ms. Teaira also runs her own non-profit to advocate for those like her son Judah and other famlies with children who have Down Syndrome, and fundraises for the National Kidney Foundation to help research related to her daughter’s health.
PPT’s Spring Training was developed by members and will be delivered by members! There is so much knowledge in our crew – come join us Saturday, 5/4 from 9am-3pm at the Friends Meeting House 4836 Ellsworth Ave to bloom with the PPT fam!
Image description: More than a dozen people stand on a staircase smiling and holding signs reading “All in Allegheny” and “Reliable, Modern Transportation and Infrastructure” with County Executive Sara Innamorato in the center.
Transit riders and workers are setting the agenda and continuing to work toward our goals
This past week, new County Executive Sara Innamorato completed her first 100 Days in office, posted the results of the Countywide All-In Allegheny survey of resident needs and priorities, and launched her Administration’s All-In Action Plan, which lays out the County’s agenda for the next few years.
In November 2023, Pittsburghers for Public Transit’s Executive Director Laura Chu Wiens was named a Co-Chair of new County Executive Sara Innamorato’s Transition Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure. Over the last several months, Laura facilitated the committee’s members, which also included PPT member Alisa Grishman and ATU Local 85 President Business Agent Ross Nicotero, in developing and sharing the All in Allegheny survey. This survey was the most expansive and inclusive outreach effort in our County’s history.
The results? More than 18,000 Allegheny County residents overwhelmingly named affordable, reliable public transit as top priority for the new ACE Administration.
Allegheny County residents identified having a low-income transit fare program as critical to addressing the needs of workers, placing it as a #2 priority for workforce needs in the survey of more than 18,000 Allegheny County respondents.
Under the broad topic of infrastructure, survey respondents also selected affordable, reliable public transportation options as a the #2 priority overall. Residents living in the City of Pittsburgh and immediate surrounds, and those between the ages of 18-44, placed it as their top choice. Importantly, those that selected public transportation as their highest infrastructure priority were also those that had access to a baseline quality of bus service or the T; in other words, residents reliably see the value of public transportation if it’s made available to them.
The All In Action Plan that County Executive Innamorato published on her 100th Day in office is now live. While it makes mention of some transit rider priorities- launching the permanent low-income fare program (but at a 50% discount), expanding language access on transit, expanding transit-oriented development and housing affordability, and asking Pittsburgh Regional Transit to consider adding a service expansion plan to its Bus Network redesign process- there is much more that we expect to achieve with this new Administration. In early 2023, transit riders developed the list of demands for the County Executive, which we will continue to elevate as part of this year’s #VoteTransit bucket of our annual Strategic Plan.
Transit riders and workers with Pittsburghers for Public Transit will continue to organize towards these six important goals over the course of County Executive’s tenure:
For Equitable and Expanded Transit Funding(like supporting the statewide increase to transit funding for service, and launching a PRT Bulk Discount Employer Pass Program)
For Fully Accessible Transit, including for Disability and language access.
For Policies Ensuring High-Quality Affordable Housing near High-Quality Transit
For Reliable, Expanded Transit Service
To work with PRT to ramp up its recruitment strategy and incentives, and speak with transit workers to address morale so that workers feel supported in the role.
To address the historic schedule unreliability by ensuring that PRT schedulers provide adequate run time for transit operators to get to their stops.
In just these last few months, there has been a clear and positive shift in the level of collaboration between the office of the County Executive, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, and PPT. With a transit champion in County Executive Innamorato, we look forward to advancing transit rider priorities over the next few years– and meeting our region’s economic, environmental and equity needs at the same time!
image description: a blue, yellow and white graphic with a bus logo in the top left corner. It shares the zoom meeting info for the PRT bus network redesign meeting on April 16 from 5:30-7:00 pm, and says that meeting video and materials will be posted on the project website.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation process of rewriting the transit network through their “Bus Line Redesign” project. This is a BIG DEAL.
This is a big deal because it will decide what communities the bus network will serve, how frequently the buses will run, and at what times of day and week– for a very long time. If you have ideas about how transit service should be changed to serve different communities or at different times, or have ideas about what transit service is working well (!) then you should weigh in!
