Westmoreland County Transit Authority

Westmoreland County Transit Authority
Name	Westmoreland County Transit Authority
Locale	Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Transit type	Bus
Began operation	1972
Headquarters	Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Westmoreland County Transit Authority. The Westmoreland County Transit Authority is a public transportation agency providing fixed-route and paratransit services primarily within Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It connects residents to major employment, healthcare, and commercial centers across the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The authority plays a vital role in the regional transportation network, facilitating access to institutions like the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Excela Health facilities.

History

The authority was established in 1972 following the passage of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Authorities Act to address growing public transit needs in the county. Initial operations focused on core routes serving Greensburg, Pennsylvania and neighboring boroughs like Jeannette, Pennsylvania and New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Service expanded significantly in the 1980s with federal funding from the Urban Mass Transportation Act, allowing connections to Pittsburgh via agreements with the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Key historical developments include the integration of former private carrier services and the launch of the shared-ride program for seniors and persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Services

The authority operates a network of fixed-route bus services, with major hubs at the Greensburg Transit Center and the Westmoreland Mall. Primary routes connect communities such as Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Murrysville, Pennsylvania, and Monroeville, Pennsylvania, with direct service to downtown Pittsburgh via the P1 Westmoreland route. Paratransit services, marketed as "Shared Ride," are provided throughout the county under contracts with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for programs like the Act 44 funded senior transit. The authority also offers commuter services targeting major employers, including Kennametal in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and the UPMC East hospital campus.

Fleet

The fleet consists primarily of heavy-duty Gillig and New Flyer Industries diesel buses, many purchased with assistance from the Federal Transit Administration. For paratransit and community service, the authority utilizes cutaway vans from manufacturers like Ford Motor Company and Starcraft Bus. All fixed-route vehicles are equipped with Americans with Disabilities Act compliant features such as wheelchair lifts and automated stop announcement systems. The fleet's livery features a distinctive blue and green scheme, with vehicles maintained at the central maintenance facility in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Governance and funding

The authority is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and administrative staff. Primary funding sources include state operating assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, federal grants administered by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, and county operating funds. Farebox revenue and contracts for specialized services, such as those with the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging, provide additional operational support.

Facilities

The authority's primary administrative and maintenance facility is located on Southgreens Drive in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. This complex houses dispatch operations, vehicle maintenance bays, and fueling infrastructure. Key passenger facilities include the Greensburg Transit Center, a multimodal hub adjacent to the Westmoreland County Courthouse, and park-and-ride lots at the Westmoreland Mall and in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. The authority also utilizes satellite offices for its paratransit eligibility certification process.

Future plans

Future initiatives are guided by the agency's participation in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission's long-range transportation plan, Connect 2045. Planned service expansions aim to enhance frequency on corridors connecting to Oakland (Pittsburgh) and Monroeville, Pennsylvania. The authority is also pursuing federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to transition part of its fleet to zero-emission vehicles, with pilot programs for electric buses under consideration. Integration with the proposed Westmoreland Heritage Trail for improved first-and-last mile connections is also a strategic goal.

Category:Transportation in Pennsylvania Category:Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Category:Public transportation in the United States Category:1972 establishments in Pennsylvania