Tube City Writers Partners with WESA 90.5 to Explore Transit Changes

June 17, 2025

Photographs clockwise from top left by Anna Lisa Haughwout, Vickie Babyak, Martha Rial and Comocrea Johnson.

When Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) announced major changes to its system last fall, many McKeesport area transit riders were unsure of how schedule disruptions would impact their daily lives. Public transportation in the underserved Mon Valley has been curtailed over the decades.

Members of the Tube City Writers, a program of the McKeesport Community Newsroom, spoke to bus riders of all ages and backgrounds from around the McKeesport area.

Listen on WESA 90.5

We discovered riders have many different needs in terms of destinations and schedules. Some want efficient transportation to Downtown Pittsburgh with no transfers; others need quick access to stores and services in nearby communities.

Residents - those who take the bus and those who don’t – are well aware that losing more reliable public transportation could further isolate the Mon Valley from economic opportunities in the region.

We are delighted to partner with WESA 90.5 for publication of Mon Valley PRT Chronicles.

– Martha Rial

Khemarr Beavers and his mother Tamica Belton on the front porch of their McKeesport home. Khemarr uses the P7 McKeesport Flyer to attend Urban Pathways Charter School in downtown Pittsburgh.

Photograph by Martha Rial

Melanie Meade, of Clairton, at the St Clair Avenue PRT bus stop in Clairton.

Photograph by Jennifer McCalla

Crystal Reist, of Mckeesport at her usual bus stop on Versailles Avenue in McKeesport.

Photograph by Vickie Babyak

Maria Palmer, of McKeesport, on the 56.

Photograph by Comocrea Johnson

Clifton Croumbles – a bus driver for Heritage Transportation Services - at the Walmart in North Versailles

. Photograph by Anna Lisa Haughwout

Courtney Thompkins and Joyce Keith, both of McKeesport, review proposed bus routes change during a public meeting hosted by PRT at Penn State Greater Allegheny in January.

Photograph by Jennifer McCalla

Ajayla Johnson on Lysle Blvd. in McKeesport. Johnson must take two buses from her home in McKeesport to reach Bidwell Training Center in Manchester where she is training to be a chef.

Photograph by Martha Rial

Tube City Writers Partners with WESA 90.5 to Explore Transit Changes

June 17, 2025

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