With the first phase of construction on the University Line bus rapid transit (BRT) project nearly complete, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) has opened five newly installed stations in downtown Pittsburgh.

The opening of the stations marks a significant milestone in the $291 million project, representing one of the most important public transit infrastructure projects the region has seen in the last decade.

Benefits to Riders and More

While riders will experience immediate improvements with seating and canopies that provide shade and protection from the elements, riders will realize an even greater number of benefits when the station’s safety features and real-time arrival screens are activated in the coming weeks.

“These stations are part of a system designed to prioritize transit riders,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “The University Line will reshape how Pittsburgh moves. Opening these stations marks real progress toward delivering a more reliable and safer transit experience and shows what we can accomplish when we invest in our infrastructure and our future.”

The University Line, which will connect downtown Pittsburgh, Uptown, and Oakland — the city’s second-largest job center and home to world-class universities and hospitals — is designed to improve reliability, reduce travel times, and enhance the overall travel experience for thousands of daily commuters.

Construction for Phase I, which began in fall 2023, includes the installation of dedicated bus lanes, expanded sidewalks and curbs, new traffic signals and pedestrian safety systems, and the first wave of modern, accessible stations along Fifth and Sixth avenues in downtown Pittsburgh.

The project’s second phase began construction in January and will extend the dedicated bus lanes through Uptown and Oakland. 

Phase II includes 18 additional new stations and bicycle and pedestrian improvements throughout the corridor and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Completed Project  to Spur Ridership

Once completed, the University Line will serve more than 30,000 riders daily with more frequent, reliable, and environmentally friendly service.

The University Line project is supported by a mix of federal, state, and local funding, including significant investments from the Federal Transit Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Allegheny County, and the City of Pittsburgh. 

In addition to improving transit service, the project is expected to stimulate economic development, encourage more people to use transit, and enhance safety and local air quality.