A Day on the Pittsburgh Light Rail System

On Friday Dec. 30 I went to Pittsburgh to ride the streetcar system. I got a few photos including some street trackage running.

The first two photographs feature street running in the Beechview area. That is followed by a

a Silver line train, but I forgot the name of the station

Finally, we see a restored PCC at the Heinz History Museum It was a fun day trip.

Photographs by Todd Dillon

3 Transit Systems to Get Federal Station Improvement Grants

Public transit systems in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are among the recipients of grants from the Federal Transit Administration to be used to modernize stations and improve their accessibility.

The agencies are sharing in $686 million being awarded to 15 projects. The grant funding is coming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Greater Cleveland Transit Authority will receive $8 million to rebuild its East 79^th Street rapid station to make it more accessible.

The 1920s era station will receive new ramps, concrete platforms, rail crossings, warning panels, canopy-covered concrete stairs, upgraded emergency call boxes, and slip-resistant walking surfaces.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit will receive $24.4 million to make the Bethel Village, Westfield, St. Anne’s, and Shiras stations on the Red Line ADA accessible. Station improvements will include installing a high platform for level boarding, shelters on the boarding platform, ramps, accessible signage and auditory support.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will receive $56 million to make its 11th Street subway station on the Market-Frankford Subway Line and the Chinatown, Erie, Fairmount Upper Level, Fairmount Lower Level and Snyder stations on the Broad Street Subway Line accessible.

The stations were built in the early 20^th century. Work will include installing elevators, general station upgrades, ramps, and making path of travel improvements.

No Injuries in Pittsburgh Transit Derailment

A Pittsburgh light rail system train derailed on Wednesday in Dormont.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit officials said there were no injuries in the mishap, which disrupted service on the Red Line for more than three hours.

The derailment occurred at about 10 a.m. near Kelton Avenue southwest of downtown Pittsburgh.

Officials did not give a cause of the derailment, saying it remains under investigation.

Agency Renamed Pittsburgh Regional Transit

The Pittsburgh public transit agency has rebranded itself as Pittsburgh Regional Transit.

Formerly known as the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the agency said the name change better reflects what it does.

“For decades, the name Port Authority has led people to jokingly ask where the boats are, so to have a name and brand that reflects the agency and its work is significant,” said Jeffrey W. Letwin, Chair of the 11-member PRT governing board.

“Our new name acknowledges that we’re not just part of the community; the community is a part of us,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman.

Officials said they intend for the acronym to be pronounced not by its letters but as “part.”

The Port Authority established a unified public transit system in March 1964 through the consolidation of 33 private transit carriers, many of which had been in were in dire financial straits since 1959.

The new identity will be phased in over the next year with schedules, brochures, the website and signs redesigned in stages. Transit vehicle will receive decals and a wholly new design as they are purchased.

PRT officials said there will be no changes in fares or services.

The agency has 2,600 employees and operates light rail, bus, incline (Monongahela and Duquesne) and paratransit services serving 60 million riders a year.

The 26.2-mile light rail network serves 27 stations from downtown Pittsburgh.