Over the past 18 months, Port Authority has heard from nearly 8,000 riders
seeking a transit system that is more accessible and affordable.

Based on those recommendations, we’ve developed a plan we believe will make riding faster, simpler and easier.

The ConnectCard

Jerry: “Big changes are coming for us Port Authority riders.”

Beginning January 1, 2017, using a ConnectCard will save you money and provide opportunities not available to cash-paying riders.

With a Port Authority ConnectCard you will pay a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride,
while cash customers will be charged $2.75 at the farebox.

You will also need a ConnectCard if your commute requires a transfer. Paper transfers are going away,
so without a ConnectCard you will pay an additional $2.75 (full fare) to reach your final destination.

Get your ConnectCard now while it’s still free. Soon, you will be charged $1 for a new card
at Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center and at over 70 select Port Authority retail locations.

One Zone/Flat Fare

Mike: “No more three zones? Even in the suburbs?”

One way we’re proposing to make riding simpler and easier is to make the entire Port Authority system one zone!

When you use your ConnectCard, you’ll pay a flat fare of $2.50 regardless of the distance you travel.

Pay As You Enter

Alyssa: “That’s the deal. That’ll keep things flowing.”

Should you pay when you’re headed inbound? Outbound? What about in Downtown before 7PM?

Let’s eliminate the confusion and make it simple. Pay when you board the bus
regardless of direction or time of day. It's that simple.

It will be more efficient, too, as you will board and tap your ConnectCard
in the front of the bus and exit through the back doors.

Comments and Questions

Get the facts

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Dear rider,

Over the past 18 months, Port Authority has heard from nearly 8,000 riders seeking a transit system that is more accessible and affordable.

We heard countless stories from individuals visiting Pittsburgh for the first time – even some frequent riders – confused by when to pay, where to pay or how to pay on a particular route. At the same time, other riders suggested offering a variety of new fare options to make riding more convenient.

Based on those recommendations, we’ve developed a plan we believe will make riding faster, simpler and easier. This proposal has the potential to open doors to new riders who otherwise may not consider or be able to afford transit.

Highlighted in the following pages are many of the new ideas being proposed. In short, we plan to simplify our current system by streamlining the boarding and exiting process, eliminating the complex zone system and introducing a number of new, more flexible, fare products.

If approved by the Port Authority Board, we’ll be able to lower the average transit fare in Allegheny County for the first time in at least 35 years. We’ll also be able to provide faster and more efficient service for all Port Authority riders beginning early next year.

Sincerely,

Ellen McLean
Chief Executive Officer

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We’ve Made it Simple!

Riding Port Authority is now faster, simpler and easier than ever before. We simplified the way you ride by streamlining the boarding and exiting process, eliminating the complex zone system and introducing a number of fare products.

Save money with a ConnectCard.

Pay $2.50 per ride with a ConnectCard or $2.75 when you pay with cash.

One zone.

No matter how far you travel, pay $2.50 per ride when you use a ConnectCard.

NO MORE PAPER TRANSFERS.

If you're paying with cash, you pay $2.75 each time you ride. But with a ConnectCard, you’ll pay $1.00. Simply load your card with stored cash value prior to riding, then tap it at the farebox on your connecting trip. When tapped within three hours of your initial tap, $1 will automatically be deducted from your card in order to pay for the transfer.

PAY AS YOU ENTER USING THE FRONT DOOR OF THE BUS.

Regardless of travel direction or time of day, you'll enter using the front door, pay your fare and then exit through the back door.

Reduced Fare ConnectCard required.

All persons with disabilities need a Reduced Fare ConnectCard to ride for half fare. Medicare ID cards are no longer accepted on vehicles.*

More details are available by calling Port Authority Customer Service at 412-442-2000 or 412-231-7007 for TTY or by accessing our Fare Policy FAQs.

*Medicare ID cards may be used as proof of eligibility to apply for a Reduced Fare ConnectCard; older adults (65+) may continue to show their Medicare ID cards to ride for free.