As a dedicated employee of Westmoreland County, I have the privilege of working closely with residents every day. I've witnessed firsthand the transportation challenges many people face. Whether it's getting to work, accessing healthcare, attending educational opportunities, or simply traveling throughout our region, reliable transportation remains a barrier for too many members of our community.

One practical step toward addressing this challenge is the creation of the Steel Train Pilot—a special-event passenger rail service connecting Westmoreland County with Pittsburgh. Rather than beginning with an expensive, full-time commuter rail system, this pilot would test passenger service during periods of the highest demand, including Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins games, concerts, festivals, and other major events.

By using existing rail infrastructure, the Steel Train Pilot could reduce highway congestion, provide a safer travel option for residents attending late-night events, strengthen tourism, and showcase the potential for expanded passenger rail service in the future. It could also support major regional attractions such as the Pittsburgh Steelers' annual training camp in Latrobe by offering another transportation option for fans, visitors, and event staff. Possibly even the players themselves.

We respectfully call on PennDOT, regional transportation agencies, local governments, rail partners, and community leaders to work together to study, develop, and launch the Steel Train Pilot. Specifically, we ask them to:

Conduct a feasibility study for special-event passenger rail service.
Coordinate with rail partners to identify opportunities for operating the pilot.
Pursue available state and federal transportation funding.
Launch the Steel Train Pilot for major sporting events, concerts, festivals, and other high-demand occasions.
Evaluate ridership, costs, operational performance, and economic impacts to determine whether expanded passenger rail service should be considered in the future.
This petition is not a request for an immediate, permanent commuter rail system. It is a call for a practical, measurable pilot program that allows our region to test an idea with significant potential before considering larger investments.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a realistic first step toward reconnecting Westmoreland County with Pittsburgh, strengthening our regional economy, improving transportation choices, and demonstrating what is possible when communities work together toward a shared vision.

Sign today to support the Steel Train Pilot.