Pittsburgh Unveils Comprehensive Regional Transportation Plan for 2026 NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light

(Photos and Headline Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of VisitPittsburgh)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) As Pittsburgh prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light from April 23rd–25th, the Pittsburgh Organizing Committee, alongside Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), and regional partners unveiled a comprehensive, multi-modal transportation plan yesterday that is designed to support both southwestern Pennsylvania residents and visitors while ensuring safe, efficient access to the event. The plan reflects a coordinated, multi-year effort to manage increased demand while maintaining reliable access to and through the city for those who live and work here with hundreds of thousands of fans expected across the three-day celebration. According to a release from VisitPittsburgh, here is some more information:

Officials encourage both residents and visitors to plan ahead, explore available transportation options, and allow extra travel time during peak periods.
Fans should download the NFL OnePass app by clicking here for all real-time event information.
 
Expanded Public Transit Service
PRT will operate expanded service April 23-25, with additional frequency and capacity on some routes, to safely and efficiently move fans between neighborhoods, park-and-ride locations, and the official Draft footprint.
Unless otherwise noted, all bus routes will travel their normal routes.
Draft weekend service includes:
  • Saturday-level service systemwide (April 23–25)
  • Weekday-level service on high-ridership corridors, including:
    • P1-East Busway
    • G2-West Busway
    • 54-North Side – Oakland – South Side
  • Four limited-stop Draft bus routes operating from the north, south, east, and west
  • Increased light rail service to Downtown and the North Shore
  • Additional service on the 28X-Airport Flyer
“Our plan for the Draft is about balancing the needs of the thousands of fans coming to Pittsburgh and meeting this special moment while continuing to deliver for the people who rely on us every day,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “No matter why you’re traveling that week, our goal is to make transit the easiest and most reliable way to get there.”
In addition to regular fares, a special Draft Pass will be offered in the Ready2Ride app beginning April 1. The pass will provide unlimited rides for seven days for $25.
Football Flyer Routes & Regional Access
To reduce congestion and move large volumes of fans directly to the event areas, PRT will operate four special “Football Flyer” bus routes during Draft week. These routes will operate approximately every 15 minutes on Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, and every 30 minutes on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day.
 
Football Flyers: 
  • 99N – Will start at the McCandless Park and Ride (9700 McKnight Road), travel to the Ross Park and Ride (5204 Perry Highway) and will use the HOV lanes on I-279.
  • 99E – Will start at the Monroeville Mall and serve every station along the East Busway.
  • 99S – Will start at the Large Park and Ride (219 Peters Creek Road) and serve every station along the South Busway.
  • 99W – Will start at the University Boulevard Park and Ride (9000 University Boulevard), serve every stop on the West Busway, the Lower Station of the Duquesne Incline, and the Lower Station of the Monongahela Incline.
All four Football Flyers will drop off and pick up passengers near Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh and near PNC Park on the North Shore.
 
Light Rail Service
PRT will also increase light rail (T) service between Downtown and the North Shore during peak Draft hours.
The Red Line and Blue Line will operate from South Hills Village to North Side Station and will run every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. The Silver Line will operate from Library to Washington Junction where riders can transfer to the Red or Blue Lines. Allegheny Station will be closed from April 22–25. Riders should use North Side Station during that period.
Use of park-and-ride lots along the light rail system is highly encouraged. All lots will be open, and most are free:
For more information, riders can visit www.rideprt.org by clicking here.
* Indicates lots that are paid parking
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Road Closures & Traffic Changes
To support a safe and secure event environment, as well as a highly walkable experience for attendees, select streets in and around Downtown and the North Shore will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic during Draft week.
These closures have been carefully planned in coordination with public safety and transportation partners to balance event operations with the needs of residents, businesses, and commuters.
Phase 1 Closures (March 28 – April 12)
  • Art Rooney Ave, West General Robinson Street (to Tony Dorsett Dr), Scotland Ave
*Phase 2 Closures (April 13 – April 21): 
  • Casino Drive (from Sproat Way), North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way), Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Dr), Chuck Noll Way, Tony Dorsett Drive, along with the closures in Phase 1
Phase 3 Closures (April 22 – April 25): 
  • Sproat Way, North Shore Drive (from Chuck Noll Way to Mazeroski Way), Mazeroski Way, West General Robinson Street, Lacock Street, Federal Street, I-279 Southbound Exit 1B ramp, Rt 65 southbound ramp to Ft. Duquesne Bridge, Rt 65 Northbound ramp from Ft. Duquesne Bridge, T1 ramp from Reedsdale Street, 6th Street Bridge (Roberto Clemente), 7th Street Bridge (Andy Warhol), Sixth Street, Ft Pitt Bridge on ramp from 10th Street Bypass, Commonwealth Place, Liberty Ave Extension, Penn Avenue (from Stanwix Street to 9th Street), Liberty Ave/PPG Paints Arena Exit off Ft. Pitt Bridge, and 279 HOV. Along with closures from Phase 1 and 2
*Phase 4 Closures (April 26 – May 1): 
  • Casino Drive (from Sproat Way), North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way), Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Dr), Chuck Noll Way, Tony Dorsett Dive, I-279 Southbound Exit 1B, along with the closures in Phase 1
Phase 5 Closures (May 2 – May 6):
  • Reedsdale Street, Chuck Noll Way, Tony Dorsett Drive, along with the closures in Phase 1
Phase 6 Closures (May 7 – May 10): 
  • Art Rooney Drive, West General Robinson Street (to Tony Dorsett Dr), Scotland Ave
Organizers have been meeting for weeks with business owners and residents in the impacted area to inform them of the closures and to answer any questions they may have. Slight modifications will be made to the road closure plan in order to provide access for various businesses and PNC Park events. Road closure reminders will be disseminated in advance of the start of each phase. Updates will also be posted on the NFL OnePass app, nfldraftpittsburgh.com and pittsburghpa.gov.
 
