BIG CHANGES are being proposed to our transit system! We need to organize together to make a system that works for all.
Whether you live in McKeesport or McKees Rocks, the Hill District or the South Hills, our public transit system needs to work for everyone.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) just released the first draft of the “Bus Line Redesign”. The redesign proposes a completely redrawn map of where transit routes will run. It includes new schedules for how frequently and how late at night buses and trains operate. It even proposes renaming all the routes in the system.
Broadly, we at Pittsburghers for Public Transit are approaching the Bus Line Redesign process both knowing that transit service needs to be improved for people in Allegheny County AND being cautious about whats included in the proposal.
We are cautious for two reasons. One, the agency is approaching the redesign as a “cost neutral” project. This means that the proposal contains the same (or a little less) service than we have today. A “cost-neutral” redesign is a problem because better transit service in some communities will mean worse service in others. When we consider that we’ve already lost 20% of our service since 2020, and 40% since 2000, we’re very concerned that a “cost-neutral redesign” will lock in lower levels of service. We know more service isn’t possible without more funding, which is why we are organizing with riders and workers across Pennsylvania to fight for increased transit funding – you should lean more about the Transit for All PA! campaign and join us as well!
The second reason we are cautious is because we know a redesign of nearly all routes, stops and schedules will be a major disruption for communities. This should be a cause for concern because any disruption could result in decreased ridership – no matter how small. This is understandable because people have built their entire lives – where they live, work, shop, socialize – around a system that’s existed in roughly the same layout for decades.
As transit advocates, we approach PRT’s Bus Network Redesign process with the belief that a redesign should increase people’s access to the system and better support marginalized communities. We’re also supporting a robust conversation with existing riders to give feedback – and then that PRT shows us that our feedback matters! We can create a redesign that works for all if we organize together. Make sure to sign-on with fellow transit advocates to support this vision.
Sign this petition to tell PRT that we need a Bus Line Redesign that works for all!
PRT has proposed changes to nearly every route, stop, every schedule. These are the most substantial changes proposed in our lifetime. Tens of thousands of people who use the system every day will be impacted. Some communities will get cut out from service, while others will receive new service. With changes this big, it is critical that PRT do deep and sustained public outreach and have a process for incorporating what people say.
Learn more about the PRT’s proposed Bus Line Design and give your input today!
PRT has the Bus Line Redesign draft up on their website, and has some tools that you can use to assess the ways that your trips and neighborhood will be impacted here. Take a look, and share your feedback with them (and us!) we consider how we respond to this
PRT is also holding several Bus Line Redesign feedback sessions online and across the County. You should join them and promote them to your network.