Smart Moves

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) has proposed a major redesign of its bus routes for the first time in over a decade. The "Bus Line Redesign" aims to improve efficiency by reducing stops and enhancing connections to jobs, hospitals, and stores. Notably, some routes will offer direct service without requiring transfers downtown, in Oakland, or to the airport. PRT is seeking public feedback on the draft, with plans to finalize the proposal by spring and implement changes in 2026.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking public feedback on its proposed bus route redesign, which aims to reduce routes from 95 to 77, add 19 new routes, and establish 20 transit hubs across Allegheny County. The redesign, the first in over a decade, responds to changing travel patterns post-pandemic, focusing on increased service to job sites and neighborhoods. Public comments can be submitted online, and community meetings are scheduled in various locations this week.

PennDOT is preparing for winter with new safety laws and equipment funded by Governor Josh Shapiro's budget. Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized the importance of safety for travelers and urged the public to prepare their vehicles. New green lights on vehicles will enhance visibility. With a budget of over $186 million, PennDOT has 4,700 workers and 728,000 tons of salt ready for winter operations. Travelers can access real-time information about road conditions and plow truck locations at www.511PA.com.

Pennsylvania, led by Gov. Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, repaired the most poor-condition bridges in the U.S. last year, according to the FHWA. In 2023, over 200 bridges were repaired or replaced, reducing the number of poor-condition bridges by 90. The administration is continuing its infrastructure efforts with over 300 bridge projects underway in 2024.

PennDOT and safety partners urge drivers to be vigilant for deer on roads during autumn, a peak time for deer movement. In 2023, Pennsylvania reported 6,315 deer-related crashes, leading to 1,223 injuries and 23 fatalities. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and be cautious, especially at dawn and dusk. If involved in a deer crash, assess the situation and contact police if necessary. For dead deer removal on state roads, call 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

The Commercial Street Bridge on the Parkway East will be replaced in July 2026, necessitating a month-long closure of the parkway. This project aims to prevent four years of lane closures due to the aging bridge, which carries 100,000 vehicles daily. A new steel bridge with a Delta design will be constructed alongside the existing structure, which will then be demolished and replaced. Traffic will be detoured during the closure, and both Commercial Street and the Nine Mile Run Trail will be rerouted. Cleanup and restoration will follow the bridge installation.

The Glenwood Bridge in Pittsburgh will close for concrete repairs from 6 p.m. Oct. 13 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 for southbound traffic, and from 6 p.m. Oct. 20 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 for northbound traffic as part of a $4.4 million preservation project. The project, which began on March 4, 2024, has already reduced the bridge to two lanes. Pittsburgh Regional Transit will detour affected bus routes. The project is expected to conclude in November.

The article highlights the reopening of Spring Garden Road in Reserve Township, which had been closed for construction. A significant aspect of this reopening is the resumption of services by Pittsburgh Regional Transit, which operates the 7-Spring Garden route. The mention of Pittsburgh Regional Transit emphasizes the impact of the road's closure on public transportation and the importance of accessibility for commuters. With the road now open, transit services can return to normal, allowing for the reinstatement of 23 bus stops that were affected during the construction period. This connection between local infrastructure and public transit underscores the role of transportation agencies in facilitating mobility within the community.

Presley’s Place, a sensory room at Pittsburgh International Airport's Concourse A, celebrates its five-year anniversary. Inspired by Jason Rudge's son, Presley, who has autism, the room offers a peaceful space for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Since its opening in 2019, it has become a model for other airports and organizations, receiving interest from locations worldwide. The 1,500-square-foot facility features soundproofing, comfortable seating, adjustable lighting, and calming activities, including a replica airplane cabin donated by American Airlines.

Spirit Airlines is discontinuing its Pittsburgh routes to Boston and New York, with the Boston route ending on Oct. 7 and the New York route on Nov. 6. An airport authority spokesman stated they are exploring future opportunities for these routes.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is set to redesign the Breezewood Interchange (Exit 161) to improve connectivity and economic development, coinciding with the launch of Open Road Tolling (ORT) in January 2025. The redesign will include a connection to Interstate 70 and a three-mile reconstruction of the Turnpike. The PA Turnpike is accepting design proposals until October 17, with a selected firm to be announced in Spring 2025. This project aims to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve access for local communities while increasing truck parking capacity. In 2022, Breezewood saw 2.65 million exits and 2.83 million entries, with 37% of traffic being trucks. The redesign is part of a broader initiative to modernize the Turnpike's infrastructure.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has been funding public transit and infrastructure through tolls, contributing over $8 billion to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation since 2008. This financial obligation, stemming from Act 44, has led to significant debt, requiring ongoing toll increases until 2051. With public transit agencies like SEPTA facing financial challenges post-pandemic, state lawmakers are seeking new funding solutions. Governor Josh Shapiro proposed increasing state sales tax allocations for transit, but it was not included in the budget. Current discussions may lead to a new funding deal, potentially involving taxes on unregulated skill games. Meanwhile, the Turnpike is managing its debt and exploring alternative revenue sources.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has introduced Google Pay and Apple Pay as new toll payment options via its app, which has over two million downloads. These methods offer a quicker and more secure way to pay tolls, although they do not support auto-replenishment. Turnpike CEO Mark Compton emphasized the importance of meeting customer preferences for electronic payments. E-ZPass remains the most economical option for toll payments, with rates significantly lower than toll-by-plate charges.

Gas prices in Western Pennsylvania have decreased by three cents this week to an average of $3.479 per gallon, as reported by AAA East Central. This is down from $3.502 last week and significantly lower than $3.927 on October 2, 2023. Prices vary across the region, with Altoona at $3.354 and Warren at $3.759. Gas demand has increased from 8.77 million barrels per day to 9.20 million. More details are available on AAA's website.

Pittsburgh's inaugural Week Without Driving PGH, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, encourages residents to avoid cars and use alternative transportation methods. Organizers, including BikePGH and Pittsburghers for Public Transit, aim to highlight the challenges faced by the 30% of Allegheny County residents without cars. The initiative, rooted in the disability justice movement, seeks to raise awareness about transportation gaps and advocate for improved mobility. With support from over 45 organizations, the event emphasizes the importance of community and the impact of transportation access on daily life.

The federal government has approved funding for a new Amtrak line connecting New York Penn Station to Scranton, Pennsylvania, with stops in New Jersey. This service, which will restore train travel to northeast PA for the first time since the 1970s, is expected to enhance ridership and economic growth. Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner emphasized its potential benefits for the region. The service could start as early as 2028, depending on design and construction by various stakeholders. U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright highlighted the project's potential to generate $84 million in economic activity and serve nearly 475,000 riders annually.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned that ongoing port strikes could significantly affect the economy. The International Longshoreman's Association initiated its first strike since 1977 after its contract expired, seeking better wages amid rising shipping company profits. Buttigieg emphasized the need for negotiations to resume, as the strikes have halted trade at key U.S. ports, impacting major retailers like Walmart and General Motors.