* Pirates Game Day Access on the North Shore
Transportation and road closure plans have been designed to accommodate Pittsburgh Pirates’ home games at PNC Park.
On game days occurring during the weekends before and after the NFL Draft, select road closures and traffic patterns will be adjusted to support fan access to the ballpark and surrounding areas.
Fans attending Pirates games can expect continued access to the North Shore, with clearly marked routes, available parking options, and public transit service operating to support game day travel.
Additional details, including specific access routes and timing adjustments, will be shared in advance of each game to help fans plan ahead.
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Getting Between Downtown & the North Shore
Traveling between Downtown and the North Shore will be easy and accessible throughout Draft week, with several convenient options available for both residents and visitors.
  • On Foot: Fans can walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge—closed to vehicle traffic during the event—offering a safe, convenient, scenic and uniquely Pittsburgh way to reach the North Shore. The pedestrian path encourages fans to explore local shops, restaurants and businesses as they walk by and take in Pittsburgh’s skyline, bridges and iconic rivers.
  • Light Rail (T): Free service is available between Downtown and the North Shore via the Gateway, Wood Street, Steel Plaza, First Avenue and North Side stations, providing a quick and reliable connection across the river.
  • By River: The Gateway Clipper Fleet will offer free fan transportation between Point State Park and the North Shore, providing another convenient and memorable way to travel across the full event campus.
“The NFL Draft is going to be an exciting time in Pittsburgh, and I’m thrilled that we have a robust, multi-modal plan to get visitors and locals to Downtown and the North Shore,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “I want to offer a huge thank you to the planning committee that has worked so hard across agencies and departments to construct this plan and especially thank PRT for offering expanded service and park-and-ride locations. However they arrive, we want people to come on down!”
Visitors are encouraged to choose the option that best fits their plans, with all three routes offering efficient access between key Draft locations.
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Regional Fan Access  
To support fans traveling from across southwestern Pennsylvania and surrounding counties, regional transit agencies will provide expanded and coordinated service to connect communities directly to Pittsburgh throughout Draft week. These services are designed to offer convenient, affordable alternatives to driving Downtown while helping reduce congestion in the city core.
“Football roots run deep in southwestern Pennsylvania, making the NFL Draft a celebration for our entire region. We invite fans from across the area to experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment for our community. Thanks to the collaboration of our regional transit agencies, expanded and coordinated service will give fans convenient, affordable ways to travel downtown and help to connect communities across the region to this unprecedented event.”
Several regional providers will operate enhanced service, including express routes, extended hours, and connections to park-and-ride locations with direct links into Pittsburgh’s transit system.
Key regional service highlights include:
  • Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA): Additional express trips will operate between Beaver County and Downtown Pittsburgh, including dedicated service timed for Draft activities, alongside regular routes following designated detours.
  • Butler Transit Authority (BTA): Direct service from the Route 528 Park and Ride to the Ross Park and Ride, where riders can seamlessly connect to Pittsburgh Regional Transit service into Draft footprint.
  • New Castle Area Transit Authority (NCATA): Regular commuter service into Downtown Pittsburgh on Thursday and Friday, with adjusted routes to accommodate traffic changes.
  • Freedom Transit (Washington County): Extended service hours and late-night return trips from Downtown Pittsburgh, providing additional flexibility for attendees traveling from the south.
  • Fayette Area Coordinated Transit (FACT): Draft-specific service connecting Uniontown and surrounding communities to regional park-and-ride locations, with additional midday and evening service options.
  • Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority (MMVTA): Regular commuter service will be supplemented by a special “Pittsburgh Express” route with late evening return trips from Downtown.
Together, these regional services create a coordinated network of access points across the region, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to travel to and from Draft events without needing to drive into the city.
Additional details, including schedules, fares, and boarding locations, are available directly through each transit provider. Fans are encouraged to review options in advance and select the route that best fits their travel plans.
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Additional Ways to Get Around
“This is our city and our Draft, so we want everyone to come down, enjoy it and show our visitors and the millions of viewers what makes Pittsburgh so special. This is a big event, but this transportation plan provides ways for our residents to easily navigate getting Downtown and the North Shore to come to the events and tell the story of Pittsburgh.”
 
