Port Authority announces additional changes amid coronavirus pandemic

In addition to reducing bus and light-rail services, Port Authority of Allegheny County is changing the way riders board and exit buses in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Starting Wednesday, riders will enter and exit through the rear doors of buses, away from drivers. Front-door boarding will be reserved for passengers who need the bus lowered, need to use the ramp or require priority seating, officials said.

Riders will show their ConnectCard or other fare products such as ConnecTix, the reduced-fare ConnectCard and the senior ConnectCard as they board through the rear doors. Those who planned to pay with cash will ride for free.

People using light rail will continue to pay at onboard and offboard fareboxes.

The move came days after officials announced bus and light-rail service would decrease by 25%, allowing the Port Authority to protect its employees while maintaining essential service. Ridership decreased by more than 50% over the past two weeks, officials said Monday.

Port Authority officials made the changes after Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday that Allegheny County was among the areas under a stay-at-home order for the next two weeks. Residents should leave their homes only for “life-sustaining” needs, according to Wolf.

To promote physical distancing, customers will board and exit through the rear doors of buses, away from our drivers BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25. Front door boarding will be reserved for passengers who need the bus to be lowered, to use the ramp or require priority seating.

— Port Authority PGH (@PGHtransit) March 25, 2020