Check out PRT’s website, where they share a lot of really interesting and valuable data about how our transit system works and who it serves (and doesn’t serve). They also share the data and feedback received in in-person outreach and through their online survey in the first round of engagement this Fall. You can find that information here (and take a good look at the documents and links towards the bottom of the page): https://engage.rideprt.org/buslineredesign/buslineredesign-home
Uplift our call for PRT to develop a “visionary” transit network during this Bus Network Redesign– an expansion plan for transit service, rather than just putting forward “cost-neutral” transit service alternatives. In the last 20 years, 37% of our total transit service in the region has been cut, and that has resulted in fewer routes, less frequent service, and service that runs for a shorter time span everyday. If PRT just develops a “cost-neutral” transit service plan, they will end up taking away the limited service that remains in some communities to add to others– and we’re tired of negotiating for crumbs! Everyone in Allegheny County deserves access to baseline quality transit service as a human right. With a plan for service expansion, our elected leaders and the public can get behind the fight for making it real.
What We’re Seeing:
We want to give lots of credit to Pittsburgh Regional Transit for doing such a deep analysis of the current system, and sharing this excellent data identifying trends with post-pandemic ridership. We also want to give some big ups to PRT for holding a lot of in-person feedback sessions in communities around the County, and for soliciting feedback from transit operators, who are experts in the system.
Broadly, we agree that there should be more neighborhood connections and crosstown routes, and shifting service to better serve off-peak hours and weekends rather than concentrating service 9-5 pm downtown commuters. We strongly agree with PRT’s work identifying and prioritizing communities that are currently underserved but have a higher likelihood of taking transit if it’s provided.
A few areas of concern that we see:
We want to know what specific metrics are going to define success for this bus line redesign. For instance, will the new transit network yield increased ridership overall and fewer car drivers, expanded access to jobs (ie. a 15% increase in the number of jobs within a 30 min transit commute of Northview Heights), more satisfied transit riders, reductions in transportation emissions in the County, or shorter commute times for marginalized communities to access critical services like hospitals and grocery stores? PRT’s website has project goals like “simplify the bus network” and “ensure that the bus network continues to promote safety,” which feel too abstract to be able to evaluate the success of the network redesign. Those particular project goals may also yield outcomes harmful to riders.
Riders cannot wait until a new network is implemented to have reliable schedules. Unreliable schedules are due to bad scheduling, not issues with the route design. PRT needs to provide adequate run time for transit operators to be able to get to the stops when they are scheduled. If PRT cannot fix this issue with the current schedule, with all of the real-time data that they have on route timing, then it will not be fixed with the new bus network design, either. It is worth noting that transit operators again raised this issue in their feedback.
The online survey results for the first round of public engagement are not representative of public transit rider demographics, and so the results of that survey should be reviewed with a grain of salt. PRT does a good job breaking down the demographic data in the appendix, but it is important to read the report with an understanding that the data overrepresents higher income white women.
There is a lot more for the public to unpack in the information that is shared on the PRT website and in the online public meeting, and that’s why we need you!
And uplift our call for PRT to develop a “visionary” transit network during this Bus Network Redesign– an expansion plan for transit service, rather than just putting forward “cost-neutral” transit service alternatives. We want frequent service AND service that runs to all our communities. We want buses that run early in the morning to get us to church, and buses that run late to bring us home from our second shift at the hospital. Transit riders are not going to negotiate against each other, because all of our needs are important.
We want to hear from you! What do you see as needs in the upcoming Bus Line Redesign?
image description: a collage of photos of transit riders and workers from across PA taking action for improved transportation options.
Join this pre-rally meeting to connect with transit riders and transit workers from across the state to talk about the critical importance of transit for all Pennsylvania! Help us shape our messaging for the rally on April 30th and determine which Elected Officials we need to turn up the heat on.
Learn more about the Mo’ Money! Mo’ Service! rally to push for the Governor’s proposed $282M for increased transit service in all 67 PA counties!
image description: Spencer poses for a professional black and white headshot with a dark shirt against a white brick wall.
Meet Spencer Jackson! PPT’s newest intern, and a Pittsburgh-based Graphic Designer. Learn a little more about Spencer by reading his bio and some interview answers below:
Spencer is a seasoned graphic design professional skilled in innovation consulting and brand development. With a sharp eye for detail and a flair for creativity, he consistently delivers exceptional design solutions across industries. At RMU’s Massey Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Spencer collaborates with leadership to drive projects aligned with strategic goals, exceeding client expectations with visually captivating designs within tight deadlines.
