Braddock-based Heritage Community Transportation (HCT) plans to install physical signs at its bus stops for the first time in its 28-year history.
HCT wants to install signage atmost of its 80-plus stops across the 16 communities it serves, including Swissvale, Monroeville and McKeesport, according to its President and CEO Paula McWilliams.
McWilliams said HCT’s “loyal” customer base had previously located stops using physical maps and a real-time tracker on its website.
The signs — branded with HCT’s logo to differentiate them from other local transit like PRT — will make it easier for recent arrivals to the area to find a bus, McWilliams said.
“Business is increasing in the Mon Valley, so we want to make sure new riders understand where the stops are,” she said.
McWilliams noted that installing infrastructure is a complicated process that involves working with local property owners and municipalities, so she could not provide a more precise timeline for the new signs to go up.
HCT has served more than 1.6 million customers since it debuted in 1998. 85% of HCT’s customers do not have vehicles of their own, and two-thirds have a household income of less than $25,000, according to the organization’s data.
HCT is responding to changing demographics in the region by debuting hard-copy maps and an online tracker for Spanish speakers.
“Public transportation is about more than moving people from one destination to another — it’s about creating access to opportunity,” McWilliams said. “These new initiatives reflect our commitment to listening and responding to the evolving needs of the individuals we serve throughout Allegheny County.”
HCT also selected 12 nonprofits, schools and government affiliates to participate in its annual courtesy card program, which allows users unlimited free trips over a period of several months.
This year’s participants include PA CareerLink Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Housing Authority and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.
McWilliams previously stated that the program was meant to entice riders into becoming paying customers. Fares are 25 cents for riders over the age of 12.
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