Understanding Pittsburgh's Unique Bus Payment System

In Pittsburgh, you pay for the bus when you board, regardless of the direction or time of day. You can pay with cash or a ConnectCard. The Port Authority ConnectCard offers a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride, while cash customers are charged $2.75. You can also use the Ready2Ride app, which connects to your debit card and allows you to purchase tickets and scan a QR code when boarding the bus.

Paying with cash: $2.75

If you're paying with cash on a bus in Pittsburgh, you'll be paying $2.75 for your fare. This flat rate applies no matter how far you travel, and you'll need exact change as bus drivers do not give change. You can also use this $2.75 ticket for unlimited rides within a three-hour period on Pittsburgh's light rail system, known as the "T".

To pay with cash, you'll need to board the bus using the front door and pay your fare before finding a seat. If you're transferring from the light rail to a bus, or if your bus journey involves a transfer, you'll need to pay the fare again. If you're travelling during peak hours, be aware that the bus can get very crowded, so it's a good idea to position yourself near the front door a stop or two before your destination so that you can make your way to the farebox in time.

If you're travelling with a group, each person will need to pay the $2.75 fare. If you're travelling with children, they may be eligible for reduced fares. Similarly, if you're a senior or have a disability, you may be eligible for reduced fares or free travel, but you'll need to check the conditions and apply for a Reduced Fare ConnectCard in advance.

Paying with cash is a simple way to get around Pittsburgh, but if you're a regular commuter, you might want to consider a Port Authority ConnectCard. This card offers a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride and can be used for transfers, so it's more cost-effective and convenient than paying with cash.

ConnectCard: $2.50

The Port Authority Bus System in Pittsburgh offers a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride if you use a ConnectCard. This saved riders $0.25 compared to the cash fare of $2.75. A ConnectCard is also necessary if your commute requires a transfer, as paper transfers are being phased out. With a ConnectCard, you pay $1.00 for a transfer, while without one, you will have to pay the full fare of $2.75 again.

ConnectCards are currently free, but they will soon cost $1.00 at the Port Authority's Downtown Service Center and over 70 select retail locations. You can also use the Port Authority Ready to Ride app, which connects to your debit card and allows you to purchase and scan a QR code when you get on the bus. The Transit app is also available for planning and navigation and can be used to purchase tickets.

The ConnectCard is a smart card that provides a convenient and secure way to pay your fare. It can store various fare options, including passes and cash value. It offers three hours of unlimited transfers for the same price as a single trip. You can also set up an autoload feature for your ConnectCard, automatically loading up to $200 in stored value on a recurring schedule.

The Port Authority has made efforts to simplify the riding experience, eliminating the complex zone system and introducing new fare products. These changes aim to make the transit system more accessible and affordable, with a flat fare of $2.50 with a ConnectCard, regardless of the distance travelled.

Discounted fares

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) offers a range of discounted fares for its bus services. These discounted fares are designed to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for certain groups. Here is an overview of the discounted fare programs offered by PRT:

ConnectCard:

The ConnectCard is a smart card that provides a convenient and secure way to pay fares. With a ConnectCard, riders pay a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride, compared to the cash fare of $2.75. The ConnectCard also offers unlimited transfers within a three-hour window, providing additional savings for riders who need to make multiple connections during their journey. The card can be loaded with stored cash value, and riders can take advantage of the autoload feature to automatically load up to $200 onto their card on a recurring schedule.

Reduced Fare ConnectCard:

The Reduced Fare ConnectCard is available for individuals with disabilities, offering a 50% discount on fares. All persons with disabilities are required to have this card to ride at the discounted rate. Medicare ID cards are no longer accepted on vehicles, but they can be used as proof of eligibility to apply for the Reduced Fare ConnectCard.

Kid's ConnectCard:

For children ages 6-11, PRT offers the Kid's ConnectCard, which allows them to ride at half-fare. This program encourages families to utilize public transportation and makes it more affordable for larger groups to travel together.

