Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a team effort. Here's what you need to know.

Here you will find the latest information issued by Port Authority, as well as helpful tips on what you can do to protect yourself and fellow riders while riding public transit throughout our the region.
Port Authority has launched a new online tool to help riders plan trips with social distancing in mind called Room2Ride.
Port Authority continues to enforce vehicle capacity limits to ensure riders have enough space to spread out and to prevent overcrowding. Drivers will pass up stops when their vehicle reaches the limit until other passengers on the vehicle disembark.
• No more than 10 riders will be permitted on a 35-foot bus at one time
• No more than 15 riders will be permitted on a 40-foot bus at one time
• No more than 25 riders will be permitted on a 60-foot articulated bus or light rail vehicle at one time
Federal and State health orders require all employees and riders to wear a protective face covering at stops, stations and on any Port Authority vehicle to help protect against the spread of germs. Learn more about our face covering policy here.
Safe to Go
As we continue to navigate the global pandemic, your health and safety continue to be our top priority. Learn more about our in-depth plan to keep you safe while taking public transit.

Frequently Asked Questions
How is Port Authority staying on top of the latest COVID-19 developments?
We are in regular contact with the Allegheny County Health Department through scheduled conference calls and daily email updates.
We also receive guidance from federal, state and local authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
We have formed an internal working group to monitor the spread of the virus and identify ways to contain it; provide information to customers and employees; and ensure the Authority has the resources it needs.
How can I stay healthy and limit the spread of germs on public transit vehicles?
Federal and State health orders require all employees and riders to wear a protective face covering at stops, stations and on any Port Authority vehicle to help protect against the spread of germs. Only those citing economic or health reasons may ride without a face covering. Children ages two or under do not require a face covering. Read more about our face covering policy here.
To allow for safe social distancing, vehicle capacity limits remain in place until further notice:
No more than 10 passengers on a 35-foot bus at one time.
No more than 15 passengers on a 45-foot bus at one time.
No more than 25 passengers on a 60-foot articulated bus or a light rail car at one time.
The most effective way to help prevent the exposure to and spread of germs is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you are unable to wash your hands, carry alcohol-based (60-95% alcohol) hand sanitizer. Do this immediately after riding the bus, light rail vehicle, or incline.
Here are some additional tips for protecting yourself and fellow riders while riding public transit:
If you notice someone near you who appears to be visibly sick, move away from them if possible. If escaping the path of someone’s cough or sneeze isn’t an option, respectfully pivot in the opposite direction, being sure to face away from the trajectory of their cough or sneeze.
While an entirely hands-free commute probably isn’t possible, it’s best to avoid holding on to poles and straps as germs can survive on these surfaces. If possible, sit down, keeping your hands in your pockets to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. This option is more of a best-case scenario, as trains and buses are often full during peak travel hours, and individuals with physical disabilities should always have first priority for seating.
If you are unable to sit for any reason, and must hold on to poles or straps, carry tissues and use these as barriers between your bare hand and the surface you are touching. Discard the tissue in a waste bin after exiting the vehicle.
If you're sick, stay home. If that’s not an option, make sure that you don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. You’re more likely to touch something and spread germs that could infect others. Instead, cough or sneeze into your shoulder, sleeve or elbow.
Get your flu shot. It has been an active flu and respiratory disease season. The CDC and Allegheny County Health Department continue to recommend getting a flu shot – it’s never too late.
As an additional effort to prevent the spread of germs, Port Authority has installed hand sanitizing dispensers for customers at major bus and light rail stations.
At which bus and light rail stations can I find hand sanitizer dispensers?
For your safety, we have installed hand sanitizing dispensers at the following locations. If you notice that a dispenser is empty, please let us know by calling 412-442-2000.
East Busway (inbound platform)
• Penn Station
• Herron Station
• Negley Station
• East Liberty Station
• Homewood Station
• Wilkinsburg Station
• Hamnett Station
• Roslyn Station
• Swissvale Station
West Busway (inbound platform)
• Sheraden Station
• Ingram Station
• Crafton Station
• Idlewood Station
• Bell Station
• Carnegie Station
South Busway (inbound platform)
• South Hills Junction
• Palm Garden
• Dawn
• Pioneer Ave. Ramp
• Edgebrook Shelter
• Whited St. Shelter
• South Bank
• Central Shelter
• Inglewood Shelter
• Overbrook Shelter
• Glenbury Ave. Ramp
Rail Stations (inbound platform)
• Allegheny
• North Side
• Gateway
• Wood Street
• Steel Plaza
• First Avenue
• Station Square
• South Hills Junction
• Fallowfield
• Potomac
• Dormont
• Mt. Lebanon
• Castle Shannon
• Overbrook Junction
• Washington Junction
• South Hills Village (including the South Hills Village Garage on all parking levels, near the fare booth, and by the elevators)
• Boggs
• Bon Air
• Denise
• South Bank
• McNeilly
• Killarney
• Memorial Hall
• Willow
• Lytle
• West Library
• Library
Incline
• Upper Station
• Lower Station
Other Locations
• Sixth and Smithfield Bus Stop
• Sarah Station ConnectCard Ticket Vending Machine
• St. Anne Station Ticket Vending Machine
• ConnectCard Ticket Vending Machine at Representative Dan Deasy’s Office
• ConnectCard Ticket Vending Machines at 5th Avenue and Atwood Street in Oakland
What is being done to keep buses, rail cars, and stations clean?
