- May 20th, 2024
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Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, and the county's Department of Human Services today unveiled Allegheny GO, the permanent program to offer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries discounted public transit fares. More than 130,000 county residents will be eligible to participate.
"Expanding transit access to serve low-income residents of Allegheny County will help improve their ability to get around and their quality of life. This program has been in the works for a long time, and I want to acknowledge everyone who contributed their efforts to the pilot program and to making this half-fare program permanent for residents of Allegheny County" said County Executive Sara Innamorato.
Beginning June 3, every Allegheny County resident eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can apply to receive a 50% discount on transit fares.
Applicants should first download PRT’s Ready2Ride app from the Apple App Store or Google Play before applying at https://discountedfares.alleghenycounty.us. Eligible applicants will receive the ability to purchase discounted fares within their app.
"This program is about more than just discounted fares. It's about dignity and equity," said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. "It's about recognizing that access to reliable transportation is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone."
The foundation of Allegheny GO dates to late-2022 with a pilot program aimed at addressing the pressing issue of transportation equity in Allegheny County.
The pilot yielded remarkable results, with over 9,000 adults participating, representing 14,480 individuals including eligible family members. Participants who received a 50% discount were more likely to utilize public transit compared to those who did not receive a discount. A report on the results of the pilot program can be found here.
"We are very pleased to see the results of the pilot confirm that simply making transportation a more affordable option for people can have a positive impact in their lives," said Erin Dalton, director of Allegheny County DHS. "We are grateful to PRT and other partners who have helped us design and implement this program for thousands of riders across the county."
Initially, Allegheny GO will be available to applicants with smartphones. It will be available on PRT’s next-generation smartcard when it launches in 2025.
"Transit riders and over 60 community organizations in the Fair Fares Coalition have been organizing for years for affordable transit fares, and today we celebrate this important milestone towards a transit system that is affordable and accessible to all," said Teaira Collins, a Pittsburghers for Public Transit and Pittsburgh Food Policy Council board member.
Riders with questions about downloading Ready2Ride or the application process are encouraged to contact PRT Customer Service by calling 412-442-2000, on Twitter @pghtransitcare or via live chat at www.rideprt.org.
