February 3, 2023 Apply for Discounted Public Transportation Fares The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients ages 18 through 64 to participate in a 12-month pilot program to understand the impact of transportation affordability on low-income residents. About the Allegheny County Discounted Fares Pilot Program The goal of the Allegheny County Discounted Fares Pilot Program is to test new policies to help people connect with services and opportunities that will benefit themselves, their families, and their communities. This includes examining the effect of the reduced fares pilot on participants’ use of public transit, their access to jobs and services, and their socioeconomic well-being. Since the pilot’s initial launch, the eligibility requirements for it have expanded. If you applied previously and were not eligible, you may be eligible now. Applications are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. on February 12. How does the pilot work? Participation in the pilot is voluntary. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, with an equal chance of being assigned to each group: Free fares: This group will receive unlimited free fares on all Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) trips (bus, T, and incline) for 12 months 50% discount: This group will receive a ConnectCard (pre-loaded with $10) that reduces the cost of all PRT trips by half (50%) for 12 months No discount: This group will receive a ConnectCard pre-loaded with $10 but will not receive a fare discount through this pilot. Participants will be asked to complete optional surveys about once every three months and will be compensated as a “thank you” for completing each survey. Details about the pilot, eligibility, and how to apply are available on the Allegheny County Discounted Fares Pilot Program website.
