Pittsburgh to Examine Reasons for Monongahela Incline Issues
The review will be conducted by an objective third party and overseen by a committee, which will include local stakeholders, including affected business owners.
Constructed in 1870, the Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating funicular in the U.S. PRT closed the incline in August 2022 for an $8.2 million upgrade, reopening it in March 2023.
Photo: PRT
2 min to read
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) said it will conduct an independent review of the Monongahela Incline to understand the causes of a string of issues leading to the 154-year-old funicular's closure multiple times over the past year.
The aim is to ensure the safety and reliability of the historic funicular. The review will be conducted by an objective third party and overseen by a committee, which will include local stakeholders, including affected business owners.
Ad Loading...
“We recognize the significance of maintaining such a historic asset. However, recent years have posed significant challenges,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “This independent review demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, reliable transportation. The Monongahela Incline is a cherished part of Pittsburgh's heritage, and we are dedicated to its preservation for future generations."
PRT will form the Monongahela Incline Review Committee with community officials in the short-term future.
Photo: PRT
PRT’s Process to Ensure Funicular’s Functionality
PRT is in talks with a third-party consultant to conduct the review. PRT will form the Monongahela Incline Review Committee with community officials in the short-term future.
"Transparency and accountability are paramount. We will publicly share the review's findings and recommendations, and take necessary actions to enhance safety and performance,” Kelleman said.
Constructed in 1870, the Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating funicular in the U.S. PRT closed the incline in August 2022 for an $8.2 million upgrade, reopening it in March 2023.
Since then, closures have occurred due to mechanical and electrical issues, including a recent closure on March 5. Repairs have been completed, and investigations into the cause of the recent failure are ongoing, according to PRT.
In METRO's latest installment, we also take a look at recent news from STV, WSP, Prevost, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
The company’s CEO discusses carrying forward a third-generation family legacy, ABC’s continued evolution in passenger transportation, support for increasingly complex fleets, and how technology and continued investment could help operators improve uptime.
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
The new mid-sized bus features a full flat-floor design, eight-inch curbside step-in height, and zero-entry rear ramp to improve passenger access and operational flexibility.
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.
In METRO's latest installment, we also take a look at recent news from Masabi, MCI, Samsara, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Following a 20-station pilot, the agency plans to install new fare gates at 20 additional subway stations as part of a $1.1 billion modernization initiative.
