Post-Gazette: Port Authority to Change 30 Bus/Trolley Routes

Port Authority is making adjustments to several routes next month in an effort to ease overcrowding that has beset riders since a 15 percent service reduction took effect in March.

The authority also plans to increase the number of longer, articulated buses in its fleet. Twenty-six new articulated buses are scheduled to arrive by October and 35 more by September 2012, spokesman Jim Ritchie said. With retirement of 25 older long buses, and one bus lost to fire, the fleet will grow from the current 50 to 85.

The 60-foot-long buses have about 16 more seats than conventional 40-foot buses and much more standing room. "We can put more seats on routes where we've seen a bit of crowding," Mr. Ritchie said.

The changes affecting about 30 routes will take effect Sept. 4 and most are minor timetable adjustments. But some routes will see bigger changes.

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