Navigating the Pittsburgh Bus System
One of the first things you’ll have to figure out once arriving at Chatham is how to navigate the city bus system. Luckily, it’s fairly easy to get the hang of, and Chatham students get free fare. You’ll be a Pittsburgh navigating expert in no time!
This is what your Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) buses look like.
Ready2Ride App
The Ready2Ride app is how Chatham students access Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) services, like the bus system. As of August 4th, Chatham students can no longer access public transit by tapping their student ID’s. You must use the app.
The app also has other resources including real-time vehicle tracking, trip planning tools, fare information, scheduling and detour information, and more.
You can download the app at the following links:
How to use the app?
Activate your pass before you board the bus. Don’t activate your pass too early, as the pass expires 3 hours after it is activated.
Here’s how:
Click “Chatham U-Pass” on the main menu.
Once you see the screen confirming the pass you’ve selected, tap the “Activate Ticket” button at the bottom of the screen.
Review the ticket information screen and click on the “Activate Ticket” button.
You will then receive a bar code to scan on the validator upon entry of the bus.
Bus Routes
The bus routes in Pittsburgh are fairly simple and easy to navigate. You can easily map your route by using the Ready2Ride app. Your preferred maps app likely has public transit routing as well. Google Maps and Apple Maps are both very reliable options.
Some useful bus lines to know:
Wilkins Ave at Murray Ave Stop
Bus 67 to Downtown/Monroeville
Bus 59 (Mon Valley) to Pleasant Hills
Bus 74 to Homewood/Squirrel Hill
Fifth Ave at Maryland Ave Stop
Bus 64 to Lawrenceville/Waterfront
Bus 71B to Downtown/Highland Park
Bus 71D (Hamilton Short) to Oakland/Wilkinsburg
Oakland or Fifth Ave Stop
Bus 28X (Airport Flyer) to Pittsburgh International Airport
As always, if you have any questions while getting acquainted, feel free to reach out to us at the office. We’re happy to help! You can send us an email at globalengagement@chatham.edu
Your Student Leaders, such as your Orientation Leaders and Residential Assistants (RAs, if on-campus), are also a great resource. Students at Chatham frequently make use of public transit and are always willing to help.
We are excited to welcome you to Chatham, new Cougars🐾🌎. Safe travels!