Will Removing Buses Improve Downtown Pittsburgh?

"The plan, backed by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the city's presumptive mayor-to-be, Bill Peduto, would relocate routes and stops toward the edges of the Golden Triangle, creating what Mr. Fitzgerald called 'a zone in the core of Downtown that is bus-free'," reports Jon Schmitz. 

"Mr. Fitzgerald acknowledged that some riders might have a longer walk to their destinations. 'Bus service into Downtown Pittsburgh is not going to be a door-to-door operation. You may have to walk a couple of blocks. Downtown is very walkable,' he said."

The Port Authority's planning is just getting off the ground, but the concept has the support of the Downtown business community. Advocates for the disabled and some riders were less enthusiastic.

"'I think it might be a good idea, cutting down on the people standing and waiting for buses,' said Kimberly Bluming of McKees Rocks, as she waited for a bus on Fifth near Smithfield. She said she wouldn't mind a longer walk, 'but there are people who are unable to walk who depend on the buses.'"