Travel patterns have changed since the pandemic and over the two decades since PRT last made network-level changes. Ridership has returned more during midday, evenings, and weekends than during peak commuting hours. At the same time, some routes are underused while others are overcrowded. BLR aligns service with today’s demand by introducing meaningful network-level adjustments to improve frequency, reliability, and connections across the region.

Over three years and four phases of engagement, Bus Line Refresh grew from a bold idea into a network shaped by the people who ride it. What began in 2023 as the Bus Line Redesign — a complete rethinking of Allegheny County's bus network — became, after more than 16,000 comments, a more targeted Bus Line Refresh that keeps the service working today while strengthening reliability on the busiest corridors, expanding off-peak and weekend service, and improving cross-county connections. Across the program, PRT held more than 190 events, collected over 20,000 comments and 16,000 surveys, and welcomed more than 79,000 visitors to the project website. The BLR Comprehensive Engagement Summary tells that full story — how the plan evolved, who PRT heard from in each phase, and what riders said along the way.

Demand for transit in our region exceeds the funding, staffing, and operational capacity we’re able to provide. With more than 16,000 riders offering input on this project to date, it’s clear that riders don’t want us to wait to fix today’s problems. By focusing on improving service quality where transit demand already exists, we can enhance the rider experience and attract more people to the system. We believe ridership will grow if we deliver more frequent service where it’s needed most.

BLR improves frequency, reliability, and seven-day service, particularly outside traditional commuting hours where demand has grown. It prioritizes equity, strengthens connections to key destinations, and creates a flexible network that can adapt as resources allow.