New T service from North Side to Downtown free at first
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The Steelers and Rivers Casino have agreed to underwrite free rides to and from the new Allegheny station on the Port Authority's Light Rail Transit system.
An earlier agreement with the Pittsburgh Stadium Authority and Alco Parking ensured free rides to the North Side station, so all service on the new 1.2-mile extension known as the North Shore Connector will be free after it opens on March 25.
Both agreements are for three years.
Allegheny station is next to Heinz Field. North Side station is near PNC Park. The $523.4 million connector project also features a new Gateway Center station Downtown.
With the existing Downtown free fare zone, riders will be able to go between First Avenue and Allegheny without paying.
The authority credited Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald with brokering the agreement with the Steelers and casino.
Officials are hoping that the service attracts commuters to surplus parking in North Shore garages and lots, easing the shortage of spaces in the Golden Triangle. Rail service to the North Shore during peak periods will operate every 4 to 5 minutes.
First Published February 22, 2012 4:12 pm
