Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is in the process of redesigning bus lines across Allegheny County, which will have a tremendous impact on our community. It has been almost two decades since the county undertook such a large redesign of bus lines. Public input is being accepted at www.buslineredesign.com until Dec. 17.
We need as strong a voice as possible from area residents stating their needs for public transportation. I encourage all Allegheny County residents, but especially those who rely (or would like to rely) on public buses, to complete the PRT survey. Public input is a key component in this process. We cannot let PRT make such important decisions about our transportation based on theories and projections alone.
Too often, residents in my district tell me they have little or sporadic access to public transportation to places they want to go the most, such as Monroeville or Oakland. Without community input, the PRT won’t be fully aware of people’s needs.
As PRT struggles to increase ridership, patrons have the power to determine what its future looks like. Tell them all communities must be adequately served with reliable, safe and modern transportation. For many people, lack of transportation is a major factor in not being hired for jobs, not being able to get to the grocery store or medical appointments, or even just travel to an event for an enjoyable outing.
Please share your ideas with PRT. We are depending on you.
Rep. Joe McAndrew
Penn Hills
The writer represents District 32, which includes Penn Hills, Plum, Oakmont and Verona).