Guide to Pittsburgh's public transportation system

The Pittsburgh public transportation system offers a variety of transit options to get around the city. The Allegheny County Port Authority manages to move more than 200,000 people daily to their destinations.

Pittsburgh's public transportation system consists of 98 bus routes, three light-rail routes and two incline systems. Take time to plan your route before heading out, and allow extra time to get to your destination to account for any delays or transfers.

Here's more on how to get the most out of Pittsburgh's public transportation system.

Connectcard

If you plan on regular use of Pittsburgh public transportation, getting a ConnectCard can make your life a lot easier. It's the Port Authority's smart card fare system that is safer and more foolproof than using cash. 

Connectcard is a plastic card that you can load with a variety of passes or cash value at Port Authority's Downtown Service Center or at most Giant Eagle locations in the area, as well as other select retailers. Once you have a card, you can reload it at ConnectCard machines at dozens of locations in the service area. You can even go online and set up an account using the Online ConnectCard Management System.

It's easy to use the Connectcard. Just pay your fare by tapping the card on the orange target on the fare box or the validator when you ride. It can save you the hassle of fumbling for exact change when paying bus fare.

Fares

A fare is $2.50 with a ConnectCard or $2.75 with cash. Transfers are $1 with ConnecCard. If you don't have a ConnectCard, you'll have to pay another full fare when you change buses.

Pay at the front of the bus. If you have a ConnectCard, you tap a target with the card. Otherwise, you have to pay cash and operators do not make change. Children 5 and under ride free. Children 6 and over can ride for half-price with a kids' ConnectCard.

Fore more information about free fares for seniors over 65 years old and those with disabilities, go here.

Schedules and maps

Travelers can  find  routes, maps and schedules online at the Port Authority website.

>>Pittsburgh map

Bear in mind that buses don't always run on time, and they don't always run as late as the schedule says they do. Have an alternate plan to get home if you are out late at night. 

Light rail

The light-rail system runs mostly straight north and south from downtown Pittsburgh, where it is a subway, to a terminal just north of downtown and a couple more stops in the South Hills neighborhood. It's a vestige of the city's former trolley system. An online map shows the Red and Blue line service routes.

Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines

The Duquesne Incline was built in 1877. It has been restored and serves mostly as a tourist attraction nowadays, though Mount Washington residents find the unusual transportation system handy. The incline goes up 400 feet in elevation at 6 miles per hour at a grade of 30.5 degrees. Twenty passengers can fit into a car. As one of the most unique ways to view Pittsburgh, the historic cable car takes riders from the base of Mount Washington up to an observation deck that boasts panoramic views of the city's skyline and three major rivers below.

>>Guide to Pittsburgh's bridges

The Monongahela Incline, often called the Mon Incline for short, is even older than the Duquesne Incline. The Monongahela Incline opened in 1870. More than 1,500 riders use the Mon Incline on an average weekday, according to the Port Authority.

Cox Media Group