Your Pitt ID is a free bus pass. Here’s how to ride.

Oh, the places you can go with a Pitt ID. Students, faculty and staff ride Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, light rails and inclines within Allegheny County free of charge.

Hop on a bus for a stress-free ride to the Pittsburgh International Airport, take in breathtaking city sights on the Monongahela Incline or view Romare Bearden’s 60-foot mural “Pittsburgh Recollections” as you pass through a downtown light rail station — it's at your fingertips.

Here’s how to get started:

There’s an app for that

Start your journey by planning your route and viewing transportation schedules with Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Ready2Ride. This app provides real-time tracking information, schedule and detour updates and serves as a customer service portal. Want a big picture look at transportation options? The Transit app delivers information about POGOH bike share and Uber in addition to Pittsburgh Regional Transit.

Find your stop

Bus stops come in two designs: blue signs rimmed in white or dark teal and black, both say Bus Stop in bold lettering. Most signs note the routes and stop numbers associated with the location, and some also have QR codes linking to real-time arrival information.

Light rail platforms are located within subway stations in downtown Pittsburgh and open-air platforms along the route. Some light rail platforms are not ADA-compliant, so contact Pittsburgh Regional Transit customer service before your trip if you have questions about accessibility.

Signs above the light rail tracks note the direction of the train and its final destination. Routes are also broadcast via audio.

Pittsburgh’s two inclines, the Duquesne and the Monongahela, both connect the city’s south side to the Mount Washington neighborhood. Stations are located on Carson Street and on Grandview Avenue.

Stay alert

When waiting for a bus, stand near the bus stop sign and signal to approaching buses you intend to ride — a quick wave of your hand will do. Bus drivers will pass a stop if riders are not visible or are looking away from the road.

When on the bus, be ready to pull the line to alert the driver of your intention to get off at an upcoming stop. Be sure to give bus drivers ample time to react.

Be kind

Conscientious riders always allow passengers to exit the vehicle before entering. If you don’t need to use handicapped-accessible seating at the front of the vehicle, move to the back to make room for incoming riders. Keep any bags on your lap, not the seat next to you. Have your Pitt ID ready when you board so you don’t hold up the riders behind you. Finally, say a friendly hello to your driver. They work hard!

— Photography provided by Pitt Parking, Transportation and Services.