Pittsburgh’s light rail system, also known as The T, is 42.16 kilometres (26.19 miles) long, with three lines and 53 stations. The system is divided into two sections: the first is the subway, which runs underground in the city centre, and the second is the light rail, which runs above ground through the southern neighbourhoods.
The T was officially inaugurated in 1984, following major modifications to the existing tram system, which had been in operation since 1903. Since its opening, The T has undergone numerous updates and adaptations. It operates continuously from approximately 5:00 am until just after 12:00 am with a base fare of $2.50 USD.
Often referred to as ‘The T’, this transit system serves approximately 27,000 passengers per day. Unfortunately, specific fare information is not included in this summary. The T does not operate a 24-hour schedule and does not have air conditioning. Passengers are not allowed to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless. There are also no screen doors on the platforms.
The T operates from 5am to 1am, Monday to Sunday. The fare is $2.
Metro map of Pittsburgh
Map of Pittsburgh Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Pittsburgh Metro map in PDF format.
Subways in the United States: Pittsburgh
Located in the northeastern corner of the United States, Pittsburgh is one of the largest cities in the state of Pennsylvania. It is also the administrative centre of Allegheny County. It covers an area of 151.1 square kilometres (93.8 square miles) and is home to a population of 2,356,285 in the metropolitan area.
Pittsburgh is known for its cultural richness. It is home to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, considered one of the finest in the world. The city has also been instrumental in the establishment of major museums such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art.
In terms of climate, Pittsburgh experiences a humid subtropical climate with winter temperatures ranging from 3°C to -7°C and summer temperatures reaching 30°C.
The Subway
The Pittsburgh Light Rail spans 42.16 kilometres through the city and some suburban areas. It was inaugurated in 1984 when county officials decided to replace the old railway system that had been in operation since the early twentieth century.
Since its inauguration, the system has expanded and evolved into a complex network that integrates a metro and a light rail system that complement each other on different routes around the city and its suburbs.
The LRV trains, two-car bi-directional vehicles, were manufactured by the Spanish company CAF after the Port Authority of Allegheny County signed a contract with the company in 2000 to modernise the fleet.
The Port Authority of Allegheny County, overseen by Allegheny County government, is responsible for operating the system.
The system carries an average of 10 million passengers per year.
- Known as: The T or Pittsburgh Light Rail
- Length: 42.16 kilometers
- Track width: 1.435 mm
- Number of lines: 3
- Number of stations: 53
- Maximum speed: 72 km/h
- Website: www.portauthority.org
- Operator: Port Authority of Allegheny County
- Daily passengers: 27,000
- Year founded: 1984
Brief history
In 1903, Pittsburgh established a railway system that criss-crossed the city. The service was initially operated by the Pittsburgh Railways, one of the most important and respected railway companies in North America. In 1960, however, the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT), a public authority, took over and began to expand and extend the lines.
That’s how the subway was created, connecting the North Shore with the southern suburbs and various areas in the South Hills. As the lines expanded, a new subway line was inaugurated to handle the city’s heavy commuter traffic.
Since the takeover by the state, the light rail has also begun to operate in conjunction with the bus system and the cable car that serves Allegheny County.
Recently, the Port Authority of Allegheny County radically restructured Pittsburgh’s light rail system by consolidating five separate subway lines into just two, the Red Line and the Blue Line. It has also completely overhauled the fare structure to offset losses.
Lines and stations
Pittsburgh’s subway system consists of just three lines that run primarily north-south.
Red Line
The Red Line starts at South Hills Village Station and ends at Allegheny Station. Most of the line is underground, with the exception of short stretches on the surface and elevated tracks. It runs north-south through the west side of Pittsburgh. This line, known by its red colour, has a total of 32 stations.
Blue Line
The Blue Line, although shorter, also starts at South Hills Village and ends at Allegheny. This line runs from downtown Pittsburgh to Washington Junction, where it splits into two branches. One branch terminates at South Hills Village, while the other extends to the Library. The Blue Line, with nineteen stations, also runs from north to south, but on the east side of the city. It can be identified by its blue colour.
Silver Line
The Silver Line begins in the Library neighbourhood of South Park and extends into Allegheny County at the Allegheny station. It shares many stations with the Red and Blue Lines. It joins the Blue Line at Washington Junction. For trips to downtown, the line splits again before the Overbrook Junction station on the Red Line, as the Blue Line continues along the Overbrook route. In 2020, the line will be renamed the “Silver Line – Library”.
Connection with other transportation systems
All of Pittsburgh’s public transportation systems are interconnected. The rail lines intersect with bus lines that serve the metro area and its environs, as well as the cable car system, one of the oldest services in the region, originally built to transport workers from the suburbs to the factories. Today it is mainly a tourist attraction.
Although some subway stations are underground, others are on the ground or elevated, most of the lines intersect with bus systems. Many bus routes serve neighbouring towns such as Beaver, Butler and Westmoreland, while some operate specifically in Pittsburgh and run parallel to the light rail.
The bus system has a total of 93 different routes operating within Pittsburgh and 28 additional routes operated by different companies. Just like the rail system, the buses are identified by the same two colours, red and blue. Red routes run from Monday to Saturday with very limited schedules and do not run on holidays. The blue routes, on the other hand, operate continuously.
Connection to the airport
Pittsburgh International Airport, located about 30 kilometres west of the city in the suburb of Findlay Township, is one of the major civil and military terminals in Pennsylvania. Managed by the Allegheny County Airport Authority, the airport offers 160 daily flights to 36 different destinations served by 12 airlines.