As of Saturday, March 14, 2020, Port Authority will disinfect vehicles and stations on a daily basis.
This extra work will first be completed by Port Authority employees during regular hours, and then through overtime if needed.
Has ACCESS, Port Authority’s paratransit system, also increased the frequency of vehicle cleaning?
Yes, ACCESS service providers are cleaning paratransit vehicles on a daily basis.
For more information and updates related to ACCESS and COVID-19, please visit www.myaccessride.com.
What should I do if someone is noticeably ill on the bus?
If someone is noticeably ill, we recommend that you try and move away from the sick passenger.
If you are unable to do so for any reason, respectfully pivot in the opposite direction, being sure to face away from the trajectory of their cough or sneeze. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, as soon as possible following this exposure.
You may also talk to your operator. If it is suspected that a vehicle has been contaminated, Port Authority is prepared to pull the vehicle from service, ensure that it is quarantined from other vehicles, and cleaned with the spray foam disinfectant.
What is being done to protect our drivers?
Port Authority has implemented a temporary physical distancing policy on all vehicles in an effort to protect both operators and customers from the spread of germs and illness.
We are also providing hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks to employees who work with the public.
Additionally, all of our buses have been equipped with protective Plexiglass driver shields.
Port Authority employees – including drivers – also receive information from our Safety department, including helpful hygiene tips on how to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the disease.
Effective March 25 through June 1, all customers were to board and exit through the rear doors of buses, away from our drivers. As a further effort to promote physical distancing between the operator and customers during this time, cash fares were not collected on buses. Cash fare collection resumed June 8.
Are there any current impacts to service?
CLICK HERE for the most up-to-date schedules.
Unless directed otherwise by public health officials, we will continue serving our riders as scheduled.
Is Port Authority offering reimbursements for time-based passes?
Many businesses are permitting their employees to work remotely during this uncertain time, and to help make that a little easier Port Authority is offering prorated reimbursements to customers who purchased time-based passes.
Please call Customer Service at 412-442-2000 or chat with us during normal business hours. Please have your ConnectCard number ready.
At this time, we are unable to process requests for JobPerks or WageWorks. If you are enrolled in one of these plans or a similar one, please contact your plan administrator.
What would happen if person confirmed to have the virus rode on a Port Authority vehicle?
If health officials are able to determine which bus or light rail vehicle(s) the person was on, the vehicle would be pulled from service, quarantined from other vehicles for at least 24 hours and all surfaces would be disinfected before being put back into service.
Where can I go to stay updated about Port Authority information and service?
There are many ways you can contact us to ask a question, file a complaint, offer kudos or report a lost item.
Our service alerts can be found on Twitter @PghTransitAlert. You do not need to have a Twitter account to view these alerts. Simply go to Twitter.com/PghTransitAlert.
Port Authority Customer Service representatives are available 8am - 4:30pm:
- Phone: 412-442-2000
- Twitter: @PghTransitCare
- Facebook Messenger: @PghTransit
- Website Live Chat: www.PortAuthority.org
How many Port Authority employees have tested positive for COVID-19?
Port Authority is working closely with our employees, unions and public health officials to monitor and address health issues associated with COVID-19.
We are proactively implementing measures to protect the safety of our customers and our employees, including making information available when one of our employees has tested positive for the virus.
At no time will a Port Authority employee with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis ever be at work or have contact with customers and co-workers while ill. We have procedures in place to sanitize and deep clean any work area/equipment that might have been used by such an employee as well as a notification system to inform workplace colleagues, particularly those who worked in close proximity to the individual prior to a confirmed virus diagnosis.
We will continue to notify employees at the affected sites and provide updates here regarding employees who have tested positive.
448
Last updated April 13, 2021
How many Port Authority employees have died after testing positive for COVID-19?
It is with great sadness that
4
Last updated February 26, 2021
Hygiene Tips for Riders
Port Authority has partnered with the Allegheny County Health Department to offer some useful tips to help prevent the exposure to and spread of germs and illness while riding public transit in our region.
Wash your hands.
Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Follow these five steps every time:
- - Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- - Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- - Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice, or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
- - Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- - Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Carry alcohol-based (60-95% alcohol) hand sanitizer when you aren’t able to wash your hands.
Change your seat.
If you notice someone near you who appears to be visibly sick, move away from them if possible.
If escaping the path of someone’s cough or sneeze isn’t an option, respectfully pivot in the opposite direction, being sure to face away from the trajectory of their cough or sneeze.
Sit down.
While an entirely hands-free commute probably isn’t possible, it’s best to avoid holding on to poles and straps as germs can survive on these surfaces. If possible, opt to sit, keeping your hands in your pockets to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. This option is more of a best-case scenario, as trains and buses are often full during peak travel hours, and individuals with physical disabilities should always have first priority for seating.
Use good judgment.
If you are sick, stay home. If that’s not an option, don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. You’re more likely to touch something and spread germs that could infect others. Instead, cough or sneeze into your shoulder, sleeve or elbow.
Additionally, it has been an active flu and respiratory disease season. The CDC and ACHD continues to recommend getting a flu shot - it’s never too late.