Regina Gross, 81, remembers having her glasses bounce off her face while riding the old Overbrook Line trolley. The ride was much smoother Tuesday. Gross, of Mt. Lebanon, was one of the first people to ride the Port Authority's new light-rail vehicles on a new line through the South Hills. It marked the first transit service along the path in more than a decade. The crumbling line was shut down in 1993 after jolting passengers for nearly a century. "They did a wonderful job with this," Gross said after the ride. "Change is good." About 250 well-wishers gathered with public officials in Castle Shannon for a ceremony marking the completion of major components of the Port Authority's $386 million Stage II Light Rail Transit reconstruction project. The 5.2-mile Overbrook Line officially opens for business today. It will serve Beltzhoover, Bon Air, Overbrook, Castle Shannon and nearby neighborhoods, following the paths of Routes 88 and 51 north into the city. The base fares for a one-way light-rail ticket range from $1.75 to $2.25. The Stage II project includes 28 new cars and 40 rebuilt cars. The new cars all are expected to be in service by late September. Jennifer L. Dorn, administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, attributed the project's success to a "robust partnership" between local, state and federal governments. Dorn also announced a $5.75 million federal grant for the Port Authority's North Shore Connector project. Under the $363 million plan, twin tunnels will be built to take the light-rail system under the Allegheny River. "With the high prices of gasoline today, this is the best buy for the buck in terms of traveling," said state Sen. Jack Wagner, D-Beechview, whose district includes several communities served by the Overbrook Line. The opening festivities continue Sunday when the Port Authority will offer free rides throughout the day on all 47L Library via Overbrook service. The first 1,500 customers along the Overbrook Line between noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday will get a commemorative ticket, free treats and a chance to win a weekend trip to New York City.

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