New bridges and housing developments triggered adjustments among more than 20 bus routes in the latest round of Port Authority of Allegheny County scheduling updates.
The changes include six route adjustments, eight routes with new trip times and eight routes with times changed for weekdays after 4 p.m.
One major re-route takes into account the reconstruction of Greensburg Pike Bridge. Port Authority spokeswoman Heather Pharo said routes there were considered in 2010, then delayed because of a weight restriction on the bridge, built in 1925. A $20.5 million project to replace the bridge was completed in November.
Now, the 59 Mon Valley will be rerouted between Forest Hills and North Versailles, stopping at the Wal-Mart supermarket there via Bessemer Terrace, East Pittsburgh, Turtle Creek and Greensburg Pike.
Bus service still will run along Lincoln Highway, though two stops will be lost.
The changes, part of quarterly schedule updates, take effect March 15. Updated schedules are available on the Port Authority's website.
“The best course of action is for riders to check the schedule,” Pharo said.
Another new route for the 81 Oak Hill will connect service to Skyline Terrace, the 400-unit public housing development of the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh. The first of the development, including 186 units, wrapped up in the winter, and more than 70 units are occupied, said Chuck Rohrer, authority spokesman.
Bus service to the site was suspended during construction. Pharo said the new route utilizes a road built into the development, with three inbound and outbound stops.
Other route changes:
• The Y45 Baldwin Manor Flyer along Mill Road, heading inbound on Cochran's Mill Road, will reverse its direction and service at stops across the street. Pharo said this is in response to rider requests.
• The 53L Homestead Park and Homestead Park Limited will operate on Old Elizabeth Road and Camp Hollow Road instead of Lebanon Church Road to provide access to residential streets in West Mifflin. Stop changes are expected. The Homestead Park Limited will offer service from Downtown to The Waterfront.
• The 75 Ellsworth, running from the South Side through Oakland, East Liberty and Morningside, will add trips to Waterworks Mall.
Port Authority scheduling officials use ridership data and operator and user input to adjust trip times and routes.
Molly Nichols, community organizer from Pittsburghers for Public Transit, said these adjustments are mostly minor, but responsive. Her organization advocates largely for connecting service in areas where residents do not have convenient access.
“We want transparency and accountability to the public, and the Port Authority has been receptive to those kind of requests,” she said.
Melissa Daniels is a Trib Total Media staff writer. Reach her at 412-380-8511 or mdaniels@tribweb.com.
