Outbound Buses Moved from Fifth Avenue to Forbes Avenue in Oakland

Starting January 4, the nine bus routes - 54, 61D, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, 75, 93, and P3 – that currently travel outbound in the bus lane on Fifth Avenue will shift over to Forbes Avenue, where they will travel with the direction of general traffic and operate in mixed traffic until a new bus-only lane is established. These routes will serve existing bus stops on Forbes Avenue.

The change will allow contractors to build a new protected bi-directional bike lane on Fifth Avenue as part of PRT’s University Line bus rapid transit project, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

The routing changes will be incorporated into PRT’s regularly scheduled service changes in February.

When the University Line is finished, riders will benefit from a modernized transit corridor with buses traveling in dedicated lanes outbound on Forbes Avenue and inbound on Fifth Avenue, improving reliability and travel times. The bike lane on Fifth Avenue will enhance the safety of cyclists in the corridor.

Additional safety and accessibility upgrades include new sidewalks and curbs, ADA-compliant ramps, upgraded traffic signals, and enhanced pedestrian safety systems.

Additional information regarding routing and stop changes will be announced soon.

These changes support Phase Two of the University Line, which will better connect Downtown Pittsburgh, Uptown, and Oakland while improving reliability and enhancing the overall travel experience for riders.

Nine Bus Routes To Be Impacted:

Starting January 4, buses will no longer serve outbound stops on Fifth Avenue between Jumonville Street + Bellefield Avenue. Instead, they will do the following:

· 54 – After crossing the Birmingham Bridge, buses will begin the new route on Forbes Avenue down to Bellefield Avenue. From there, buses will turn right on Fifth Avenue and continue on their regular route.

· 61D, 71A, 71C, 71D – Instead of turning onto Robinson Street, buses will continue inbound on Fifth Avenue, turn left on Seneca Street, and left on Forbes Avenue where they will continue on their regular routes.

· 71B – Outbound buses leaving Downtown will take Forbes Avenue all the way to Bellefield Avenue in Oakland. From there, buses will turn right into Fifth Avenue and back to their regular route.

· 75 - After crossing the Birmingham Bridge, buses will begin the new route on Forbes Avenue down to Bellefield Avenue. From there, buses will turn right on Fifth Avenue and continue outbound on their regular route.

· 93 - Buses will begin their new route at Craft and Forbes avenues. Buses will turn right and take Forbes Avenue to Bellefield Avenue. From there, buses will turn right onto Fifth Avenue and back to their regular route.

· P3 – New routing will begin and end at Atwood Station on Fifth Avenue instead of Robinson Street. Buses will travel inbound on Fifth Avenue, turn left onto Craft Avenue, and left onto Forbes Avenue. Buses traveling outbound will take Forbes Avenue to Bellefield Avenue. From there, buses will turn right onto Fifth Avenue and continue outbound on regular route.