By JEFF STITT
Due to substantial decreases in ridership and operational challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Port Authority of Allegheny County will reduce bus and light rail service by approximately 25% beginning Wednesday.
CEO Katharine Kelleman said the reduction balances PAT’s need to protect frontline employees while maintaining service for essential trips taken by hospital staff, government officials and emergency responders.
“Our region is speaking with one voice: If you don’t need to go out, please stay home,” she said.
Customers are reminded that although Port Authority’s TrueTime service will be able to provide vehicle location information, trip planning services will not be available.
Downloadable and printable schedules for individual routes are available at www.PortAuthority.org/coronavirus. Paper schedules will not be printed.
Saturday and Sunday service will follow regular schedules. Buses that do not regularly operate on those days will not operate under the modified schedules.
Bus routes in the Mon Valley that have been affected by the reduction plan include the P76 Lincoln Highway Flyer, Y46 Elizabeth Flyer, 61C McKeesport-Homestead, P7 McKeesport Flyer and the Y1 Large Flyer.
Port Authority’s ridership has plummeted more than 50% in the past two weeks. As a result, riders will continue to be able to practice social distancing while on board vehicles.
Kelleman said Port Authority worked closely with union leadership to develop the reduction plan and spoke with the region’s largest health care providers to ensure service will remain available for customers who work in essential jobs or who need access to essential services.
With fewer buses required, PAT crews will be better able to keep up with the daily disinfecting schedule, Kelleman said, adding that bus and light rail operators will also be able to practice proper social distancing protocols while they remain on standby.
Kelleman said future service level adjustments may occur.
Bus routes based in the Mon Valley that had not been altered as of presstime were: 55 Glassport, 59 Mon Valley and 60 Walnut-Crawford Village.
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