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Commuting to Point Park

Whether you drive, carpool, take a bus, bike or walk to campus, here's some transportation information to help make it easier.

Bus and mass transit

If you're using mass transit to get to campus, take the time for a practice commute - you'll be much more relaxed on your first day if you know what to expect, and you'll have time to adjust anything that might not go the way you anticipated. If you know you're going to use public transportation but are not sure of where to start, try the EZ Ride Pittsburgh app.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) fares and schedules

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (formerly the Port Authority) provides service to Pittsburgh and throughout Allegheny County. You can find fare and Connect Card information, as well as schedules on PRT's website, along with accessibility information.  In addition, there is "How To" information and step-by-step instructions on riding the bus, T (light rail), and inclines.  There is information on how to bike and ride, Park & Ride lots, and how to transfer.

U-Pass Program

Point Park University has partnered with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) to provide fare-free rides to all full-time undergraduate students in on-ground programs.  Through the Ready2Ride app on your mobile device, you can ride anywhere PRT travels and accepts mobile ticketing.  Note:  Mobile ticketing is not available at all T (light rail) stations.

Download the Ready2Ride app and create your account to receive your pass when issued by the U-Pass administrator.  For questions or concerns contact the U-Pass administrator, Desmond McCoy at dmccoy@pointpark.edu or visit the Office of Student Life on the 7th floor of the Student Center.

Point Park Ready2Ride User Guide (pdf)
Ready2Ride App Quick Tips (mp4)

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How to sign up and activate your U-Pass mobile account
  1. Download the PRT Ready2Ride App through the App Store or Google Play
  2. Create an account using your Point Park email address
  3. Verify your email address by clicking on the link in the email you will receive when you create your account.  If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your junk folder.  If you have Focused Inbox turned on, check the Other tab.
How to Use Your U-Pass

Make sure you are logged into your account in the Ready2Ride app.

  1. Select “Ticket Wallet”
  2. Select “Point Park Monthly Pass."  The monthly pass will be loaded into your ticket wallet when the program begins on August 26, 2023, and on the first of each month after that during the academic year (last pass is April).
  3. Select "Activate Ticket"
  4. Hold your phone to the mobile scanner on the vehicle

Who is eligible for the U-Pass Program?

All full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an on-ground program are eligible for the program.  In addition, students must be registered for classes and maintain their full-time registration status in order to remain eligible for the program.  Note:  Full-time status is 12 or more credits for the semester.

When is the U-Pass Program available?

The first monthly pass will be available in the Ticket Wallet in the Ready2Ride app of eligible students beginning August 26, 2023.  This pass will be for the remainder of August.  A new pass will be available beginning the first day of each month after that through April. There are no passes for summer break months.

What if I don't see the U-Pass in my ticket wallet?

Make sure you are logged into your Ready2Ride app with your Point Park email account. The U-Pass will not show up if you are logged into the app with another account.  Also, look for "Point Park Monthly Pass." If you still don't see the pass, contact the U-Pass administrator, Desmond McCoy at dmccoy@pointpark.edu 

Remember, only full-time (12 or more credits) undergraduate students enrolled in on-ground programs are eligible for the U-Pass program.

Are U-Pass tickets transferrable to another person, or can I pay for someone else to ride with me by using my U-Pass ticket?

No. Each rider will need their own U-Pass account, and U-Pass tickets may not be shared with anyone other than the person they are intended for.  Anyone found in violation will be subject to Point Park University student code of conduct sanctions.

 

What if the app is unresponsive?

Try logging out and logging back in. Also try closing and re-opening the app.  Finally, try powering your device off and back on. If you continue to experience technical difficulties, contact Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Customer Service at 412-442-2000.

What if I don't see the U-Pass in my ticket wallet?

Make sure you are logged into your Ready2Ride app with your Point Park email account. The U-Pass will not show up if you are logged into the app with another account.  Also, look for "Point Park Monthly Pass." If you still don't see the pass, contact the U-Pass administrator, Desmond McCoy at dmccoy@pointpark.edu 

Remember, only full-time (12 or more credits) undergraduate students enrolled in on-ground programs are eligible for the U-Pass program.

Are U-Pass tickets transferrable to another person, or can I pay for someone else to ride with me by using my U-Pass ticket?

No. Each rider will need their own U-Pass account, and U-Pass tickets may not be shared with anyone other than the person they are intended for.  Anyone found in violation will be subject to Point Park University student code of conduct sanctions.

For additional Ready2Ride app information and FAQs, visit the PRT website.

Within the Ready2Ride app there are a number of helpful tools to help you get to where you want to.  

Where to start if you don't know which bus, T, or incline to take or where to find it?

  • Go to the Ready2Ride app > Other Trip Tools > True Time Tracker.  This takes you to the TrueTime app. 
  • Click on Trip Planner and follow the prompts to enter the start/end addresses of your trip. 
  • If you don't know the address of your current location, click the arrow inside the address box to populate it with your phone's GPS location (must be turned on).
  • Choose additional options as you wish, and the app will show you how to get to the stop, when the vehicle is due to arrive, how long the trip should, and how to get to your destination.

