The Future of Pittsburgh Public Transportation

written 15 Jan 2008 some time after midnight

Peak Direction is a great blog all about public transit in Pittsburgh and it’s author, Brent, seems to keep on top of what’s happening in the area. For instance, did you know CMU is building an automated phone system to help finding a bus after Port Authority hours easier? Or that Port Authority has plans to build an automated fare system?

Of particular interest was this article from Pop City titled Transportation Key to World-Class Pittsburgh. I won’t reiterate the article here or anything, but it was a nice, light read that doesn’t mind throwing a little positive praise to Pittsburgh’s transit system and even the Port Authority themselves. What I did do, though, was expand on writer Chip Walter’s article though and make this little map of what a future light rail system in Pittsburgh might look like. (Click to view the full sized version.)

Now, I’m not claiming that this is the best idea or that it’s even feasible, but it covers most of what Chip was talking about in his article, which seems like a pretty solid basis, as well as an additional line up through the Strip which would then cross from Lawrenceville to the Waterfront (which is something the Port Authority rarely currently does, favoring lines that start or end Downtown.) I’ve tried to run the lines through or near central business corridors, particularly with attention to hospitals and colleges in the area.

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Filed Under: pittsburgh
Tagged: buses, Port Authority, transit

3 Comments
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Oh wow, that’s awesome. Thanks for reading!

- Brent | 05:40pm 15 Jan 08
Streetcar lines would be nice. A lot nicer than, say, than the recent announcement that part of East Carson Street will be widened to accommodate increased traffic. Yet another disappointing solution to a problem that is ripe for innovation. Of all the neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, I think the South Side from Station Square to the South Side Works would best be able to support a European-style tram line.

- Jake | 07:57am 16 Jan 08
The T successfully shares the road with cars in Beechview, Jake. I realize Beechview isn’t exactly Southside when it comes to traffic, but it might be feasible. More likely, it would seem, would be to use one of the side streets between Carson and the Mon, though. South Side DESPERATELY needs to sort itself out, the traffic is ridiculously thick and you can never find a parking spot.

If people could park in a few lots positioned maybe at Station Square, near 18th Street and at the Works, a T or streetcar could go a long way to helping move them up and down South Side. Great idea!

- nathan | 04:08pm 16 Jan 08