To get to Pittsburgh International Airport, take the 28X Airport Flyer bus, which runs from the airport to downtown Pittsburgh, stopping at every subway station along the way.
Schedules
Pittsburgh’s light rail system operates from early morning until late at night, roughly from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. However, the Red Line and Blue Line operate at different times, which sometimes affects the schedule.
On the Blue Line, the first train to the Library departs at 5:30am and the last arrives at 12:10am. During the morning and evening rush hours, trains arrive approximately every twelve and a half minutes. Frequency drops to between 20 and 33 minutes in the morning, early afternoon and late evening.
The first and last stations on the Red Line are also Allegheny and South Hills Village. Trains leave South Hills Village for Allegheny at 4:54 a.m., with the last train leaving at 12:01 a.m. Trains run every 4 minutes during the day until late afternoon. During the rest of the day, trains run every 12 minutes. Late night trains run every 30 minutes.
Fares, tickets, and cards
Until 2016, Pittsburgh’s rail system had used a variety of fare systems since it opened. However, on 1 January 2017, the Port Authority of Allegheny County implemented a major change to reduce losses.
Since the change, fares have been greatly simplified. While travel throughout downtown Pittsburgh used to be free, the company decided to reduce fare zones to two and prioritise ConnectCard payments. Currently, a single ticket within the same fare zone costs $2.75, while a transfer between zones 1 and 2 increases the price to $3.75, making it one of the highest urban fares in the country.
If a passenger needs to change lines, an additional $2.75 fare must be paid, which is why the Light Rail Authority encourages the use of the ConnectCard. This allows you to use the entire system for $2.50 USD and pay a $1.00 USD transfer fee. The ConnectCard itself costs USD 1.00.
The Pittsburgh subway system also offers reduced fares, including free rides for children under six and seniors over 65. Disabled riders and those with Medicare pay USD 1.35 per fare. With the ConnectCard, the fare is reduced to $1.25 per trip and $0.50 per transfer.
System rules
Pittsburgh Light Rail has rules and regulations to ensure passenger safety, reduce travel times, protect the subway system and maintain an appropriate environment. These rules are available online and at each station. Key rules include
- Only service animals are allowed on the Pittsburgh Light Rail.
- Small pets or animals are allowed if they are in a cage.
- Dogs are not allowed to run in any of the system’s facilities, including stations and trains.
- It’s not allowed to get on or off a train once the doors have begun to close.
- Passengers should not cross the yellow safety line at stations.
- Children should be held by the hand or kept close to the adult passenger.
- When travelling with prams, passengers should use specially designated areas to avoid obstructing transit.
- All transit within the system’s facilities must be on the right side of the road or concourse.
- Civilized conduct and behaviour is expected within the light rail facilities.
- Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited within the light rail facilities.
- Obstructing or leaning against train doors is prohibited.
- Designated seats are reserved for pregnant women and the elderly.
- The carrying of firearms is strictly forbidden.
- Emergency and fire alarms should only be used in case of emergency; misuse may result in penalties.
Future Expansion
The Port Authority of Allegheny County has been developing transportation improvement plans for the past decade. As a result of this reorganisation, several expansion projects are still pending and will be implemented in the coming years. These projects include the construction of new rail lines connecting Pittsburgh to neighbouring cities and the extension of existing rail lines.
Plans currently under construction include a light rail main line that will end in the Oakland neighbourhood. There are also plans for a new rail network that will intersect with the current lines running from downtown Pittsburgh to Arnold and the Allegheny Valley Railroad. Discussions are also underway for a new line from downtown to Greensburg.
Parking
The Port Authority of Allegheny County offers more than 60 parking lots throughout the city. Most are located near all train stations and bus routes. They are free to light rail and bus passengers, providing an excellent alternative transportation option for Pittsburgh residents. The lots offer a total of 14,000 spaces.
Tips
- Check the fare zones for your route and transfers to avoid unforeseen costs.
- As the Port Authority of Allegheny County has removed several subway lines and stations, it is important to check the official government website for updated and accurate information.
- Keep your belongings in front of you or close by to prevent theft.
- Avoid using the light rail during peak hours if you are convalescing or travelling with newborns due to potential crowding.
- Check peak time information and train arrival times to avoid delays.
- Make room for other passengers on the train to ensure a smooth journey.
- Locate safety handles or rails and route maps once on the train to ensure a safe and precise journey.
Fun facts
- Passengers can take their bikes for free on the Pittsburgh light rail.
- The Pittsburgh Light Rail has removed at least five subway lines and more than a dozen stations as part of a system development plan over the past decade.
- The Pittsburgh light rail does not have air conditioning on its trains.
What to see from the Pittsburgh light rail
More than just an industrial city, Pittsburgh is rich in modern architecture, culture and green spaces. From museums to parks, there is much to explore. Here are a few popular destinations:
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Located in Schenley Park, these beautiful gardens are home to hundreds of plant species and feature stunning glass and metal architecture. To get there, take the Blue Line light rail to Frew Station and walk a short distance.
- Andy Warhol Museum: Celebrating one of pop culture’s most famous artists, this World Heritage-listed museum attracts more than 150,000 visitors a year. Take the Red Line light rail to the North Side station and walk a short distance to the museum.
- Carnegie Science Center: Part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is a popular entertainment destination with four floors of attractions, including a planetarium, several simulators and a robotics exhibit. To get there, take either the Blue or Red Line light rail to Allegheny Station and walk north.