If you aren’t aware, the, “T,” is the light rail system in Pittsburgh, going from Downtown to South Hills Village and surrounding neighborhoods. It doesn’t seem like that much, which it really isn’t but it can be better. 

For starters, public transportation is better for the environment, as it leaves less of a carbon footprint, and is also more convenient, because everyone hates the traffic here in the city, as in 2011, transit saved 865 million hours of traffic in the US. It can also save money in the long run, as you wouldn’t have to pay for gas or insurance if you mainly take public transportation, helping out the lower-class people of Allegheny County. It can also improve the accessibility of our city, as many seniors and disabled individuals can benefit from this.

You may wonder if public transportation may even be successful in Allegheny County, and to that, I would like to explain to you the metro in Cleveland, Ohio. The metro there, known as RTA Rapid Transit, is very successful, bringing about 3,000,000 riders per year across the city. Cleveland and the county it is in, that being Cuyahoga County, has a very similar population to Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, showing evidence that our city could be improved by a better public transportation network. 

A well funded public transportation network could also bring economic benefits to the county, as for every 10 million dollars funded into public  transportation business sales were increased by around 30 million dollars. Transit also could lower the obesity rate in Allegheny County, as you would need to walk from station to station. Besides, Allegheny County as a whole has the infrastructure to provide better transit services to us. Busways are very common in metro systems, and the bus system, despite it’s benefits, lacks funding. 

By improving Allegheny County’s light rail system, we invest not only in faster, more reliable transportation but also in a cleaner and more connected future for our city. Together, we can reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and create a transit network that serves everyone, including commuters, families, and visitors. Your support is crucial to making this vision a reality. Let us move Pittsburgh and it’s communities forward sustainably and inclusively, one ride at a time.