Bulk Pass Pilot Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Businesses with 10 or more employees or multifamily residential building managers with 10 or more units located within 1/2 mile of Pittsburgh Regional Transit access are eligible to apply.

What is the cost?

Accepted entities must purchase one monthly pass for every employee or residential unit for six months at a cost of $25 per month.

Do I have to buy passes for empoyees even if they don't take public transit?

Yes. In order for the program to make financial sense for PRT, entities must purchase a pass for every employee regardless of whether they take public transit.

Will my application be automatically accepted?

No. Applications will be evaluated for the best fit. Not all entities that apply will be accepted.

How can I make my application more attractive?

We'll be selecting entities based on several different criteria. In your application, you should make it clear how your proposal addresses the goals of the program as well as who would benefit. The goals of the program are to:

- Increase transit ridership

- Reduce congestion and the need for parking

- Help Allegheny County residents and businesses reduce their carbon footprint by making healthier, more sustainable transportation choices about how they get around

Additional considerations will include:

- Demonstration of other efforts by the applicant that support transit use and other active modes of transportation (e.g., walking and cycling)

• Discussion of how data gathered during the six-month pilot period would help you provide passes in the future.

Are nonprofits eligible to participate?

Nonprofits are eligible to participate as employers, but not as an entity that provides housing.

Are government agencies eligible to participate?

No. Government agencies are no eligible to participate in the pilot program. You may be interested in Job Perks.

How will transit passes be distributed?

Individuals whose employer or residence is participating in the pilot will use mobile tickets.

Who is considered an employee?

For the purposes of this pilot, an employee is anyone who works for an organization for any number of hours each week. This includes full-time and part-time employees.

Can I receive passes for all of my tenants or just one for each housing unit that may contain multiple tenants?

Housing applicants must have at least 10 housing units to be eligible. You can purchase passes for each person living in each unit but you must purchase at least one pass for each unit.

Are these passes just for adults or could I provide them to children of families renting my housing?

Housing applicants must purchase at least one pass per unit but may purchase passes for all tenants. Pleaes note that children under the age of 5 already ride free and children ages 6-11 are eligible for a Kid's ConnectCard that entitles them to ride for half fare.

Why is there a minimum of at least 10 employees or residential units?

Bulk pass programs throughout the country work by establishing a “pool” of users, some of whom will use the passes more, and some who will use the passes less. Such passes are financially viable because the cost of providing service is spread out across this pool. PRT is starting with a pool of 10 or more users to better understand this aspect of the program.