Take The "T" Train

People get ready there's a train a comin' to the new Gateway T Station on March 25. And you don't need a ticket to climb aboard for a free ride from Downtown to destinations on the nearby North Shore. Yes, it's true, this upcoming Sunday morning the Port Authority's long awaited T-Plus extension of the subway will forever link Downtown with the city's North Side with a two-minute tunnel trip under the Allegheny River.

Stretching 1.2 miles from its glass cocoon at Gateway Station in front of Fifth Avenue Place, the new line goes underground and underwater to reach the North Side Station just across the street from the Honus Wagner statue in front of PNC Park.  It then emerges from the earth to rise above street level towards its final stop at the elevated Allegheny Station next to Heinz Field. Along with two of the city's favorite sports palaces, the new line pulls attractions such as the Carnegie Science Center, Rivers Casino, National Aviary, Children's Museum, Stage AE, hotels, restaurants and other must-see tourist destinations on the North Shore closer than ever to Downtown.

Now, besides the fun side of the T-Plus, the North Shore extension will help ease the daily parking crunch commuters face in Downtown garages, which often turn on their "full" signs by 8:30 a.m. Thanks to support from the Stadium Authority and ALCO Parking, all rides between the North Side Station and all Downtown T stations will be free. Convenience is the word! The stop is located under the West General Robinson Street garage and trains running every four minutes during morning/evening rush hours. Considering that drivers won't have to circle around town looking for a open garage or lot, we expect drive time to be shorter than ever.


Travel is also free when you head the other way. From any Downtown stop you can head to Allegheny Station for some gridiron action, an educational field trip or a date with "lady luck," and the trip is on the house courtesy of the Steelers and Rivers Casino. Though it might be the last stop on the T-Plus, Allegheny Station is just the beginning of all sorts of fun for nearly everyone.

Now, here's another big plus about the  new subway line.  While the T-Plus is a big benefit for daily commuters, the extension pays some pretty nice dividends for the after-work crowd. For instance, since the ride doesn't cost a dime, the new line is the perfect way to save significant cash on "special rate" parking for sporting events and concerts on the North Shore. Many Downtown garages offer flat rates as low as $5 after 5 p.m. Park, then jump on the T for a free ride to the other side of the river. With four Downtown stations to choose from, our very walkable Downtown just got a whole lot easier. What we really mean to say is it just got a lot easier to spend a little extra time and money in Market Square!  It's just one block from the new Gateway Station. Market Square: the new best place for your pre-game snack, or your post-show drink.  Even better, afterwards you'll beat traffic congestion around the ball fields and concert venues. That's a win even if the home team doesn't score a victory.

There's a new day coming in Pittsburgh transportation. And the train leaves the station this Sunday morning. All aboard!

Getting To The Square

Maybe you spotted that nifty Model-A Ford in Market Square yesterday during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix preview. We think that was one sweet ride. Back in the 1930s, the Model A was a pretty common sight on Diamond Street, or Forbes Avenue as we call it today, heading to the Square.

Fact is, just about any type of transportation that gets you to the Square is fine with us. After all, Pittsburghers over the years have made tracks to the Square using everything from horse-drawn wagons and trolleys in the good old days to mountain bikes and those teeny little Smart cars during these modern times. Here at the PDP, we prefer a leisurely stroll that lets us take in all the sights and sounds of Downtown. But it doesn't matter how you get there, just as long as you end up in the Square.

Which brings up a question we hear a lot. "When Market Square is done, will we be able to drive there and park?" Of course you will. Keep in mind that there will be a few changes. As usual, you can enter the Square from Forbes Avenue. Then all traffic will turn right towards the Oyster House, the oldest business in the Square. You could make that your first stop, or just keep following the gorgeous Belgian block road to Dunkin' Donuts, where you can pop in for a Pittsburgh Creme  pastry before turning right onto Forbes again.

If you're going to spend some time in the Square for lunch, dinner or shopping, you'll be able to park anywhere there's a space on Forbes Avenue or Market Square.  At first you may say, "Where?" because the meters will be gone, but just look for the signs to know where you can park and you'll be able to pay at three convenient kiosks around the Square. That mean no need to fish around for quarters anymore!  And of course, there are several convenient parking garages right aroud the corner, too.  You can check the interactive parking map for any destination in the Golden Triangle.  You can also find out which garages offer the $5 flat rate after 4 p.m. and on weekends.

For a little exercise we're going to "peddle" the idea of pedaling to the Square, especially since we recently installed those cool circular rakes that look like the Mon and Allegheny rivers flowing together to form the Ohio at the Point. Because we like to think of the Square as an urban oasis, biking there is the coolest way to keep it "green" while you burn a few extra calories. It's especially great for families - on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon you can begin riding the trails on the north or south shores and take a break with lunch at a cafe in the Square before heading home.  There's nothing like pedaling over those bridges!

By the way, if you missed the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix car show in the Square, you don't have to spin your wheels looking for photos on the web. Just check out our gallery below.