Transportation

Pitt Transportation Shuttle System

The Pitt shuttle buses run year-round (except during winter recess and spring break), seven days a week, to all parts of campus as well as to north and south Oakland and the Center for Biotechnology and Bioengineering. Hours vary by route. Service runs on a reduced schedule during University holidays and the summer term.

Fixed-route buses and shuttles stop at well-lit designated points along their routes. The main campus stop is the Cathedral of Learning and Hillman bus shelter, currently located on Forbes Ave. next to Schenley Plaza.

Shuttles are now equipped with GPS and arrival information is available at pittshuttle.com/routes from a desktop or laptop computer or by downloading the TransLoc App from any iPhone or Android.

For more information and the most up-to-date schedules for University of Pittsburgh shuttles, visit pts.pitt.edu/transportation.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Partnership

Pitt students, staff, and faculty may ride PRT buses, light rail and inclines free of charge in Allegheny County by tapping a current and valid Pitt ID card at fare box upon entry.

Parking

Pitt operates 45 parking lots and 24 parking garages on the Pittsburgh campus. Student parking is offered to commuter, resident, and evening students. Several types of security devices and procedures help to provide for the safety of parking patrons:

  • Emergency telephones are located in or immediately adjacent to each facility.
  • Contracted security personnel monitor, on foot, all open garages.
  • Security guards make scheduled rounds in our transient parking garages. By request, a security guard will escort patrons to their vehicles in these garages.
  • Facilities without attendants are patrolled 24 hours per day by Pitt Police on foot, by bicycle, and in vehicles.

Pedestrian Safety

  • Don’t be distracted by texting or talking on your phone or wearing earbuds. Pay attention!
  • Look both directions before you cross the street—even if it’s a one-way street.
  • Be aware of reverse-flow bus lanes (for example, Fifth Avenue in Oakland).
  • Use crosswalks but be aware that drivers don’t always stop at crosswalks.
  • When using a crosswalk with a signal, remember that a steady walking person means you may begin crossing the street but be aware of turning vehicles.
  • A flashing upraised hand means you should not begin to cross the street and those already crossing should complete their cross. A steady upraised hand means you should not cross the street.
  • Be alert to drivers who might not see you in the crosswalk or at the green light. Some drivers’ views might be blocked or they might make an illegal turn.
  • Don’t walk behind a car that is pulled up too far and is blocking the crosswalk.
  • Walk facing traffic at night, carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing. White clothing will not necessarily make you more visible to drivers.

Driver Safety

  • Share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians and be especially vigilant at intersections and crosswalks.
  • PA law requires drivers of motor vehicles to leave a minimum distance of 4 feet when passing or sharing the road with bicyclists. When approaching a bicyclist that has taken the lane, slow down and wait for oncoming traffic to clear before passing at a safe speed. PA law allows motor vehicles to pass bicyclists in no-passing zones as long as it is safe to do so. Don’t cut off a bicyclist when returning to the lane after passing (also known as a “right hook.”)
  • Make eye contact with bicyclists at intersections and turns so they know your intention.
  • It is illegal in the City of Pittsburgh to park or operate a motor vehicle in a bike lane.
  • Be mindful of bicyclists riding along the curb or in bike lanes, especially when making a right turn and when exiting your parked vehicle.

Bicyclist Safety

  • Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on the road and give an audible signal by calling out “On your left!” before overtaking and passing them on paths and trails.
  • Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. PA law states that bicyclists should ride in the right-most travel lane except when preparing to make a left turn, when overtaking a slower vehicle, or if an obstruction requires the bicyclists to move out of the right-most lane. If you’re on a road where a bike and vehicle can safely share the same lane (riding with at least 4 feet of clear space on both sides of you) then share the lane. Otherwise, bicyclists should take the lane which means riding in the middle of the traffic lane so other vehicles will have to wait until it is safe to pass.
  • Be alert to the “door zone”: the three to four feet next to parked vehicles where doors can swing open.
  • When approaching intersections be sure to place yourself in a position that communicates to other road users where you intend to go. It is also important at intersections to be mindful of motorist who may be turning in front of you. Making eye contact with drivers and watching a vehicles movement helps you know whether they see you.
  • Ride predictably, do not weave in and out of parked cars or stopped vehicles.
  • It is illegal in the City of Pittsburgh to ride bicycles on sidewalks or crosswalks in business districts, including Oakland. Always dismount and walk your bike when using sidewalks or crosswalks in business districts.
  • When riding at night, use a front white headlight and a rear red reflector (a flashing red light is ideal) that are bright and easily visible. Both are required by law in Pennsylvania and many other states. It is especially important to wear bright and reflective clothing that increases your visibility to other road users through your body movements. Adding reflectors to wheels, pant legs, and shoes are great examples.