Takes Bus to City Hall, Reflects on Experience
Nearly one third of Pittsburgh households do not have access to personal automobile. This week marks the City of Pittsburgh’s inaugural participation in Week Without Driving (WWD), a national education campaign focusing on reflection, and understanding of the experience for the thousands of residents who depend on transit, para transit biking, walking, rideshare or other mode other than the predominate Singal Occupant Vehicle for transportation.
Several local officials including Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Barbara Warwick, City of Pittsburgh Chief Administrative and Operating Officer Lisa Frank, and Mayor Ed Gainey took part in WWD to the extent that their position allows.
A bus drives on Fifth Avenue in Shadyside on Monday April 8, 2024. (Photo by Pamela Smith/PublicSource)
This morning instead of his usual commute by car, Mayor Ed Gainey rode Pittsburgh Regional Transit 82 Route from Lincoln-Lemington to City Hall. During this trip, Mayor Ed Gainey interacted with residents riding transit to reach their destinations while having a continuous conversation with Angela Martinez, Assistant Director Permitting, Planning, and Policy from the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, about equity in transportation and ways that we can increase ridership in public transit.
“For thirty years of my life, I rode public transportation,” said Mayor Gainey. “I feel fortunate that we’re in situation where we see that public transit is really starting to improve and that people are able to commute without driving. We’re making improvements for those who want to take public transit, we’re making it safer for those who want to bike, and we’re making sidewalks for those who walk.”
The Mayor also spoke on the need to grow regional transit both as a means of improving service for existing uses but also as a means of economic growth.
Full video of the conversation including enlightening reflections on transportation access and personal experiences regarding inequity forthcoming on YouTube.
Week Without Driving was started by disability advocates in Washington state to raise awareness about the challenges non-drivers face in navigating their communities. It has since grown into a national initiative, now led by America Walks and the National Campaign for Transit Justice. The goal of this weeklong event is to encourage people, including leaders and decision-makers, to experience what it’s like to live without a car and highlight the need for safe, accessible transportation options for all.
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