Here are some interesting reports and primary sources about transit and land use in and around Pittsburgh.
Rail Studies
Keystone West High Speed Rail Study – Dated August 2014 – This study evaluates methods of improving train speed from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh through track modifications and new rail alignments.
2015 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan – This report provides a detailed overview of Pennsylvania rail transportation. It includes information on freight, intercity passenger, and commuter passenger heavy rail.
Pittsburgh Rail Connection – A 2010 study of leveraging existing freight rail infrastructure to provide passenger rail service from Hazelwood to Lawrenceville through Oakland.
Amtrak Pennsylvanian Rail Traffic Control Analysis – Norfolk Southern owns the tracks that Amtrak uses for its passenger service between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. This Norfolk Southern report identifies infrastructure improvements that would minimize interference between freight and passenger trains on this line and allow for more daily passenger trains.
Bus Studies
Bus Map – This map of the bus system contains ridership numbers for all of the routes and bus stops in the Port Authority System.
East Busway Extension Study – The Port Authority commissioned a study of extending the East Busway further East. The study contains cost estimates and ridership projections.
Beyond the East Busway – This 2020 study produced in collaboration with Pittsburghers for Public Transit evaluates transit improvements to the Mon Valley, Monroeville and the Eastern suburbs.
East End Bus Rapid Transit – This document is a purpose and need statement for building a bus rapid transit system connecting Oakland to Downtown Pittsburgh.
Second Avenue Multimodal Corridor Study – This study evaluates improvements from the travel corridor just south of the Glenwood bridge to downtown along 2nd avenue. The study includes Bus Rapid Transit development, as well as bicycle improvements.
NEXTransit – The Port Authority’s 25 year long range transportation plan published in 2021.
Pittsburgh Transportation History
Commuter Rail Map – Up until 1964 Pittsburgh had an extensive commuter rail system. The Pennsylvania Railroad, the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad all provided service. See this map to wax nostalgic on what Pittsburgh used to have.
Allegheny/Westmoreland Commuter Rail Study – This 1976 Study evaluates the restoration of commuter rail service to Pittsburgh.
Page last updated 10/24/2021.