Navigating the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) System
by Tiffany C.
Hey everyone, my name is Tiffany and I am a third-year student studying economics and statistics in Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences!
Everyone knows that the typical college day involves classes and studying, but there is plenty of time for other activities in the city of Pittsburgh; perhaps you’d like to sample the local cuisine with friends, volunteer at a non-profit or simply run your daily errands. As a self-proclaimed globetrotter who can’t sit still, I myself love traveling around Pittsburgh, and that of course involves making frequent use of the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) buses. With this insider guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the PRT system and how to navigate to many of our popular student hubs around the city.
Before we jump into the specifics of each bus line, it’s important to note that PRT buses are completely free of charge for CMU students. Instead of physical bus passes, students instead utilize the Ready2Ride app, which acts as a virtual ticket.
Once you’ve downloaded the Ready2Ride app, you are now ready to begin your journey! The most common bus lines that students use are the 61A, 61B, 61C and 61D. This is because those buses lead to the Squirrel Hill and Oakland neighborhoods, as well as Downtown. Squirrel Hill is one of the most popular areas for students, as there are a multitude of cuisines such as Sichuan, Thai and Turkish. The Oakland neighborhood is also quite popular, with classic locations such as the Milkshake Factory and Pamela’s Diner. Downtown is especially bustling: my fellow Tartan Ambassadors and I visited the area for Picklesburgh during the summer, where PRT was coincidentally doing a pop-up stand! Note that the 61D — as well as the 64 bus line — also leads to the student-favorite Waterfront, a shopping mall that is completely outdoors.
If you need to run any errands, then you might want to stop by Target or Trader Joe’s, which are both located in our East Liberty neighborhood. In that case, you’ll want to take the 71B. The same bus line, as well as the 71D, also leads to the Shadyside neighborhood, another upscale shopping district that has multiple clothing stores, as well as classic Pittsburgh restaurants such as Mercurio’s, Cafe Moulin and Treat Ice Cream & Waffles.
Lastly, if you need a ride to the airport to visit home during school breaks or to travel around the world, the 28X bus line goes directly from CMU to the Pittsburgh International Airport.
A city as unique as Pittsburgh shouldn’t go unexplored: the student experience at CMU is greatly enhanced by immersing yourself in the local culture. Doing so not only familiarizes you with the history and geography of the city, but also allows you to connect with your peers on a deeper level. And with this insider’s guide, you now have all the information you need to become a bona fide PRT expert!