Extend bus service to Natrona

The Building Block of Natrona submitted a request last week to Port Authority for consideration of bringing bus service to Natrona. Our request also was signed by the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches and Natrona Comes Together Association.

Port Authority of Allegheny County has a specific annual process for considering service requests and the deadline for next year was November 30th. We understand there is no guarantee Port Authority will approve the request but we felt it was best to get this request on the list.

The request specifically asked that Port Authority consider extending the Route 1 Freeport Road route beyond Tarentum, traveling along the river through Brackenridge and Natrona, then up the hill to serve Sheldon Park and the Harrison Hi-Rise area, and then travel on Freeport Road to the plaza with WalMart and Goodwill.

For a Natrona resident today, the nearest bus stop is a 1.6-mile walk from Garfield Street. It’s more than two miles to Tarentum. With so many low-income residents (48% of households are below poverty lines), access to public transportation is vital.

We believe our request also offers benefits to residents in other communities - Tarentum, Brackenridge, Sheldon Park & Harrison Hi-Rise, and Natrona Heights.

Port Authority reviews requests from across the county and makes recommendations in spring, as it considers its annual budget. We will provide updates on this process as it develops.

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