Point Park University Raises Concerns Over Proposed Bus Stop at Wood Street and Forbes Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh – Insights from Pittsburgh Union Progress

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is set to introduce exclusive bus lanes in Downtown Pittsburgh next month, especially for the University Line connecting to Oakland. This change will affect nearly 60 bus routes, leading to new paths and stops in the Golden Triangle.

However, not all residents are pleased with these adjustments. Point Park University, along with several local businesses, has raised concerns about a new bus stop on Wood Street, near Forbes Avenue. This stop will serve three inbound bus routes—51L, Y1, and Y45—but starting June 22, buses will veer onto Forbes instead of continuing down Wood. This shift means they will miss the PNC Plaza stop, requiring a later addition to this stop due to delays in getting the necessary infrastructure in place.

Until the new stop is ready, riders will need to use temporary stops on Wood Street or on Forbes at Smithfield Street.

Keith Paylo, vice president of student affairs at Point Park, expressed concerns about safety for the university community, which sees about 800 students using the Wood Street entrance daily. With an anticipated increase of another 1,000 students in the coming years, Paylo worries this bus stop might make the area feel less safe and could stretch campus police resources thin.

While the PRT board typically doesn’t respond to public comments, Darcy Cleaver, the deputy chief planning officer, mentioned the agency’s collaboration with the university and city police since last November. The city has approved the stop, aiming to create an accessible transit experience. “There needs to be a stop somewhere,” said Amy Silbermann, PRT’s chief development officer. “It’s a busy area with a lot of foot traffic.”

Business owner Joe Cardamone, who has run Cardamone’s Hair Salon for 48 years, believes the new stop poses challenges for local commerce. He suggests limiting bus stops to the outskirts of the Golden Triangle and allowing people to walk. “Downtown is small; it’s only a half-mile. Why not let people stroll a bit?” he argued, pointing out that many buses often run empty.

This situation highlights an ongoing trend in many urban settings: balancing public transport needs with community safety and commercial interests. According to a recent survey by the American Public Transportation Association, nearly 70% of people who rely on public transit prioritize safety at bus stops, especially in high-traffic areas.

As discussions continue, it will be interesting to see how the community adapts to these changes, whether they meet safety needs while also providing efficient transportation solutions. The dynamics of urban transit are complex, but with continued dialogue, it’s possible to find a middle ground that benefits everyone.

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