Through his business, Cer J. Design, Spencer enhances brand recognition by crafting distinctive logos, staying updated on industry trends and utilizing cutting-edge design software. His diverse roles, including Graphic Designer at Robert Morris University and Boosted, showcase his versatility in print and digital design, consistently resonating with target audiences and contributing to project success.
Spencer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Robert Morris University, equipped with expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite. Recipient of accolades like the Bow Tie Award and RMU Signature Leadership Award, Spencer’s dedication to excellence and proven ability to translate concepts into compelling visuals make him an asset to any design-centric endeavor.
Time for a little Q&A with Spencer!
Q: What’s your experience with Pittsburgh transit? What routes have you ridden during different parts of your life? How has the system changed for you?
A: Throughout my life, I have ridden the 31 and 41. Coming from where I live, we only have the Washington Transit Authority Bus (Freedom Transit).
Q: What inspired you to pursue Graphic Design?
A: I’ve always been drawn to the power of visual communication. Whether it’s through branding, logos, or graphics, I believe design has the ability to convey messages and evoke emotions in ways that words alone cannot.
Q: As a graphic designer, how do you collaborate with organizations like Pittsburghers for Public Transit (PPT) to ensure that design solutions align with their advocacy goals and resonate with transit riders and workers?
A: Collaboration is key to creating impactful design solutions that meet the needs of advocacy organizations like Pittsburghers for Public Transit (PPT). By actively listening to their goals, understanding their target audience, and involving them in the design process, we can co-create visually compelling materials that effectively communicate their message. Regular feedback loops, iterative design revisions, and a shared commitment to the cause ensure that design solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically aligned with advocacy objectives.
Q: As an Innovation Consultant at the Massey Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, how do you balance creativity with strategic objectives?
A: In my role, I collaborate closely with leadership to ensure that design projects align with strategic goals. While creativity is essential, it’s important to also consider the broader objectives and audience preferences to deliver impactful designs.
Q: Tell us about your venture, Cer J. Design, and how you craft compelling visual identities for clients.
A:Cer J. Design is a strategic design firm that bridges branding and strategy to create timeless and impactful brands. We specialize in crafting brand identities that resonate with audiences, fostering lasting connections and driving sustained success in the marketplace.
Q: What is your favorite music?
A: Music is my lifeline. My music taste is all over the place but that’s good for me. My music ranges from reggae to lofi/alternative music. Some of my favorite artists include:
Cautious Clay
Jungle
Little Dragon
Mereba
Bob & Damian Marley
Work with Spencer this spring along with the other PPT Members who are shaping the narrative about the power of transit riders by signing up for the Communications Committee today!
image description: Flyer for the Transit for All PA! Rally and Lobby Day on April 30th has the title” “Mo’ Money! Mo’ Service!” with the Transit for All PA! logo, a textbox that reads “Rally + Lobby Day!” and a passport stamp that says “April 30, 2024 Harrisburg Join Us!” with a photo of a transit advocate who has their fist raised in the air
Transit Rider+Worker Rally in Harrisburg on April 30th will urge state politicians to connect our communities and pass the first increase to transit funding in over a decade – Join us!
Whether we are black or white, whether we live in big cities, small towns, or rural communities, all Pennsylvanians deserve safe, reliable, dignified transportation to the places we need to go.
But for years, partisan political in-fighting has kept us from reliable public transport systems to get us to our healthcare, jobs, schools and homes.
Grassroots advocacy from Pennsylvania transit riders and transit workers has urged the Governor to propose a state budget that includes the first increase to public transit funding in over a decade! But this proposal won’t become law until it passes the House and Senate.
Now its time to turn up the pressure! With a proposed $282 million to fund improved transit in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, transit riders and transit workers are heading to the PA Capitol on April 30th. We are going to let our elected officials know what expanded transit would mean for us and our communities – and we need you to join us!
By raising our voices together across race and place, we can win the transit improvements Pennsylvanians deserve. You can take action to expand affordable, reliable community transportation options by sending this letter to your elected representatives and joining us for the Harrisburg Lobby Day on April 30th – RSVP Today! (lunch will be provided to all in-person RSVPs)
Accessibility information
What to expect:
Attendees will join dozens of other transit riders, transit workers, and supportive elected officials from across the state at a press conference and rally in the central rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capital in Harrisburg. Speakers will tell stories about the importance of transit in their lives and communities and call on elected officials to champion the Governor’s proposed transit funding increase. After the press conference, attendees will have the opportunity to join small groups that will hold meetings with their individual elected officials to urge them to support expanded funding for transit. Lunch will be provided free to all event RSVPs.
