Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is taking a fresh approach to improving rider etiquette with a brand-new campaign rolling out this month across its fleet of buses and light rail vehicles.

The campaign features a character with deep local roots — a pickle.

Pickles and Safety 

Pittsburgh has long had a thing for pickles — from the H.J. Heinz Company’s iconic “57 varieties” to the beloved Picklesburgh festival, which draws thousands to the city every summer. 

Now, the salty character is taking to the transit system, breaking the rules to show riders that small courtesies can make a big difference.

“We’ve all had that ride — the one with the booming music, the seat-hogging commuter, or the unexpected cloud of vape smoke,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “These might not be the biggest problems in the world, but they can definitely sour a trip. This campaign is a fun, lighthearted way to remind everyone that a little courtesy goes a long way.”

Shaping the Message

The campaign’s messages were shaped by rider feedback gathered over the past year, pinpointing the most common frustrations on public transit. 

Designed in partnership with Red House Communications, the campaign features playful illustrations of animated food characters navigating everyday transit scenarios — making etiquette advice both memorable and entertaining.

Pittsburgh’s history with pickles runs deep, from the Heinz pickle pins handed out at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 to the towering pickle balloon that floats above the Roberto Clemente Bridge every summer. 

Now, the city’s pickle pride is rolling into PRT vehicles, reminding riders that a little sweetness can make for a smoother ride.

Riders will start spotting these colorful reminders across transit vehicles this month. 

From keeping noise levels in check to making room for fellow passengers, the campaign reinforces simple yet meaningful ways to create a better experience for everyone.