PRT Announces All-Door Boarding on the University Line
February 20, 2026
.png)
PRT Announces All-Door Boarding on the University Line
When the University Line opens in 2027, riders will have the ability to pay and board at all doors, helping to speed up service, reduce delays at stops, and ease congestion on sidewalks.
The change will only apply to bus routes serving University Line stations. All-door boarding will allow passengers to pay while entering the front, middle, or rear doors of the University Line’s 60-foot articulated buses. Riders will be able to tap their fare card, mobile device, or other fare payment at validators located at each entrance. While the front door is already equipped for fare payment, PRT will install additional validators at the middle and rear doors to support the new system before service begins. Riders paying with cash will only be able to use the fare box at the front door.
PRT expects the change to provide several benefits, including:
- Faster, more efficient boarding
- Reduced dwell times at stops and stations
- Less crowding and congestion on sidewalks
- Continued support for riders who need operator assistance, use the accessible ramp, or pay with cash at the front door.
PRT acknowledges concerns about fair evasion, however, current fare evasion levels remain relatively low compared to larger transit systems. PRT’s fare evasion rate was 6% in 2025 – a fraction of the rates reported in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia.
PRT will continue monitoring the program after launch and may adjust boarding procedures if needed.
.png)
Sidewalk Restoration Continues Along Fifth and Forbes Avenues in Uptown
PRT contractors are out in force performing sidewalk demolition, utility relocation, and sidewalk restoration at multiple locations along Forbes and Fifth avenues in Uptown.
The active work zones extend on Forbes Avenue from Stevenson Street to Jumonville Street and on Fifth Avenue from Kirkpatrick Street to Washington Place. Ultimately, five new PRTX stations will be located on Forbes Avenue and five stations on Fifth Avenue.
New sidewalks were completed and barriers were removed on Forbes Avenue between Jumonville and Seneca Street in December 2025.
The contractors will relocate water and sewer infrastructure and run conduit for station power and pedestrian safety systems. Where utilities have already been relocated, contractors are installing new sidewalks, curbs, and accessible ramps. When construction is complete, new sidewalks will be installed along nearly the entire length of Fifth and Forbes avenues in Uptown.
Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through the end of March 2026. Work may also be performed on Saturdays as needed.
Parking has been suspended on both sides of Forbes Avenue between Stevenson Street and Brady Street. Side streets and intersections will remain open. Pedestrian access will be
maintained with temporary crosswalks and accessible ramps.
.png)
Green Infrastructure Installation Continues in Uptown
PRT’s contractor continues to install green infrastructure (GI) systems throughout Uptown. The most recent green infrastructure construction site is at Forbes Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street. This location will be an underground storage tank.
Bioswales/above ground stormwater retention ponds will be located at:
- Fifth Avenue at Pride Street
- Fifth Avenue at Jumonville Street
- Fifth Avenue at Moultrie Street
- Fifth Avenue at the Birmingham Bridge
- Forbes Avenue at Schenley Plaza
Storage tanks/below ground stormwater retention ponds will be located at:
- Fifth Avenue and Pride Street
- Fifth Avenue and Marion Street
- Fifth Avenue and Gist Street
- Fifth Avenue and Jumonville Street
- Fifth Avenue and Moultrie Street
- Fifth Avenue past the Birmingham Bridge
- Forbes Avenue and Stevenson Street
- Forbes Avenue and Pride Street (north side)
- Forbes Avenue and Pride Street (south side)
- Forbes Avenue and Marion Street
- Forbes Avenue and Miltenberger Street
- Forbes Avenue and Jumonville Street
- Forbes Avenue and Seneca Street
Ultimately, GI will be installed at 18 locations as part of the University Line project. Thirteen locations will have underground GI storage tanks, which will not be visible once construction is complete. Five locations will have bioswales, commonly known as rain gardens, with both underground infrastructure and visible above ground plantings.
.png)
The University Line Corridor
When construction for the University Line is complete, there will be 24 PRTX stations throughout Downtown, Uptown, and Oakland.
PRT continues to work closely with stakeholders including community groups, universities, businesses, and other impacted groups during construction.
PRTX stations will have new shelters with upgraded amenities, including next-bus arrival screens, fare vending machines, seating, lighting, emergency phones, and security cameras.
For questions or concerns, please contact brt@rideprt.org or 412-442-2000.