Transportation
Transportation is being coordinated by region, so attendees should check the box on the RSVP form if they would like to join the group traveling from their region. Organizers will reach out to you to coordinate further. If you want to reach out to staff, you can email info@pittsburghforpublictransit.org.
Food and water
Snacks and bottled water will be available for attendees throughout the event. After the press conference and rally attendees will eat lunch in the Capitol Building’s cafeteria. See their menu and weekly specials on their facebook page. All rally attendees who RSVP on this page’s form will have their lunch cost covered by Transit for All PA!.
Accessibility:
Any accessibility needs that you share in the RSVP form will stay private with the planning staff. Accessibility needs for transportation will be shared with the people coordinating transportation to Harrisburg from your region. The Capitol Building is challenging to navigate. See the maps and info for wheelchair accessibility on the PA Capitol Building’s webpage.
COVID procedures:
We encourage everyone to take an at-home COVID rapid test before arriving. Please stay home if you are feeling sick or have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for those who need them. There is outdoor space available around the Capitol Building’s campus.
image description: PPT Organizing Committee poses under a street sign for “Transit Way” during their Homewood bush shelter audit
PPT Members Organize for Transit Streets with the Renewed Complete Streets Advisory Group
PPT members have been organizing for accessible and safe transit streets for several years now, beginning with the Pittsburgh mayoral race of 2021, and with specific policy goals outlined in the Pittsburgh 100 Day Transit Platform. Last fall, PPT won one of our central demands, which was to restart the City’s Complete Streets Advisory Group, as a formal space for members of the transit community and disability community to lift up equitable pedestrian and transit access needs.
The context: The City of Pittsburgh committed to the creation of the Complete Streets Advisory Group (CSAG) with the passage of the Complete Streets Policy in 2016. For several years, there was an active CSAG with members of the public and disability community, and which developed the City’s critical Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, but this group lapsed in 2019. One critical obligation that the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) never fulfilled during this time was reporting to Pittsburgh City Council on a biannual basis on the State of Mobility in the City, and sharing the City’s progress in building safe and accessible pedestrian, transit and cycling infrastructure.
PPT’s role in CSAG: PPT staff organizer Nicole Gallagher and PPT members Gabriel McMorland, Alisa Grishman, Dean Mougianis, Hannah Dean, Bernadette Mosey and Gina Anderson have been invited to join the Complete Streets Advisory Group, and over the last six months, have been supporting staff at DOMI to focus more on public transit’s role in moving the residents of our City. These PPT members have also been regularly meeting with other members of the PPT organizing committee to identify opportunities for more dignified, safe, and accessible street infrastructure like sidewalks, bus shelters, and bus priority lanes in our City.
Organizing for equitable transit-improving infrastructure is one of the five major campaign buckets in PPT’s 2024 Strategic Plan. We recently wrapped up our bus shelter audits, but if organizing for equitable infrastructure like expanded and connected sidewalks and more transit shelters is important to you, then join PPT’s Organizing Committee to help inform our work at the Complete Streets Advisory Group!
One of the first tasks that the restarted Complete Streets Advisory Group was charged with was to review the DOMI’s outstanding Biennial Report on the State of Mobility in the City of Pittsburgh, in advance of its presentation to City Council. You can watch DOMI’s presentation and read the report here.
We applaud the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure for compiling important data around the critical roles that transit, walking and biking plays for residents of this City, and laying out the investments in pedestrian, transit and bicycle infrastructure that have been made in the last several years. This transparency is welcome and helpful for residents to both understand how these resources are being expended, what barriers exist to more equitable infrastructure, and where more attention should be paid.
The data revealed the challenges that lie ahead for the City of Pittsburgh. One disheartening finding in The Crash Trend Analysis revealed that transit riders are some of the most vulnerable road users. However, we are encouraged to see that the City’s traffic calming projects are working to reduce these tragic fatalities.
image description: a screenshot of a slide from DOMI’s Complete Streets report says: “Vulnerable Road User Crash Trends. Post-COVID VRU (vulnerable road users). Crashes are increasing across all categories: 39% VRU Crash. 110% Bicycle crash. 29% Pedestrian Crash”. 46% Increase in the Justice 40 communities. VRU indicates that the crash included both a motor vehicle AND a pedestrian, pedestrian conveyance (wheelchair, scooter, skateboard, etc) bicyclist (not including e-bikes), or other pedal-cyclist. Most of these crashes are occurring near Local Neighborhood Commercial Zones.”
