‘Bus lines are life lines’…Some county residents are eligible for discounted bus fares starting June 3

CHERYL STEPHENS, with Pittsburghers for Public Transit, supports the move to the discounted fare rates for SNAP recipients beginning June 3. (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.) More than 130,000 residents in Allegheny County currently receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, and starting June 3, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned they’ll all be able to ride Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, light rail and the Mon Incline for half the fare, it was announced at a news conference at the East Busway’s Wilkinsburg station, May 20. The announcement was cheered by members of Pittsburghers for Public Transit, which, on a hot, Monday afternoon, boasted a number of African American members, such as Cheryl Stephens, William Anderson, Teaira Collins and Sherai Richardson. SHERAI RICHARDSON WAS PART OF THE PILOT PROGRAM THAT SHOWED COUNTY OFFICIALS THAT A DISCOUNTED FARE PROGRAM WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO SNAP RECIPIENTS IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.) The name of the program is, “Allegheny GO,” a joint venture between Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), Allegheny County, and the county’s Department of Human Services. After hearing from thousands of residents, including the many who are in organizations that comprise the Fair Fares Coalition, the county commissioned a...