Gateway Clipper
Fans can arrive by river through special service from the Gateway Clipper Fleet. During the Draft, four vessels will operate Friday and Saturday, helping move visitors to and from the North Shore and Downtown areas. Two boats will travel from the Gateway Clipper’s dock in Station Square over to PNC Park. The other two boats will go between Point State Park and the landing area of the Acrisure Stadium Quay.
Visitors should check the Gateway Clipper Fleet for schedules, boarding locations and ticket information.
 
Pittsburgh’s Historic Inclines
Visitors looking for a uniquely Pittsburgh experience can also travel via the city’s historic inclines. The Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline connect the Mount Washington neighborhood with the city below, offering sweeping views of the Golden Triangle and North Shore.
 
Rideshare
Designated Uber & Lyft pick-up and drop-off locations will be available near the event footprint. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead; many rideshare companies offer the opportunity to book a ride in advance. Designated areas will be available via the NFL OnePass app.
 
Bike Rental & Access 
Fans looking for flexible ways to explore the city during Draft week can take advantage of POGOH, Pittsburgh’s public bike-share program that offers both traditional pedal bikes and electric-assist bikes at stations across Downtown, the North Shore, and surrounding neighborhoods. Bikes can be unlocked via the POGOH app for short trips throughout the city. For more information on bike access, visit bikepgh.org.
 
Parking
Visitors planning to drive are encouraged to reserve parking in advance as garages and lots are expected to fill quickly, and street parking will be very limited. The NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH do not control parking lot inventory or parking rates.
North Shore parking will be limited, so fans who drive are encouraged to park in Downtown and Station Square lots and garages. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Real-time availability is accessible via the ParkPGH app, with reservations available through platforms such as ParkWhiz—helping visitors compare options and secure the best available rates ahead of time.
As with any major event, parking rates may vary based on demand. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and use trusted platforms to avoid unexpected pricing and ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Parking restrictions will be enforced, and vehicles in restricted areas may be ticketed or towed.
 
PIT to Downtown
Visitors flying into the newly renovated Pittsburgh International Airport can use expanded service on PRT’s 28X-Airport Flyer, providing frequent connections between the airport, Downtown and several East End neighborhoods.
 
Coach Buses and Shuttles
Private charter buses and oversized vehicles can secure parking at PPGpublicparking.com or by calling 412-231-5746. Due to security restrictions, no pick-ups or drop-offs will be permitted near the Draft footprint.
 
Personal Watercraft & Private Boats
Personal watercraft and private boats will not be permitted near the Draft footprint during event operations from April 23-26. The following safety zones will be enforced along adjacent rivers, and boaters should avoid these restricted areas:
  • Allegheny River: From the Roberto Clemente Bridge to the Point
  • Monongahela River: From the Fort Pitt Bridge to the Point
  • Ohio River: From the Point to the Rivers Casino
 
ADA & Mobility Services 
The Draft footprint will be fully accessible. Mobility assistance services will be available onsite, and visitors are encouraged to bring personal mobility devices.  A comprehensive Accessibility Guide will be made available starting April 10, 2026.
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Plan Ahead
With increased activity and temporary traffic changes throughout the city, both residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and explore the full range of available transportation options.
Downtown and the North Shore will remain accessible, but travel patterns will differ from typical conditions due to road closures, increased demand, and event operations. Reviewing transit options, parking availability, and route adjustments in advance will help ensure a smoother experience.
Fans and commuters alike are encouraged to take advantage of expanded public transit service, park-and-ride locations, and designated access points when traveling to or through the area.
The latest transportation updates, service information, and road closure details will be available at ridePRT.org and through the NFL OnePass app, which provides maps, schedules, and real-time event information.