Braddock-based Heritage Community Transportation (HCT) is once again offering free bus rides for eligible organizations across eastern Allegheny County.
Nonprofits, schools and government affiliates can now apply for HCT’s “courtesy cards,” which allow users unlimited free trips over a period of several months to the 16 communities HCT serves, like Swissvale, Monroeville and McKeesport. Fares are typically 25 cents for riders over the age of 12.
HCT estimates that it has served more than 1.6 million riders since it debuted in 1998. It launched its courtesy card program in 2021 after a trial version of the concept proved popular with food pantry workers during the covid-19 pandemic.
HCT distributed around 2,500 courtesy cards to 15 organizations last year, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, PA CareerLink and the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, according to spokesman Jeff Worden. Worden added that the program received nearly 30 applications.
HCT President and CEO Paula McWilliams said in a release that reliable transportation is “essential to economic development and quality of life.” She stated previously that the courtesy cards were meant to entice riders to become paying customers after the program ends.
“It is our privilege to help remove barriers to transportation so individuals in Allegheny County can more easily access employment, health care, education, and other critical resources,” she said.
Jayla Jones, the re-entry and prevention director at Foundation of Hope – a participating nonprofit that serves current and former incarcerated people – called the courtesy cards an “extremely valuable resource” for her clients.
“Many of our clients face significant transportation barriers, which can make it difficult to get to work, attend appointments, or even complete basic errands like grocery shopping,” Jones said. “Through this program, we were able to help clients maintain employment, access essential services, and move more freely within their communities.”
Those interested in applying for courtesy cards can visit HCT’s website. Applications close at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5.
