The Port Authority unveiled the results of the Transportation Development Plan, and I’m delighted to report that it will result in more – not less -- bus service to the East End of Pittsburgh, while maintaining a convenient line from Greenfield to Downtown.

The full list of route change recommendations can be found by clicking here, but I’d like to share with you just a few of the changes to bus service for those living in our area.

HAZELWOOD: Routes 56 Lincoln Place and 57 Hazelwood would coordinate service along Second Avenue. That should prevent the current problem of long waits, followed by a string of several buses in a row.

GREENFIELD: In response to tremendous public comment, the Port Authority chose not to cut the 56E, but instead to combine it with the 56U to create a new route, the 58 Greenfield (Revised Map), which will run through Oakland, Greenfield and Downtown. Starting Downtown, the route will travel along Second Avenue, up through Greenfield and then follow Greenfield Avenue through the Schenley Park to Oakland. Service to Downtown and Oakland will be more frequent, and continue later into the evening.

SQUIRREL HILL: Forbes Avenue would become a rapid bus corridor, with service every three to four minutes during peak hours. The 61 routes would be replaced by Rapid Bus service, the R1, R2, R3 and R4 which would follow the rapid bus corridor and travel through Oakland along Fifth Avenue.  The R3 and R4 buses would service Murray Avenue, similarly to the 61c and the R4 would provide service to the Waterfront shopping area.

NEW SERVICE TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: The 64 Lawrenceville-Homestead will operate through Greenfield along Murray Avenue and along with Children’s Hospital will serve the UPMC Rehabilitation Hospital, UPMC Shadyside, Hillman Cancer Center and West Penn Hospital.

The route will end at Butler Street, instead of East Liberty, and will provide access to the Lawrenceville business district as well as commuter transportation for hospital employees.

OAKLAND: The Oakland neighborhood would become one of two major transit hubs in Pittsburgh, with Rapid Bus service helping to alleviate major overcrowding on buses along Fifth Avenue.

For some routes, names will change, but the service will be similar:

• 65 Squirrel Hill will operate similarly to existing 67H Squirrel Hill.
• 52 Homeville and 53 Homestead Park will operate along Beechwood Boulevard from Schenley Park to Browns Hills Road.  These routes will serve Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC, UPMC Mercy and Duquesne University. Unlike the existing 53F and 53H that they will replace, they are intended to operate in both directions along The Boulevard of the Allies.  

Individuals concerned with how these, or other, changes will affect their transportation options should visit the Port Authority Web site for a comprehensive explanation of changes.

Thanks to all the residents who contacted the Port Authority staff and my office to help guide the Transit Development Plan.