We were taking *** look at public transportation on the first Monday of the Commercial Street Parkway East closure. We are at the Swissville Park and Ride. This park and ride was at full capacity this morning. PRT officials tell me that is not typical on *** Monday, and we did notice. Some people boarding buses downtown as *** way to avoid traffic, so we boarded *** bus too. We stepped on board the P-1 from Swissville to downtown Pittsburgh, and we got on board. It was 11:44, so it was midday. The bus was not. There were some seats, but there was *** steady flow, and it took us just until 12:04, so 20 minutes to get to Penn Station downtown. Remember, when you get on the bus in this area, they have that dedicated corridor. There’s *** section there where they can bypass any traffic if it. Did exist. So it took us just about 20 minutes. Again, it was midday, so those times could certainly change. If you want to check out PRT, if you want to give this *** shot, one day pass is $7. *** pass for *** month is just under $50. We have all of the details about this closure and resources at WTAE.com.
Swissvale Park hits full capacity on first weekday of the Parkway East closure
Updated: 4:53 PM EDT Jul 13, 2026
The Swissvale Park and Ride in Allegheny County was at full capacity Monday morning, which Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) said is not typical for the start of the week, as commuters face the first Monday of the Parkway East closure. The Wilkinsburg Park and Ride was also close to capacity. Further indicating that people may be seeking alternative ways to get into the city, including buses, which can bypass much of the traffic.When Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 boarded the P1 bus to downtown, there was a steady stream of passengers, though the bus was not overcrowded. “It’s more people getting on the bus,” one rider said. Jay Gee, a PRT rider, shared his thoughts on the situation. “I can’t wait to get back on the road, you know, so I could just skirt skirt,” Gee said. S. Brown, another PRT rider heading to work downtown, explained how she adjusted her schedule to avoid peak crowding. “It’s inconvenient right now, but in the long run, I’m sure it’ll be a lot faster,” Brown said. The P1 bus benefited from the East Busway’s dedicated corridor, allowing it to bypass traffic and complete the commute to Penn Station downtown in just 20 minutes. “I expect it to be hectic and busy,” another rider said. Regular riders are preparing for an influx of new commuters and are offering advice for first-time bus users. “Come early. Be prepared to wait. And be prepared to have to stand up when it’s crowded. And just be patient with the drivers,” said Tyrone Ward, a PRT rider. For those considering public transportation, PRT offers an all-day bus pass for $7 or a monthly pass for just under $50. Commuters are encouraged to check the status of their Park and Ride lots on PRT’s social media, as updates are posted when lots are full or nearing capacity.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.
PITTSBURGH —
The Swissvale Park and Ride in Allegheny County was at full capacity Monday morning, which Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) said is not typical for the start of the week, as commuters face the first Monday of the Parkway East closure.
The Wilkinsburg Park and Ride was also close to capacity. Further indicating that people may be seeking alternative ways to get into the city, including buses, which can bypass much of the traffic.
When Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 boarded the P1 bus to downtown, there was a steady stream of passengers, though the bus was not overcrowded.
“It’s more people getting on the bus,” one rider said.
Jay Gee, a PRT rider, shared his thoughts on the situation.
“I can’t wait to get back on the road, you know, so I could just skirt skirt,” Gee said.
S. Brown, another PRT rider heading to work downtown, explained how she adjusted her schedule to avoid peak crowding.
“It’s inconvenient right now, but in the long run, I’m sure it’ll be a lot faster,” Brown said.
The P1 bus benefited from the East Busway’s dedicated corridor, allowing it to bypass traffic and complete the commute to Penn Station downtown in just 20 minutes.
“I expect it to be hectic and busy,” another rider said.
Regular riders are preparing for an influx of new commuters and are offering advice for first-time bus users.
“Come early. Be prepared to wait. And be prepared to have to stand up when it’s crowded. And just be patient with the drivers,” said Tyrone Ward, a PRT rider.
For those considering public transportation, PRT offers an all-day bus pass for $7 or a monthly pass for just under $50.
Commuters are encouraged to check the status of their Park and Ride lots on PRT’s social media, as updates are posted when lots are full or nearing capacity.
Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.