ACCESS Program Updates

Upcoming I-376 East Closure  

A portion of the I-376 Parkway East is scheduled to be closed by PennDOT starting July 10, 2026 and ending August 3, 2026, due to the Commercial Street Bridge replacement project. During that period, all inbound thru traffic will be required to exit the Parkway at the Wilkinsburg Exit, and outbound thru traffic will be required to exit at the Forbes Ave/Oakland Exit. There will be limited access to local traffic at the inbound Edgewood Exit and outbound Squirrel Hill Exit.

What to Expect: PennDOT officials anticipate heavy traffic and delays along established detour routes, throughout the City of Pittsburgh, and in surrounding areas. As a result, ACCESS riders should expect significant disruptions to service beyond the service provider’s control. This may include; heavy delays, longer than usual travel times, earlier than usual pick-up times for trips with appointments, longer than usual will-call wait times, and possible trip denials.

What can you do?

  • Reschedule flexible appointments for after the closure period
  • Allow for extra travel time in you daily schedule
  • Use remote work or tele-health options when available
  • Expect your vehicle to deviate from typical routing
    • If your family member or client can be upset by changes in routine, talk with them about what to expect

Be Prepared

  • Bring water
  • If required for a medical reason, bring a snack that is easily managed and does not spill/leak
  • Check any portable oxygen to ensure you have an adequate supply before boarding
  • Use the restroom before boarding
  • Use the RealTime Information feature to view your vehicle’s ETA and location
  • Cooperate with the drivers and other service provider staff

All drivers and staff will make every effort to navigate the closure period effectively and provide the best service possible. Your patience is appreciated. For more information about the bridge replacement project and Parkway closure, click here to visit PennDOT’s project FAQ page. You can also visit 511pa.com to view real time traffic updates.

ACCESS Program Office:

While the ACCESS program office remains closed to visitors, you may call to set up an in-person appointment to make ePurse deposits, drop off applications, and more. Please call (412) 562-5353 or TTY 711 to set up an appointment. In-person appointments can be made the same day as long as you provide at least one hour advance notice. In-person appointment hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • 65 Plus Applications: 65 Plus applications are processed within two weeks.
  • ePurse Deposits: Due to US Mail delays, deposits sent by mail may take up to 5 days to process.

Same-Day Trip Requests:

Thanks to the generous support of PennDOT, riders can request same-day trips on a space available basis.

    • Call your local service provider request a same-day trip.
    • Same-day trips are not guaranteed, but service providers will make every effort to accommodate your request.
    • Please call at least 1 hour in advance of your requested pick-up time.
    • No additional cost or trip purpose restrictions!

Questions:

ACCESS program office staff are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at (412) 562-5353 or TTY 711.

ACCESS-At-A-Glance

ACCESS is a coordinated, shared-ride paratransit service, which has been providing door-to-door, advanced reservation transportation in Allegheny County since 1979.

This unique public-private partnership leverages eleven separate federal and state funding sources to create an affordable mobility option for riders.  ACCESS service is provided by four service providers with 230 vehicles, operates with an on-time performance of 94%, maintains streamlined efficiency with administrative cost of 5.5% of total costs and provides ADA complementary paratransit service that not only meets but exceeds all ADA minimum requirements. ACCESS is among the largest coordinated transportation services in the country with an average of 3,000 trips on weekdays, and 1 million annually.

The ACCESS program’s award-winning coordination earned the United We Ride National Leadership Award. The Federal Interagency Coordinating Council presented the award, which recognizes the work done in Allegheny County done to create a highly effective coordinated service which stands as a model for the rest of the nation.

In addition to basic paratransit service, the program offers a person-centered solution to individual transportation needs. Sponsoring agencies are provided a menu of amenities that create more user-friendly service. Amenities include driver assistance up/down as many as four (4) steps, assistance with up to four (4) packages, hand-to-hand service for individuals who require constant supervision, assistance with car/booster seats, service modifications, a web-based, cashless payment system (ePurse) and InTouch Callouts or text messages for 10-minute arrival/pick-up notification, ePurse low balance warnings, and weather service updates. There is also a “No Strand” policy to guarantee a ride home every time.

ACCESS service is open to the general public but primarily serves people with disabilities, clients of human service agencies and people aged 65 and over. The ACCESS program is sponsored by Pittsburgh Regional Transit.