Sonia Troiana

Abstract: 

When Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) faced potential funding reductions and route cuts, this study was developed to explore whether the current transit system could be optimized. The purpose of this study is to analyze patterns of low ridership and on-time performance across PRT bus routes in order to identify operational inefficiencies that place unnecessary strain on public transportation funding. The primary research question guiding this study is: How can Pittsburgh’s regional transit system be effectively rerouted to stabilize its budget in the long term? To investigate this question, PRT ridership and on-time performance data were obtained and compiled into Excel spreadsheets, later used to calculate averages for each route to determine overall operational health. In the end, both variables were combined in an equation that allowed them to be compared against each other. Geographic Imaging System(GIS) tools were used to visualize route-level performance and identify areas that were below PRT standards of efficiency. The findings determined that inefficiency within the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is not randomly distributed or due to a single event, but instead clustered in certain geographical areas. Additionally, many of the lowest efficiency routes can be identified as “Flyers,” which are routes designed for faster, limited-stop service between suburban areas and downtown Pittsburgh. Overall, by investigating patterns of low efficiency routes, PRT can make more targeted decisions to improve system performance in order to reach long-term budget stability, aligning with efficiency goals set by Pittsburgh Regional Transit (Pittsburgh Regional Transit, 2025, July).