For football fans worried about traffic, parking and crowds expected during the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Regional Transit is offering a free and easier way into the city.PRT’s “Football Flyer” buses will begin routes outside the city, picking up riders from the north, south, east and west and taking them to the draft.In the eastern suburbs, for example, fans can park for free at Monroeville Mall and board the 99E for a free ride downtown.The idea appeared to win over some fans who were initially hesitant about attending the draft.”I think it’s a great idea,” said Jamie Mendenhall, of Plum.Another fan said, “I would love to be there.”NFL Draft in Pittsburgh >> Visit our special draft page for latest headlines and what you need to know about the draftMany told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that their biggest concern was dealing with traffic in the city.”I’m just scared of all the traffic, and I know Pittsburgh is already hectic to begin with,” Mendenhall said.But the option of skipping the drive and parking changed some minds.”That does sound like a good idea,” Mendenhall said. “I would definitely do it if my anxiety wasn’t so high about the situation, but I would so definitely get the free bus down there, because why wouldn’t you?”The free shuttles will serve all four corners of Allegheny County.In the north, service will begin at the McCandless Park and Ride, then add riders in Ross before heading to the draft.In the west, the first stop will be the Coraopolis Park and Ride.South Hills riders can board at the University Park Park and Ride, while eastern riders can catch the bus at Monroeville Mall.Each route is part of the 99 line, with buses labeled by direction — including 99W from the west and 99E from the east. On Thursday and Friday, the buses will run every 15 minutes. On Saturday, service will run every 30 minutes.PRT says extra staff will also be on hand to help fans find the events they want to attend, and special announcements will be made on board to let riders know where to get off for specific activities.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

MONROEVILLE, Pa. —

For football fans worried about traffic, parking and crowds expected during the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Regional Transit is offering a free and easier way into the city.

PRT’s “Football Flyer” buses will begin routes outside the city, picking up riders from the north, south, east and west and taking them to the draft.

In the eastern suburbs, for example, fans can park for free at Monroeville Mall and board the 99E for a free ride downtown.

The idea appeared to win over some fans who were initially hesitant about attending the draft.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Jamie Mendenhall, of Plum.

Another fan said, “I would love to be there.”

NFL Draft in Pittsburgh >> Visit our special draft page for latest headlines and what you need to know about the draft

Many told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that their biggest concern was dealing with traffic in the city.

“I’m just scared of all the traffic, and I know Pittsburgh is already hectic to begin with,” Mendenhall said.

But the option of skipping the drive and parking changed some minds.

“That does sound like a good idea,” Mendenhall said. “I would definitely do it if my anxiety wasn’t so high about the situation, but I would so definitely get the free bus down there, because why wouldn’t you?”

The free shuttles will serve all four corners of Allegheny County.

In the north, service will begin at the McCandless Park and Ride, then add riders in Ross before heading to the draft.

In the west, the first stop will be the Coraopolis Park and Ride.

South Hills riders can board at the University Park Park and Ride, while eastern riders can catch the bus at Monroeville Mall.

Each route is part of the 99 line, with buses labeled by direction — including 99W from the west and 99E from the east. On Thursday and Friday, the buses will run every 15 minutes. On Saturday, service will run every 30 minutes.

PRT says extra staff will also be on hand to help fans find the events they want to attend, and special announcements will be made on board to let riders know where to get off for specific activities.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.