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A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urging Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Regional Transit to study and advance the feasibility of a new eastern light rail corridor connecting downtown Pittsburgh to eastern neighborhoods.
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WHEREAS, reliable, accessible, and modern public transportation is essential to the economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life of Allegheny County residents; and
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s eastern neighborhoods-including the Strip District, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, and Highland Park-represent some of the region’s most densely populated, economically active, and culturally significant communities; and
WHEREAS, these neighborhoods currently lack direct, high-capacity fixed rail transit connections to Downtown Pittsburgh, limiting mobility, economic opportunity, and equitable access to jobs, services, and amenities; and
WHEREAS, strategic investment in public transit infrastructure has been shown to increase economic development, reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and support sustainable land use patterns; and
WHEREAS, the forthcoming 2026 NFL Draft and other major regional events highlight both the strengths of Allegheny County’s urban core and the need for expanded, efficient transit connections throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), in partnership with Allegheny County, plays a central role in planning and delivering transit solutions that meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive feasibility study is a necessary first step to evaluate potential routes, ridership demand, engineering constraints, capital costs, funding opportunities, and long-term economic and community impacts of a new light rail corridor;
SECTION 1.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; that the Allegheny County Council hereby urges Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Regional Transit to collaboratively invest in and initiate a comprehensive feasibility study for the development of a new light rail transit corridor connecting Downtown Pittsburgh to eastern neighborhoods, including but not limited to the Strip District, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, and Highland Park; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that such study should include robust community engagement, coordination with municipal governments, and analysis of potential funding sources at the federal, state, and local levels; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the study should evaluate multiple route alignments, including opportunities for transit-oriented development, integration with existing transit systems, and strategies to ensure equitable access and affordability; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the Clerk of Council shall transmit a copy of this Resolution to Pittsburgh Regional Transit, the Office of the Allegheny County Executive, the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, and relevant state and federal partners for consideration and collaboration.
SECTION 2. Severability.
If any provision of this Resolution shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Resolution, which shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 3. Repealer.
Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Resolution.