Port Authority to reduce bus, light rail service by 25%

Tom Davidson
Monday, March 23, 2020 3:50 p.m. | Monday, March 23, 2020 3:50 p.m.

Go Ad-Free Today!

Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review

A Port Authority driver makes a stop on Monday, March 23, in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review

Commuters, seen reflected in the window of a Port Authority bus, wait for their stop on Monday, March 23, in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Tom Davidson | Tribune-Review

An empty Port Authority of Allegheny County light rail car heads Downtown from the North Shore.

Bus and light rail service will be cut back because of decreasing use during the coronavirus pandemic, Port Authority of Allegheny County officials said Monday.

The service will be decreased by about 25% starting Wednesday.

The reduction comes after Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday that Allegheny County was among the areas with a stay-at-home order the next two weeks. Residents should leave their homes only for “life-sustaining” needs, according to Wolf.

Reducing the service allows the Port Authority to protect its employees while maintaining service for essential trips, according to a news release.

“Our region is speaking with one voice: If you don’t need to go out, please stay home,” Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman said in a statement.

In the last two weeks, ridership has decreased by more than 50%, the release said.

Riders are also being asked to continue social distancing practices while using the buses and light rail cars.

Paper schedules won’t be printed, but updated schedules for routes can be found here.