Free transportation on offer: Check out this Allegheny County organization
### Expansion of Heritage Community Transportation's Courtesy Rider Card Program (2022)
Heritage Community Transportation, a nonprofit based in Braddock, has expanded its Courtesy Rider Card Program to provide free transportation for vulnerable populations in Allegheny County. The program, which was initially launched in 2021, aims to reduce transportation barriers for access to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services.
In 2022, Heritage distributed 1,000 rider cards through select partner organizations, including the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, WIC, Auberle, Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA CareerLink, and UPMC. The initial trial showed significant success, with usage through the food bank alone described as "unbelievable".
In July 2023, the program was expanded to offer three-month courtesy rider cards to clients of eligible nonprofits, schools, and government-affiliated organizations. This expansion marks a shift from a limited pilot to a broader, ongoing initiative.
The expanded program is open to nonprofits, K-12 schools, and government-affiliated organizations operating in or serving the 80 communities within Heritage Community Transportation’s coverage area. Interested organizations can apply to receive rider cards for their clients, granting them unlimited free rides on Heritage Community Transportation buses for three months.
Ms. McWilliams, the CEO of Heritage, emphasized the critical role public transportation plays for both the region's economy and the people it serves. She also noted that public transportation investment has clear returns, as 61% of Heritage's commuters use the service to connect with Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
The program is particularly important in light of the potential service cuts and fare hikes facing Pittsburgh Regional Transit. About 78% of Heritage's riders do not have access to a vehicle, making the service vital for many. Moreover, approximately 54% of Heritage's riders have an annual household income of less than $25,000.
The application deadline for the 2022 program is Aug. 4. Recipients of the free rides will be announced on Sept. 1. For more information on how to apply, interested organizations should contact Heritage Community Transportation directly.
Heritage Community Transportation serves 16 communities, including McKeesport, Monroeville, and Swissvale. Last year, the organization provided 576 courtesy cards to three nonprofits: Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA CareerLink, and Auberle.
Ms. McWilliams did not make any promises regarding Heritage's financial future, but she expressed hope that the courtesy rider card program will entice people to become paying customers. She also highlighted that Heritage would have difficulty bridging the service chasm if Pittsburgh Regional Transit were to lose service in 98 of its 100 routes, as this could create a significant service gap for Heritage.
In summary, the expansion of Heritage Community Transportation's Courtesy Rider Card Program aims to make transportation accessible for those who need it most in Allegheny County. The program is open to eligible nonprofits, schools, and government-affiliated organizations and offers unlimited free rides on Heritage Community Transportation buses for three months. Interested organizations should contact Heritage Community Transportation directly to inquire about application and distribution processes.
- Heritage Community Transportation's expansion of the Courtesy Rider Card Program includes offering three-month cards to clients of eligible public-transit organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and government bodies.
- In alignment with its objective to reduce transportation barriers, the Courtesy Rider Card Program is now providing free rides on Heritage Community Transportation buses, which are used by a significant portion of riders to connect with Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
- The shift from a limited pilot to a broader, ongoing initiative aims to make transportation more accessible for vulnerable populations, with the program set to serve 16 communities in Allegheny County, including McKeesport, Monroeville, and Swissvale.
