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Latest News
 Winter Weather Commuting: Ice. Snow. Sleet. Freezing Rain.
It is that time of year again and there is no better time of year to sit back and let someone else drive.
The region’s public transit operators stand ready to transport you to your destination. Check out their schedules to see if there might be a fit for your commute.
The CommuteInfo registered vanpools and carpools are another option if you want to let someone else drive. Recently the CommuteInfo program’s vanpool provider, VPSI, provided a list of tips for our vanpool groups on winter weather driving safety, and many of the tips apply to anyone who drives. Read the entire article here.
Check out the CommuteInfo program Quick Reference Guide to Commuting Options for more information about these options.
The CommuteInfo program hopes you find the right commuting alternative for you!
Transportation 101
- What transportation options are available in our community?
- How do you read a bus schedule?
- What is it like to board & pay for a bus ride?
To help answer these questions - a half-day course, called Transportation 101, was developed. Through a cooperative effort, the program is customized to provide an overview of the public transit and ridesharing options for a particular area and when possible, include an actual bus ride.
On February 1st, over 20 people attended the first Transportation 101 class held in Westmoreland County. Those in attendance represented human service agencies and local employers. 
The participants had a 3-hour classroom training presented by SPC CommuteInfo, Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority and Westmoreland County Transit Authority staff. They also paid fares (with play money) and rode a Westmoreland Transit bus.
This training can be customized by county and for various audiences – employers, social service organizations or others. If you would be interested in learning more about Transportation 101, please contact us today.
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Vanpool Groups Looking for Riders
Several of our vanpool groups have seats available. Why not try one day for free? These are the groups with the highest number of seats available…this is not a complete listing.
Origination: Irwin
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Leaving for Work: 6:45 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:00 p.m.
Origination: Weirton, WV
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Leaving for Work: 6:30 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:10 p.m.
Origination: Latrobe
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Leaving for Work: 5:45 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:30 p.m.
Origination: Washington
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Leaving for Work: 6:30 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:00 p.m.
Origination: Greensburg
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Leaving for Work: 6:30 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:10 p.m.
Origination: Greensburg
Destination: Oakland
Time Leaving for Work: 7:00 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:05 p.m.
If vanpooling works for you, you can join on either a full-time or part-time basis. Learn more about our vanpool program on our website.
 How are new vanpools started?
Starting a new vanpool group can be as simple as 1-2-3.
1 – Ask your co-workers, neighbors or friends who have a similar schedule if they are interested in vanpooling. Finding a group of 8 – 10 people who are interested and committed to vanpooling is an important first step.
2 – Call the CommuteInfo office (1-888-819-6110). We can help locate more people who might be interested in joining your group and can get you started with the paperwork.
3 – Decide who will drive, the pick-up and drop-off times, where the van will be parked. CommuteInfo will work with you to arrange for van delivery, driver training, etc. Then you can get started!
If you would like to learn more about starting a vanpool group, contact Meg Kessler at 412-391-5590 x337 or email her by clicking here.
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Carpool Groups Looking For Riders
Several of our groups have seats available…this is just a sample listing.
Origination: Cranberry
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Leaving for Work: 7:15 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:15 p.m.
Origination: West Mifflin
Destination: Oakland
Time Leaving for Work: 7:30 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:30 p.m.
Learn more about our carpool program on our website. Or you can contact us to find out what specific options are available for you.
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Did You Know?
BCTA’s Top 10, Riding the Bus
# 10 – It’s easy – each trip in Beaver County costs only $1.75!
# 9 – Or, a Day Pass costs $3.25 for unlimited trips in Beaver County on one day.
# 8 – You can pay with cash on the bus - or buy a ticket in advance.
# 7 – Arrive to your stop just a few minutes early –to catch your bus!
# 6 – BCTA operates bus service on weekdays and Saturdays.
# 5 – BCTA employees at our Information Desk can tell you the closest bus stops and times – just call 724-728-8600.
# 4 – Or, all schedules will be mailed to you upon request – just call 724-728-8600.
# 3 – Check out all of the same info on our website at www.bcta.com.
# 2 – BCTA can take you so many places - work, school, doctors & hospitals, malls & other shopping, downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh International Airport, Steelers games, and more… Where do you want to go?
# 1 – BCTA stops in 23 municipalities in Beaver County…How close does the bus stop to you?
 Port Authority has introduced a new vehicle into its informational fleet: Rider Report. Rider Report is a monthly electronic newsletter designed specifically for Port Authority riders and all those with an interest in Authority-related news, service and activities. Rider Report will feature a news column from Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland, as well as information about Port Authority’s corporate and community involvement, current events and ongoing projects. The e-newsletter will also provide Port Authority customers with details about service changes, park and ride lots, detours, marketing promotions, special events and Port Authority trivia, among other information. Rider Report can be accessed from the home page of Port Authority’s Web site, www.PortAuthority.org. To receive Rider Report electronically, send an e-mail to RiderReport@portauthority.org.
The latest edition of Port Authority’s Rider Report is now available on the Port Authority Web site. Click here to read this newsletter.
 Meet CommuteInfo Representatives at one of these Upcoming Events…
- March 28 – Employment Guide Job Fair at the US Steel Building (in downtown Pittsburgh)
- April 13 - Human Services Council, Washington County (location to be announced, check our website for more details)
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We are always looking for community events or speaking opportunities where CommuteInfo can be represented – please email us with your ideas!
With approximately 60% of the Southwestern Pennsylvania region's 1.5 million workers traveling outside of their resident municipality to work each day, commuting options are clearly an integral part of life for the region’s employers and workers.
CommuteInfo is a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), operated in partnership with transportation management associations, transportation providers, businesses and non-profit service organizations throughout Southwestern PA.
Through the strong network of partnerships, the CommuteInfo program offers a wide range of ride-sharing services to employers and commuters within the region, including a toll free phone number for information requests and referrals, vanpool/carpool rider matching, transit/biking/walking resources as well as park and ride lot information. CommuteInfo serves commuters and employers in 10 counties, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland.
You have received this message because you have signed up for the e-newsletter on the CommuteInfo website. If you have received this in error or no longer wish to receive messages from CommuteInfo, please reply to this message with your unsubscribe request.
Thanks again for your interest in commuting alternatives and CommuteInfo . . . a better way to work. |
