When the University Line opens in 2027, riders will pay and board at all doors, helping to speed up service, reduce delays at stops, and ease sidewalk congestion, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) announced.

After significant internal review, PRT confirmed that all-door boarding will be implemented on University Line bus routes once the project officially begins service next year. The change will apply to bus routes serving University Line stations.

Benefits of All-Door Boarding

All-door boarding will allow passengers to pay while entering the front, middle, or rear doors of the University Line’s 60-foot articulated buses. Riders will be able to tap their fare card, mobile device, or other fare payment at validators located at each entrance.

While the front door is already equipped for fare payment, PRT will install additional validators at the middle and rear doors to support the new system before service begins. Riders paying with cash would continue to enter the front door.

PRT expects the change to provide several benefits, including:

• Faster, more efficient boarding.
• Reduced dwell times at stops and stations.
• Less crowding and congestion on sidewalks.
• Continued support for riders who need operator assistance, use the accessible ramp, or pay with cash at the front door.

PRT acknowledged concerns about fare evasion but noted that current levels remain relatively low compared to those of larger transit systems. PRT’s fare evasion rate was 6% in 2025 — a fraction of the rates reported in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia.

PRT officials said the agency will continue monitoring the program after launch and may adjust boarding procedures if needed.

The University Line

The University Line bus rapid transit project will deliver more reliable service between Downtown, Uptown, and Oakland, along with improved rider amenities and upgraded station infrastructure. 

PRT completed construction on the Downtown Loop in June 2025. Construction in Uptown and Oakland is expected to be completed in 2027, with all-door boarding launching alongside full project opening.