As you may have heard, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is proposing significant cuts and fare increases that will directly hurt the individuals and families we serve. During the public comment period, we have an opportunity to stand with our clients and speak out against these harmful proposals.
Several of the proposed cuts will directly affect access to our multiple locations. One of the proposed cuts would completely remove the bus line that runs through the Prospect Park neighborhood, transporting riders to Lebanon Church Rd in West Mifflin or to Brownsville Rd where they can catch other busses towards downtown. As we relocate our Family Center to 1400 Lebanon Church Rd, this will directly affect access for many of the families we currently serve.
Additionally, PRT is proposing a complete elimination of the Silver Line — the train that runs within walking distance of the SHIM Center in Bethel Park and serves as a vital lifeline for many of our guests. With almost no other public transit around, the closest other option would be the Mon Valley Commuter, which has a more limited schedule and would entail a 25-minute walk.
Advocating for accessible public transportation is one of the most effective ways we can support the people we serve — and we encourage you to join us in taking action. Please take a moment out of your day and visit: https://bit.ly/4j41dCY to submit letters to your representatives through Pittsburgh for Public Transit’s website. We encourage you to personalize your message with something like this:
“As a human service provider in the South Hills of Pittsburgh serving 8,500 people each year, South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) knows that accessibility to vital resources can help families fight poverty. As a [staff member/donor/supporter/volunteer], I see firsthand the necessity of good transit routes to our agencies. If service is cut to the Silver Line and the Y49 Prospect Flyer, the families we serve will suffer. They will lose access to food assistance, family support services, and youth programs. We can’t afford to restrict access to individuals and families who are already facing significant hardship. Please support increased funding, not decreased services, for public transportation.”
If you would like to learn more about the proposed changes, check out this interactive map. You can also find more about PRT including ways to provide direct feedback on their website. The linked page includes an online survey where you can provide very direct feedback to PRT about their proposed changes.
Our vision is an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive — but without reliable access to essential resources and employment, that vision becomes out of reach. We encourage you to speak up during this public comment period ending on June 18 to help guide PRT in their decision-making process.
Please feel free to connect with us if you have any questions.
Gratefully,
Jim
Executive Director