For additional helpful rider information, check out these other tools in the Ready2Ride app.

How to Ride includes information on getting to/from the airport, as well as how to ride the buses, light rail (T), and the inclines, all of which work a little differently.

Other Trip Tools includes:

  • Room2Ride shows historical rider data on buses; helpful to see which buses are typically more/less full.
  • Trip Planner is part of the TrueTime platform (see below)
  • Schedules allows you to download a pdf schedule for the chosen route
  • Detours
  • Transit App is another app that can assist you with schedules, routes, etc.  
  • True Time Tracker enables viewing of stop times, has a trip planner, track by text feature, and a real-time map allowing you to view where a vehicle is on the route.

Visit the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Rider Info page for additional information.

You are responsible for having your smartphone device charged at all times.

What happens if my smartphone becomes inoperable (i.e., dead battery) before I can scan my mobile ticket or U-Pass?

You are responsible for having a smartphone that is in good working order and usable before boarding a vehicle.  If your smartphone is inoperable you will need to use another payment method such as Connect Card or cash (exact change only).

I have a U-Pass or purchased ticket in my Ticket Wallet, but my smartphone screen is unreadable.  What should I do?

  • If your ticket or pass cannot be read or displayed, it is not valid.  You will need to use another payment method such as Connect Card or cash (exact change only).
  • If your pass is deemed not valid by the driver following visual inspection, and you do not have another payment method, you'll be instructed to exit the vehicle and contact Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Customer Service at 412-442-2000, or the Point Park University U-Pass administrator, Desmond McCoy, at dmccoy@pointpark.edu 
  • If  the validator (the equipment on the vehicle that validates your ticket or pass) has malfunctioned, you will be permitted to ride following a visual inspection and confirmation by the driver.

What happens if I lose my smartphone device or buy a new device?  Can I transfer my tickets or passes?

  • Point Park University is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.  
  • If an device is lost on a PRT vehicle, fill out PRT's Lost and Found Form
  • To transfer your account, along with your unused tickets or passes to a new device, dowload the app to your new device and log into your account.
  • If your previously purchased tickets or passes are not appearing after logging in, please contact PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000.  Please note that PRT will limit the number of times your are eligible to transfer your pass from one device to another.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit provides safety and security information on their website. Students are encouraged to read this information so they are familiar with the rules and procedures for riding on PRT vehicles, as well as the role of the PRT Police, the importance of See Something Say Something, and evacuation plans should they be needed.

Point Park University is not responsible for any misconduct that occurs on public transportation.  Incidents should be reported to the vehicle driver or PRT Police at 412-255-1385 or call 911.  

For general issues or concerns you can contact Point Park University's U-Pass administrator, Desmond McCoy, at dmccoy@pointpark.edu or PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000.  Information on filing a complaint or claim with the PRT may be found on the their website.

Other regional transportation options

CommuteInfo.org provides commuters within the 10-county Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission region, including City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties, with information on ridesharing. By increasing the number of people who rideshare, we are also reducing the amount of harmful emissions that enter the atmosphere. Depending on location, ridesharing options may include carpool, vanpool, transit (bus), bike, or walking.

Biking and bike racks

Biking can be a great way to get to campus; biking is good for your health, can save you money and is kind to the environment. For your safety, and the safety of others on the road around you, please be aware of Pennsylvania's Bicycling Laws and read Pennsylvania's Bicycle Driver's Manual (PDF). 

Bike racks are available in two locations on our campus:

  • Outside Academic Hall on the Third Avenue side
  • Inside Lawrence Hall in the basement

Please note: You must provide your own lock. Point Park University does not assume any responsibility for bikes parked in the bike racks.

Parking discounts, options and resources

Discounted parking at Station Square

Because Downtown Pittsburgh is a thriving business and cultural destination - with lots of things to do and many advantages for Point Park students - parking options can be tight. For students who drive to campus, Point Park has an arrangement with Station Square parking for a discounted monthly parking lease for Point Park students at the Station Square West Lot (near the Highmark Stadium).

To acquire a discounted Station Square monthly parking pass (lease), you must:

  1. Visit the Office of Student Life, located on the 7th floor of the Student Center
  2. Show your student ID and fill out a parking contract
  3. Have the contract signed by the director of student life
  4. Email a copy of the signed contract to the Station Square leasing office, ABM Parking, at christie.churetta@abm.com.  For lease questions contact ABM Parking directly at (412) 261-1993.

Other parking options

Of course, there are other places to park in and around Downtown Pittsburgh.

You can also check out ParkPGH, a mobile / app / text / online / phone-in resource that provides real-time parking space availability for garages in Pittsburgh's Cultural District (some of these lots are about four blocks away from Point Park's campus; others may be more of a walk).