Trueform’s Pittsburgh Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Infrastructure on CBS News!

Case Study: Pittsburgh Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Infrastructure Downtown Loop & University Line BRT Project  

Client: Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)

Location: Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Project Phases:

• Phase 1: 6 Shelters – Completed 2025
• Phase 2: 19 Additional Stations – In Progress, Completion 2026–2027

Overview
Trueform Group was awarded the contract to manufacture and deliver state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure as part of the transformative University Project, connecting Downtown Pittsburgh (the Golden Triangle) with Oakland, one of the city’s busiest educational and healthcare corridors.

Phase 1 saw the manufacture and installation of six new BRT stations as part of the Pittsburgh Downtown Loop, setting a new standard in passenger comfort, accessibility, and urban design. Following the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 is now underway, expanding the network with 19 additional stations, bike facilities, and pedestrian upgrades, scheduled for completion in 2026–2027.

Phase 1: The Downtown Loop

In July 2025, five new stations were officially opened, marking the first milestone in Pittsburgh’s journey toward a faster, greener, and more reliable bus network.
These include:

• Ross Street Station: Fifth Avenue & Ross Street
• William Penn Station: Fifth Avenue & William Penn Place
• Market Square Station: Fifth Avenue & Liberty Avenue
• Wood Street Station: Sixth Avenue & Liberty Avenue
• Steel Plaza Station: Sixth Avenue between Grant & Ross Streets

Each station features Trueform’s modern glass shelters, engineered to withstand year-round weather conditions while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic suited to Pittsburgh’s urban landscape.

Key Features

• Transformational, Modern Shelters: Custom-engineered and manufactured glass canopies with integrated LED lighting, durable seating, and weather protection.
• Passenger Information Systems: Real-time next bus arrival screens for accurate journey updates.
• Enhanced Safety: Security cameras and emergency call stations installed at every site.
• Wayfinding Signage: Clear, accessible navigation for all passengers.
• Sustainability: Energy-efficient lighting and locally sourced materials support environmental goals.

Phase 2: Expanding Connectivity (2026–2027)

Building on the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 will deliver:

• 19 new BRT stations between Uptown and Oakland
• Enhanced cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
• Further digital technology integration for real-time passenger information and system monitoring

Once complete, the University Line will serve more than 30,000 daily riders, providing a faster, safer, and more dependable public transport experience.

Impact
Trueform’s involvement in the University Line project reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable transport infrastructure and smarter, more connected cities. Through advanced design, manufacturing, and delivery, we’re helping Pittsburgh Regional Transit create a Bus Rapid Transit system that not only improves travel times but also enhances the daily experience for thousands of riders.

Trueform’s Role

• Final design detailing & engineering of bespoke shelters and passenger information systems
• Manufacture, fabrication & supply of durable, modular station structures
• Integration of lighting, signage, and digital display systems
• Support for PRT’s long-term BRT expansion strategy

Looking Ahead

With Phase 2 now underway, Trueform continues to work closely with the client to deliver the next generation of BRT infrastructure, supporting greener transport, enhanced accessibility, and a better-connected Pittsburgh.

Watch the CBS News video here