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Latest News
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and CommuteInfo Help You Rise Above Rising Fuel Costs: Six-Month Campaign Promotes Transportation Alternatives
If boring commutes and high gas prices are putting a damper on your day… and wallet, now’s the time to consider some alternatives for getting to work. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is working with the CommuteInfo program to encourage commuters in the southwestern PA region to fill out an online profile to receive a free, personalized report of commuting options.
Between now and December, anyone who goes to www.commuteinfo.org and completes an online profile will be automatically entered into a drawing to win one of three gift cards each month for Downtown stores and restaurants, including Capital Grill, Six Penn Kitchen, McCormick and Schmick’s, One Oxford Centre, Saks and Macy’s. Each one is valued at approximately $75. Commuting options include transit, carpooling, bike-pooling and vanpooling.
For more information about the program, prize rules or commuting options, visit www.commuteinfo.org or call 1-888-819-6110.
Meet the CommuteInfo Staff
Mary Beth Kim joined the CommuteInfo staff on June 23rd. Mary Beth’s role will initially focus on meeting with commuters and employers within the Route 30 Corridor in Westmoreland County. Mary Beth says: “Having grown up in Southwestern PA, and just returning after a short time away, I am thrilled to be working on this project and providing assistance to my fellow regional neighbors.”
Commuter Questionnaire Results
The CommuteInfo program routinely asks for advice from its customers. During the month of May, a special questionnaire was posted on the CommuteInfo website. Of all the website visitors in May, 434 people completed the survey.
Although a non-scientific survey, it provided the CommuteInfo program staff with information about the characteristics of commuting trips survey respondents are making and the reasons why they chose their current way to work or school.
Individuals who reported driving alone were asked why they drove alone instead of using a commuting alternative. The top 3 reasons cited were:
- No ridesharing partners (28.7%)
- More convenient (17.9%)
- Public transit not available (14.1%)
With the regional ridematching database CommuteInfo can help by providing a personalized matchlist of options for those looking for a rideshare partner.
The questionnaire also asked the cost of the respondents’ current commute. The average monthly cost reported by those driving alone was $415 versus $89.95 for those taking transit. The CommuteInfo program staff hears regularly how much less costly taking transit is, but the following chart really demonstrates HOW much less.

Thanks to all of you who participated in this and the other surveys the CommuteInfo program has conducted. The information we collect is always reviewed and used to help tailor the program to better meet the needs of commuters and employers.
PennDOT Offers Email and Text Traffic Information to Motorists
In an effort to improve communication with the traveling public, PennDOT is pleased to offer text and email traffic alerts and road work advisories directly to motorists, commuters, residents and others.
Simply provide contact email or text address information to the PennDOT press office. PennDOT offers specialized information pertaining to particular roadways and projects.
Please specify preference when providing email or text addresses from the following categories:
- All roadways and bridges in Allegheny County
- Weekend work and restrictions in Allegheny County (this will only include restrictions and work activities that occur on weekends)
- All roadways and bridges in Beaver County
- All roadways and bridges in Lawrence County
- I-376 Parkway East
- I-279 Parkway North
- I-279/Route 22/30 Parkway West
- Route 28 Allegheny Valley Expressway
- West End Circle Improvement Project
Send contact information (email or text address) and location preferences to PennDOT District 11 Press Officer Jim Struzzi at jstruzzi@state.pa.us or by calling 412-429-5010.
Note: Please check with your wireless provider to ensure there are no extra charges to your wireless account for text messaging.
Commuting Options: Information & Resources

Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority Announces New Fares
On July 1st, the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority (MMVTA) announced the newest way you can DUMP THE PUMP and escape the frustration of high gas prices. MMVTA’s new, streamlined and more economically friendly fares make it easier to ride the bus. Along with the new fares, MMVTA introduced monthly passes for the first time.
For more information about MMVTA’s new fares and passes visit www.mmvta.com or call 724-489-0880.
Beaver County Transit Authority
Beaver County Transit Authority can get you to work or school but did you know they can help you get to the Steelers’ games? Learn more on their website:
http://www.bcta.com/index.php?id=107

Vanpool Groups Looking for Riders
Several vanpool groups have seats available. You can view the entire list of vanpool groups by clicking here. These are the groups with the highest number of seats available:
Origin: Weirton, WV (Group V140)
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Arriving at Work: 7:20 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:05 p.m.
Origin: Rimersburg (Group V508)
Destination: Boyers
Time Arriving at Work: 7:00 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 3:45 p.m.
Origin: Irwin (Group V122)
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Arriving at Work: 7:40 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:15 p.m.
Origin: Grove City (Group V507)
Destination: Boyers
Time Arriving at Work: 7:00 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:15 p.m.
To obtain a complete list of vanpool groups that match your particular commute, fill out a commuter profile today by clicking here or by calling 1-888-819-6110. If vanpooling works for you, you can join on either a full-time or part-time basis. Learn more about the vanpool program on the CommuteInfo website.

Carpool Groups Looking for Riders
Several registered carpool groups have seats available…this is just a sample, for a complete listing of carpools looking for riders, please click here:
Origin: West Mifflin (Group C051)
Destination: Oakland
Time Arriving at Work: 8:00 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:30 p.m.
Origin: Conneaut Lake (Group C1231)
Destination: Oakland
Time Arriving at Work: 7:30 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:00 p.m.
Origin: New Kensington (Group CL0001)
Destination: New Kensington
Time Arriving at Work: 8:00 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:00 p.m.
Origin: Sewickley (Group CD008)
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Arriving at Work: 7:00 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 4:30 p.m.
Learn about the benefits of registering your carpool with CommuteInfo or contact us to find out what specific options are available for you.

Bike Commuters … Looking for Someone to Share Your Biking Commute
Considering riding your bike to work or school? CommuteInfo can help you find a bikepool buddy. The process works the same way as finding someone to carpool with --- just complete the commuter profile on-line or over the phone by calling 1-888-819-6110 and we will send you a matchlist with other people interested in biking to work.
Several registered bikepool groups are looking for participants…for the most up to date listing of bikepools looking for participants, please click here:
Origin: Highland Park/East Liberty (Group A)
Destination: Southside
Time Arriving at Work: 8:30 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:00 p.m.
Origin: Squirrel Hill (Group B)
Destination: Downtown Pittsburgh
Time Arriving at Work: 8:30 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 5:00 p.m.
Origin: Squirrel Hill (Group C)
Destination: North Side
Time Arriving at Work: 8:00 a.m.
Time Leaving for Home: 7:00 p.m.

To learn more about walking, teleworking, flextime or compressed work weeks, visit the “Other Options” page on the CommuteInfo website.
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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, finding a better way to work is clearly an integral part of life for the region’s employers and workers.
CommuteInfo is a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), coordinated in partnership with transportation management associations, transportation providers, businesses and non-profit service organizations throughout Southwestern PA.
The CommuteInfo program is dedicated to increasing the number of commuters in Southwestern PA sharing a ride to work. The CommuteInfo program is designed to serve as an information clearinghouse for commuters and employers. The goal is for commuters living, working or attending school within the 10-county SPC region to choose ridesharing at least twice a week by providing them with viable options, incentives and encouragement. This is accomplished by working directly with commuters, job seekers and employers.

Check out previous e-newsletter editions by clicking here

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Thanks again for your interest in commuting alternatives and CommuteInfo . . . a better way to work. |