Unused "T" lines being revived during massive improvement project
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Many unused light rail lines are being revived temporarily while construction on current lines is underway.
Those lines are being pitched by a grassroots union group called Pittsburghers for Public Transit as Pittsburgh Regional Transit begins its massive $150 million remodel.
The Bus Line Redesign project is using forgotten "T" lines and bus routes during the remodel to help people get around during construction.
"They are segmenting the project out," said Dan Yablonsky, director of digital for Pittsburghers for Public Transit. "It's not like they're going to shut the line for five years. PRT is doing a good job of planning, and we are just encouraging them to continue to communicate with riders."
Yablonsky said that the group is having an open dialogue with Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
"That conversation needs to include what it would mean to extend 'the T' to Penn Station," Yablonsky said. "What it would mean to extend the T through Allentown on what used to be known as the Brown Line."
"Riders need to step up," Yablonsky said. "They need to make their voices heard."