Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) is espousing the benefits of the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, receiving nearly $100 million to connect Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland.
President Donald Trump recently announced the Department of Transportation funding allotment. Two years ago, the Allegheny County Port Authority revealed plans for its proposed BRT system to connect the major hubs with electric buses in dedicated lanes. The Authority requested $99.5 million in federal funding to support the project last year.
“I’ve been working hard with the Port Authority of Allegheny County to improve public transit in Pittsburgh,” Doyle said. “We need more reliable, convenient transit service to ensure all of our communities thrive. This project will be transformative for our city, connecting downtown Pittsburgh with fast-growing areas like Oakland and the East End.”
BRT systems consist of separated lanes and dedicated stations exclusively for buses, providing a faster and more efficient service than regular buses because they do not get stuck in traffic or have to pull over for stops.
BRT systems can also be much faster than driving and are cheaper and faster to build than a light rail or subway system.
“I have worked in support of the Port Authority’s federal funding request – and I’m very pleased that the Federal Transit Administration has recognized the merit of this initiative and its importance to our region,” Doyle said. “This project will connect some of the fastest-growing parts of our city and provide a fast, efficient way for workers to commute.”