Updated Thu., May 21 at 4:05 p.m.
Port Authority buses will resume front-door boarding, on Mon., June 1, according to a press release. Since March, Port Authority riders have been boarding using the rear door of buses, making buses essentially fareless. Regular bus fare collection will return on Mon., June 8.
In the press release, Port Authority encouraged riders to load weekly or stored value passes onto their ConnectCards, as opposed to monthly passes, for the month of June.
Rider capacity limits are still in place and riders are still encouraged to wear face masks.
Original story published Tue., May 19:
On May 18, a majority of Port Authority bus and light rail routes returned to their regular schedules as Allegheny County entered the "yellow phase." Port Authority has been operating on a schedule reduced by 25% since March 25, as a response to both decreased ridership and for the safety of employees.
All three light rail routes, plus 32 bus routes, will maintain a reduced schedule (about 30% of all Port Authority routes). A full schedule of all routes is available on the Port Authority website and will be updated as the routes change.
While the frequency of buses is returning to its pre-pandemic schedule, there are still protective measures in place. There is a limit of 10 or 15 passengers per bus (depending on bus size) and 25 passengers on light rail. Buses will continue to use rear boarding and ask that passengers wear face masks onboard.
As of May 10, Port Authority reported that 14 of their employees have tested positive for COVID-19. They have been taking temperatures of employees at the West Mifflin and East Liberty garages, and disinfecting vehicles frequently.
“This plan of action will allow us to safely and responsibly resume regular service while continuing to make sure our riders and employees feel safe, comfortable, and protected,” said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman in a press release.
Port Authority service mostly returns to normal this week, with some limitations
