Accessible Vehicle & Station Features

All PRT buses and rail vehicles come equipped with features that support riders with disabilities. These include:

Digital display boards

Many busway and light rail stations have digital display boards with an audio button that communicate real-time vehicle arrival information. Locations include on the East Busway at Roslyn, Hamnett, Wilkinsburg, Homewood, East Liberty and Negley Stations; on the West Busway at Crafton and Sheraden Stations; and at Lytle, Washington Junction, St. Anne’s, Castle Shannon, Mount Lebanon, Dormont, Potomac, Memorial Hall, South Hills Junction, and Station Square light rail stations.

Stop numbers

To help identify a stop for vehicle tracking, you can find the bus stop numbers affixed to each bus stop sign. The Aira app is also available at each station to help with navigation.

External audio announcements
Once the bus or rail car arrives, route announcements are made outside of the vehicle when the doors open. If for any reason the external announcement does not play, the Operator will call out the route number.

Low-floor buses with ramps and kneelers
Every PRT bus is a low-floor vehicle. Operators can deploy a boarding ramp upon request. All buses can also “kneel,” lowering the first step closer to the curb for easier boarding.

Operator assistance

Please ask the Operator for assistance with boarding, finding your seating safely, paying your fare, fastening the securement belts, or other support needed to make your trip a success.

Priority Seating area
Priority seating is available near the front of every bus and on all light-rail vehicles. These seats are reserved for riders with disabilities and senior riders. If you need to be seated to ride safely and the Priority Seating area is occupied, ask the Operator to assist you.

Mobility device securement
Each vehicle has designated securement areas that can accommodate mobility devices. Use of the securement belts is optional. Operators can assist with fastening the securement belts when requested.

Stop request indicators
When a rider presses the signal strip or pulls the cord to request a stop, audio and visual indicators let riders know that their request can be seen by the Operator. You can also find a stop button on the back of the seat at each securement area on a bus. If you push this button, it will ring twice so that the Operator knows you will need to use the ramp to exit at the next stop.

Stop announcements
Buses and light rail vehicles automatically announce major stops, intersections, and transfer points. When boarding, you are also welcome to let your operator know where you need to exit so they can let you know when your stop is approaching. If for any reason the automatic announcement does not play, the Operator will call out the stops. The next stop also automatically displays at the front of each bus or rail car - as well as at the center of the longer, articulated buses.

PRT also provides a variety of audio, visual, and interpreting features to help riders navigate the system. Whether you're boarding a bus, riding light rail, or waiting at a station, these tools are designed to make your trip easier, clearer, and more accessible.

Below, you’ll find information for riders with vision disabilities and riders who are deaf or hard of hearing. Because many accessibility features support both groups, this page brings them together in one place.

Aira Visual Interpretation and Navigation

PRT partners with Aira to provide free visual interpretation. A trained Aira agent can assist with:

- Identifying approaching buses
- Reading arrival screens or signage
- Navigating stations
- Locating rail platforms
- Getting oriented in unfamiliar areas

Aira is available anywhere in the PRT service area and can also be used inside buses, light-rail stations, and inclines.

Learn More about Aira Explorer

Digital Arrival Displays at Stations

Many light-rail stations and most PRTX stations feature digital boards displaying when the next vehicle is expected to arrive. These displays help riders know when to expect their bus or train, especially when audio announcements are difficult to hear.

Onboard Reader Boards

Many buses and all light-rail vehicles include interior digital reader boards showing the name of the next station or stop.

Stop-Request Indicator

When you request a stop, a light near the operator illuminates. This provides visual confirmation that the request has been received.

ASL Interpretation Through Aira

The Aira service also offers on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting. Riders can use Aira for communication with operators, station staff, or other personnel as needed.

Aira is available anywhere in the PRT service area and can also be used inside buses, light-rail stations, and inclines.

Learn More about Aira ASL