Commuters in Pittsburgh face significant disruptions today as the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) grapples with a power shutdown affecting the majority of its light rail system. An overhead power line failure has forced PRT to suspend most rail services, according to statements released early this morning.
The power line came down overnight, and crews had to quickly move to shut down power to prevent further complications. Pittsburgh Regional Transit stated that as a result, "no trains can leave the rail yard." One railcar will still be operational, running via the Red Line from Mt. Lebanon to Allegheny Station, in an effort to maintain at least a semblance of connectivity for the city's commuters. The challenges are intensified by temperatures hovering near zero, prompting PRT to suggest residents "not using the rail system unless you absolutely have to until this issue is resolved," as reported by WTAE.
In addition to the one functioning railcar, PRT is offering limited shuttle bus service to fill in some of the gaps. WPXI reported six shuttle buses are currently in operation: two running from Library to South Hills Junction, two from Washington Junction to South Hills Junction, and another two shuttling passengers from South Hills Village to South Hills Junction. The scramble for alternate transportation modes highlights the reliance on PRT's light rail system that threads through the daily lives of Pittsburgh's populace.
Further complicating the transit landscape, PRT's resources are stretched thin with only two buses available – one running from Library Station to Washington Junction, and the other bridging the gap from Washington Junction to South Hill Junction. Riders are advised to take any inbound bus to downtown from there. Pittsburgh Regional Transit has communicated that it is working tirelessly to "get additional shuttles while crews work on the overhead." Despite this, the message remains clear from PRT, as echoed in their posts and a statement obtained by WTAE, advising the public to avoid the rail system during the ongoing repairs if possible, to avoid being subjected to the harsh cold.
