Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Post

At last week's board meeting, PRT proudly saluted the ten operators who earned the most commendations in 2023: • Ross Facility: James Bonner • West Mifflin: Monique Wynn, Monica Staples, Don Miguel Watson-Ellis Sr. & Mark Prunty • East Liberty: Donna Gandy, Tiffany Lawson, and Kevin Pollard • Collier: Kemal Smith • South Hills Village: Vernon Hucks These operators drive a vehicle three times the length of the average minivan on narrow streets in all types of traffic and weather, stopping every couple hundred feet to pick up passengers. They give directions, provide customer service, show kindness, and often lend a helping hand to people in need. "These operators represent the best of us," said PRT CEO Katharine Eagan Kelleman. "They're empathetic, caring, kind, and patient. So many of our employees do an amazing job, and it's a privilege to be able to recognize them." Join #PRT in thanking these ten individuals for their dedication to keep Allegheny County moving. #thankyou #publictransit #commendation #recognition

PRT is helping you celebrate your independence from your wallet tomorrow by eliminating fares for a Pittsburgh icon! For one day only, the Mon Incline will be free to all! Don't forget: PRT's buses will operate on Sunday schedules, with a half-dozen routes detoured from about 8:45 p.m. until the end of service near Gateway Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The light rail system will operate on special holiday schedules. For details on both schedules, go to https://lnkd.in/gGZ6h-kY. To learn more about the detours, go to https://lnkd.in/gjpPySwi. From all of us at PRT, we hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day! #PRT #monincline #alleghenycounty #pittsburgh #independenceday #4thofjuly #publictransit

PRT is nothing without its employees. Today, our agency is shining the spotlight on an employee who spends her day rebuilding engines so our buses – and passengers – keep moving.   As a child, Dana Nicole Rudolph always dreamed of becoming a mechanic. But achieving her dream hasn’t been easy – especially at first.   Dana was working as a secretary in her 20’s when she would go to local auto facilities and express her desire to work on cars. She says they always replied with sexist comments and blew her off.   But that didn’t stop her. Watch the video below to learn how she broke the glass ceiling, why she says #PRT is a great place for other women to work, and her advice for girls dreaming of jobs traditionally held by men.   You can also see PRT’s current job openings by going to https://lnkd.in/etXdvuyD. #diversity #inclusion #mechanic #publictransit #glassceiling #jobs

After more than 30 years of exceptional service to PRT, Michael Heidkamp's time with our agency is drawing to a close today. Our chief transportation officer began his career with #PRT in 1993 as a bus operator. After a decade behind the wheel, Mike worked as a driving instructor and Commercial Driver’s License examiner, manager of the Way Department and the Non-Revenue Fleet Maintenance Department, as Director of Service Delivery at the Collier garage. He was named deputy chief operations officer for transportation in 2018 and was promoted to his current role in 2020. Join us in congratulating Mike on his final day at PRT and wishing him the best of luck in the next chapter of his career. #thankyou #publictransit #leadership #change

PRT is happy to share that we will soon extend our digital customer service hours by two hours every weekday and one hour on weekends! Starting July 1, our digital customer service representatives will be available: •Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. •Weekends and holidays: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Customer service phone representatives will remain available: •Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. •Weekends and holidays: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PRT’s Downtown Service Center will also remain open: •Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. •Weekends and holidays: Closed During these extended hours, our digital customer service representatives will post service alerts on social media and Truetime. They will also respond to rider inquiries via the chat feature at https://www.rideprt.org. “The way we reach our riders and how they reach us has evolved a lot over the years, and we’re excited to be able to provide additional information when and how our riders want it,” said PRT CEO Katharine Eagan Kelleman. “By expanding our digital customer service hours, we can equip transit riders across Allegheny County with more information, so they are confident and capable of getting to their destinations.” “This is a really important first step as we continue to expand how and when we’re able to notify our riders about incidents that effect service,” added PRT Chief Communications Officer Jim Ritchie. “Whether it’s a bus that has to detour for an unexpected road closure, a trip we’re unable to staff, or a notice of a delay, it’s important for us to make sure our riders well-informed.” #prt #customerservice #alleghenycounty #commitment #publictransit #service

PRT invites you to join our agency in recognizing the power of #community and the importance of #inclusivity as our agency observes Juneteenth today. #Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of our ongoing journey towards #equality and #justice. It’s a day to recognize the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, both past and present, who have shaped every industry and enriched our culture. On this historic day, PRT reaffirms our commitment to public transit that embraces #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion. Let’s amplify Black voices and continue to educate ourselves about the significance of Juneteenth. #juneteenth #diversityandinclusion #celebrateequality #communityfirst #prt

PRT is honored to be hosting the #Pittsburgh cohort of Eno Center for Transportation's EnoMAX 2024 this week! At its core, EnoMAX is all about collaboration. It’s a practical, hands-on initiative that unites driven professionals to pave the way for a more innovative future in transportation (and helps agencies like PRT save money in the process). We will share a video detailing all the benefits for participants and agencies in the coming weeks, but for now, enjoy the pictures from this week's activities. #enoMAX #prt #publictransit #collaboration #development

PRT thanks everyone involved in today's successful rescue exercise on the Mon Incline. During the drill, crews "rescued" five people "stuck" inside one of the incline cars after it had come to a sudden and rough stop. As part of the scenario, maintainers were not able to bring the car back to the station. Pittsburgh EMS crews had to use specialized gear to climb to the car and perform rescue operations. PRT thanks the public for their patience since the Mon Incline had to be shut down for several hours so crews could practice the rescue plan. #training #rescueplan #publictransit #monincline #prt

PRT is proud to announce the promotions of Amy Rees and Dawn Schmitt to Customer Service Supervisor. Amy brings over 25 years of customer service and supervisory experience at Comcast and First National Bank of Pennsylvania to her new role at #PRT. Dawn started with PRT in 2022 as a customer service representative after working as a lead representative for Verizon and AT&T. Join us in congratulating Amy & Dawn on their accomplishment! #promotion #customerservice #excellence #publictransit #congratulations