Port Authority looking for local artist to help keep riders safe at bus stops

ALLEGHENY COUNTY — The Port Authority of Allegheny County is looking to collaborate with an artist to develop innovative ways to better use space at some of the crowded bus stops and rail stations.

The authority was one of three agencies from around the country to be chosen by Smart Growth America, which is providing up to $8,500 to each project.

While overall transit ridership is down across Allegheny County, some of Port Authority’s bus routes and corresponding bus stops have actually experienced instances of overcrowding, according to the news release. The majority of remaining riders are essential workers, who particularly in this region, are more likely to be low-income and people of color. To address this issue, Port Authority has increased the frequency on some routes, but also sees this as a unique opportunity to partner with an artist to encourage social distancing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Port Authority spokesman Adam Brandolph said, “We’re very much looking forward to working with the artist selected.”

The Allegheny County agency joins projects in Atlanta and Ware, Massachusetts. This is the second round of the Arts & Transportation Rapid Response initiative run by Smart Growth America.

Over the next few months, these agencies will launch artist-led projects to address COVID-19 transit challenges in their communities. Each of their proposed projects seeks to creatively and uniquely address COVID-related transit challenges and systemic inequities.

Artists who are based in these areas and are interested in working on the project can apply here.

Applications are being accepted through Feb. 12, and will be chosen at the beginning of March.

Smart Growth America has partnered with Forecast Public Art to assist in the matching of artists with the selected agencies. Forecast, based in St Paul, Minnesota, is a national nonprofit organization that activates, inspires and advocates for public art that advances justice, health and human dignity.

This program is made possible with support from the Kresge Foundation.

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Cox Media Group