MEDIA ADVISORY: Transit Riders’ Vision Launch and BRT 61, 71, and 59 Bus Celebration

Media Contacts:
Laura Wiens, Director of Pittsburghers for Public Transit, (703) 424-0854
Jonah McCallister-Erickson, Board Chair of Pittsburghers for Public Transit, (412) 606-4953

WHAT: Bus riders will be laying out the four planks of the Riders’ Transit Vision for equitable, growing transit service in the region, with proven and achievable goals for the near term. This will also be an event celebrating the preservation and restoration of key bus lines in the Mon Valley after a year-long campaign against the impacts of proposed Bus Rapid Transit service cuts.

WHERE: Rankin Christian Center, 230 3rd Ave, Rankin, PA 15104

WHO: Regional elected leaders, Mon Valley Initiative, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Just Harvest, bus riders and community stakeholders.

WHEN: Monday, June 25th, 5:30-8:00 pm

Throughout the past year, bus riders, bus drivers, elected officials and borough councils, religious and community organizations came together across the Mon Valley to ensure that the lifeline 61 and 71 buses would not face nearly 50% frequency cuts and mandatory transfers to go downtown, as part of the Port Authority’s Bus Rapid Transit Plan. After dozens of powerful testimonials in the Port Authority, URA, and County Council board rooms, hundreds of postcards and sign-on petition signatures were submitted, riders’ voices were heard. In addition, Duquesne residents in the Hilltop Parkview Apts will see their 59 bus restored. We celebrate that the Port Authority and regional elected leadership listened to the needs of our most vulnerable communities, and ensured that these bus riders would not see any additional barriers to their connections to life.

We know that these are only the first steps towards a vibrant, growing transit system that provides for better economic development, more equity for our most marginalized communities, creates better connections with affordable housing, and addresses pressing climate and air quality challenges. The Riders’ Vision will lay out effective measures within these four planks to increase ridership in Allegheny County public transit. In attendance will be representatives from Port Authority, the Allegheny Conference, PCRG, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and the Clean Air Council, among others.