What PPT continues to advocate for
We continue to encourage the City of Pittsburgh to invest more in transit and sidewalks, so that the resources of the City are allocated in balance with the use of each mode. Two important first steps that PPT put forward in the Pittsburgh 100 Day Transit Platform, and which were lifted up in Mayor Gainey’s Transition Plan (p. 98 and p.100) would be to develop a Pittsburgh Transit Plan (like that of the City of Philadelphia), to relocate the 20+ Bus Shelters that are currently located at defunct transit stops in the City, and to create a Sidewalk Fund that developers would pay into, which could be used to address critical pedestrian access gaps.
Join us in organizing for the City of Pittsburgh to be a Transit City, with all the equitable, safe, accessible infrastructure that we deserve! Connected sidewalks and quality transit reduces congestion, improves air quality, allows for denser, more amenity-rich neighborhoods, giving all of our communities the opportunity to thrive.
The good news is that this is the type of work that only needs to get done every 30-40 years… …the bad news is that it’s finally time for PRT to do this work on the Red Line and it will continue until 2028.
PRT did a great job at their first public meeting on 3/21. 80 people showed up in-person at the St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Beechview. Folks obviously had some big concerns and a lot of questions because we face 3 months of a total Red Line closure this summer, and years of delays and construction.
Beechview is a heavily Latino neighborhood, so people need to hear information and ask questions in both Spanish and English. PRT handled the bilingual interpretation of the meeting very well. We’re excited to see this as its been a demand of ours for years, and we hope its the beginning of a new more-accessible chapter at the agency.
PRT also had some important information to help alleviate some of the rider concerns: the replacement shuttles will be on a regular schedule throughout the day, there will be dedicated bus operators assigned to the route, the shuttles will be visible on the True Time app so people can see when the next one is coming, and Beechview residents will have a shuttle run down Broadway Ave. This was a positive start to the conversation, and PRT needs to stay responsive to rider concerns throughout this entire process.
We’re still looking forward to hearing more details about the project. Riders need to stay organized and attentive to ensure PRT is doing all it can to provide good service for its riders. Riders can learn more about PRT’s Red Line construction project with this map of the Red Line replacement shuttles that will run from the end of June to the end of August this summer.
image description: map from PRT that shows the Red Line replacement shuttle routes, that are detailed in the press release below.
Press release from PRT released March 19th, 2024:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 19, 2024) – Pittsburgh Regional Transit next month will embark on an ambitious, multi-year rehabilitation effort by investing more than $150 million to bolster the safety, reliability, and longevity of our region’s light-rail infrastructure, the agency announced today.
PRT will combine multiple projects that were initially intended to be completed separately to streamline operations, maximize efficiency, and minimize disruptions while enhancing the overall reliability and safety of this critical transit corridor.
The projects include expanding an ongoing effort to repair the concrete rail foundations in the downtown subway tunnels; replacing more than 10,000 feet of light-rail track and four grade crossings in Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Beechview, and inside the Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Washington Transit Tunnels; reconstructing Belasco Station in Beechview; upgrading Station Square and Dormont Junction light-rail stations;, and rehabilitating the Panhandle Bridge, the 1.2-mile span that takes light rail cars over the Monongahela River near Station Square.
Many of the projects are fully funded. PRT will continue to seek funding for those that are not.
“These projects are an important investment in our region’s future,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “By fortifying our light-rail system, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more reliable foundation for years to come.”
PRT will join community members at a meeting in Beechview to discuss these projects and how they will impact riders at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Broadway Avenue.
An online meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. A presentation at both meetings will include an overview of all projects.
For anyone unable to attend either meeting, the presentation will be available at www.rideprt.org/rail24 (this page will not be live until later this week).
The first project will begin with the closure of the light-rail system between Steel Plaza and Gateway stations in downtown Pittsburgh for about seven weeks immediately following the Pirates home opener on April 5.
The projects will continue consecutively through 2028. As one project ends, another will begin. Some will present only minor travel delays to riders while others will close portions of the light rail system and require significant detours.
Full project timelines and service information, including detours, will be announced as we approach additional project milestones:
PLINTH WORK: April 5 – May 30, 2024
PRT will expand the repairs and replacement of the plinth, the concrete beam upon which the light rail tracks sit in the downtown subway tunnels, to seven-days a week. This work has been occurring on-and-off on weekends only since late 2022.