Allegheny Go:

In partnership with Allegheny County, the Allegheny Go program offers a 50% discount on transit fares for eligible individuals receiving SNAP benefits. To be eligible, participants must be residents of Allegheny County, between the ages of 12 and 64, and have received SNAP benefits for at least three months. The discount can be applied to 3-hour, weekly, or monthly passes, making it a flexible option for those who qualify.

Senior Citizen Discount:

Older adults aged 65 or older who present a blue or yellow Pennsylvania Senior Citizen ID Card or a Senior ConnectCard ride for free on PRT services. This initiative ensures that senior citizens have access to affordable transportation options and promotes their independence and mobility.

By offering these discounted fare programs, Pittsburgh Regional Transit aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of its bus services, making public transportation a viable option for a wider range of individuals in the community. These initiatives not only benefit those with specific needs but also contribute to the overall convenience and attractiveness of utilizing public transportation in Pittsburgh.

Transfers

If you need to transfer from one vehicle to another when using Pittsburgh's public transport system, you can do so simply and easily. However, the way you pay will determine whether or not you can transfer for free.

ConnectCard

If you use a Port Authority ConnectCard, you will pay a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride, while those paying with cash will be charged $2.75. You will need a ConnectCard if your journey requires a transfer. Paper transfers are no longer available, so without a ConnectCard, you will pay an additional $2.75 (full fare) to reach your final destination. You can get a ConnectCard for free from Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center and at over 70 select Port Authority retail locations.

Since January 2022, the base fare of $2.75 has included unlimited transfers for three hours if you use a ConnectCard, ConnecTix, or the mobile ticketing app. This means that riders using a ConnectCard will receive unlimited transfers within a three-hour window of their first ride. Transfers are not available for riders who pay with cash.

ConnecTix

ConnecTix is another way to pay for your journey on Pittsburgh's public transport system. ConnecTix can be purchased online and delivered to your phone, email, or home. You can buy them as single, day, or books of 10 passes. ConnecTix can be used on all Pittsburgh Regional Transit services, including buses, light rail, and paratransit.

Ticket apps

Official Apps

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), the public transit agency for the greater Pittsburgh area, offers the Ready2Ride app. With this app, you can easily manage your ticket purchases digitally. You can download the app on Apple or Google Play stores and use it to purchase tickets or passes, making paying your fare quick and simple.

Third-Party Apps

In addition to the official PRT app, there are third-party apps that can assist with trip planning and ticket purchases. One such app is Transit, which is available on Apple and Google Play stores. This app helps with planning and navigating your route and provides real-time information on when the next bus is due to arrive.

Features of Ticket Apps

• Digital Tickets: With a few taps on your phone, you can purchase tickets or passes, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cash.
• Route Planning: Many ticket apps allow you to plan your journey, providing information on routes, timetables, and real-time updates on delays or service changes.
• Payment Options: Ticket apps offer various payment methods, including debit or credit cards, mobile wallets, or even charging the cost to your phone bill.
• Convenience: Ticket apps save you time by allowing you to purchase tickets in advance and providing quick access to your digital tickets when boarding.
• Notifications: You can opt to receive notifications about service changes, delays, or updates on your favourite routes, ensuring you stay informed even when you're on the go.

Tips for Using Ticket Apps

To get the most out of ticket apps, keep the following in mind:

• Download from Official Sources: Ensure you download official apps from reputable sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to avoid any issues with security or functionality.
• Update Regularly: Keep your apps updated to access the latest features and improvements. App developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and enhance the user experience.
• Provide Feedback: If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvement, use the feedback options within the apps to let the developers know. This helps them continuously improve the app's performance and features.
• Check Compatibility: Some apps may have specific device or operating system requirements. Ensure your device meets these requirements for optimal performance.
• Explore All Features: Ticket apps often offer more than just ticket purchases. Take some time to explore the app's features, such as trip planning, favourite routes, and service alerts, to maximise its benefits.

Frequently asked questions