During this project, rail cars coming from the South Hills will serve First Avenue and Steel Plaza stations before continuing to Penn Station, the otherwise inactive rail station located across the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway from The Pennsylvanian.
Riders traveling to Gateway, North Side or Allegheny stations can exit rail vehicles at Penn Station and board a free shuttle bus to Gateway Station. From Gateway, riders can board a rail car to North Side and Allegheny stations.
From Allegheny Station, rail cars will serve North Side and Gateway stations. Riders continuing toward the South Hills should exit rail cars at Gateway, board a shuttle bus from the temporary stop outside the station, and travel to Penn Station, where they can board a rail car to the South Hills.
There will be no bus shuttles on May 4 and 5 due to the Pittsburgh Marathon and related events; on May 18 due to Open Streets; and on May 19 due to the UPMC Rush to Crush Cancer bike ride.
After May 30, the work will continue some weekends through the summer. An additional multi-week closure to complete the work will likely be required in 2025.
May 17 – June 15, 2024
Rail cars will single-track on between St. Anne Station and Willow Station while crews replace the tracks at Willow Street.
June 16 – July 14, 2024
Rail cars will single-track on the Red Line between Overbrook Junction and Dormont Junction while crews replace the tracks at Alfred Street.
June 16 – August 31, 2024
The Red Line will be closed from Overbrook Junction to South Hills Junction to accommodate several rail projects. During this closure, all Red Line trips will be detoured via the Blue Line and will be renamed “Blue Line” to avoid confusion.
PRT will operate two new temporary bus routes to cover this area:
The 42-Potomac will operate every 30 minutes (every 20 minutes from 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.) from Potomac Station to Station Square via Route 19.
The 37-Castle Shannon will operate every 30 minutes from Castle Shannon Station to Station Square via Castle Shannon Boulevard and Route 19.
These temporary bus routes will be included in PRT’s regular schedules and viewable in PRT’s and third-party real-time applications.
PRT will also operate a rail shuttle between Dormont Junction and Overbrook Junction to allow riders to travel south to Overbrook Junction and transfer to the Blue Line at Willow to board any inbound light-rail car to downtown Pittsburgh or outbound rail car to South Hills Village.
2025
The Mt. Washington Transit Tunnel will be closed for several months while the rail within the tunnel is replaced. Rail cars and buses will detour via the tracks that run through Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood. The exact schedule for this project will be announced later this year.
2026
PRT will replace the tracks inside the Mt. Lebanon Transit Tunnel. This work is expected start in 2026.
2026-2028
The Panhandle Bridge will be rehabilitated for the first time in about 40 years. This work is expected to start in 2026 and will take approximately 30 months to complete.
Station Square and Dormont Junction Light-Rail Station Rehabilitation
Designs are expected to be complete by the end of 2024, although there is currently no estimated timeline for either of these projects as they are not yet fully funded.
Riders with questions are encouraged to contact Customer Service by calling 412-442-2000 on Twitter @PghTransitCare or via live chat at www.ridePRT.org.
Red Line Construction Project + Public Meeting News Recap
image description: left side of the graphic reads “Transit Workers and Transit Riders Deservve Better Schedules, Better Service, Better Days”. Right side of the graphic has illustration of riders hold signs standing behind a transit worker
Bad schedules steal time from transit workers and transit riders.
Take part in Transit Worker Appreciation Day by advocating for better scheduling at PRT. Share your story about how better schedules could mean better days for riders and workers:
image description: photo of bus with a quote from a Bus Operator on the 82, “82 is overcrowded all the time because its one of the few direct downtown routes since PRT cut the 61s and 71s, and the schedules don’t accommodate all the riders that now rely on this route.”image description: photo of bus with a quote from a Bus Operator on the 6, “On the 6, they added 6 minutes to the inbounded but took 5 minutes from the outbound. And you have to walk 200 yards to the bathroom and back, but no time.”image description: photo of a bus with a quote from a Bus Operator on the 54, “The schedule gives operators on the 54, from Polish Hill to Oakland 21 minutes, but from Oakland to Polish Hill on the same route is 13 minutes. That makes us late and kills our layover time.”image description: photo of a bus with a quote from a Bus Operator on the 61c, “Schedules have been changing all the time with construction all over the place. The best improvement would be with communication of detouring to the public.”
