MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TOMORROW FROM 11:30 – 1:00 PM: Congresswoman Summer Lee, ACE Innamorato & Heritage Community Initiatives to Mark a Quarter Century of Transportation Service

**FOR PLANNING PURPOSES** 

Contact: Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | 412.841.7913

Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | 771.215.7243

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TOMORROW FROM 11:30 – 1:00 PM: Congresswoman Summer Lee, ACE Innamorato & Heritage Community Initiatives to Mark a Quarter Century of Transportation Service

RSVP HERE

On Tuesday, July 16, Congresswoman Summer Lee will join Heritage Community Transportation (HCT) to mark 25 years of providing invaluable transportation services in Eastern Allegheny County. The nonprofit organization will host a reception with U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee, County Executive Sara Innamorato, industry and business leaders, and other officials to announce new measures to better serve riders. These include introducing new vehicles and rider amenities, updated schedules, and more. Heritage will also unveil its latest collaborations with local nonprofits and discuss plans for its non-public transportation division.

Heritage is the only human services nonprofit in the Commonwealth designated by PennDOT as a public transportation provider. HCT, its fixed-route transit service, is uniquely positioned to serve low-income families and individuals without access to a vehicle in 16 communities in Eastern Allegheny County. Notably, 70 percent of riders have an average annual household income of under $20,000. A ride costs only 25 cents, which makes it affordable and accessible for anyone in need of a ride. HCT has completed over 1.6 million rides, connecting riders to work, shopping, healthcare, and other regional transportation providers. Most riders (60%) rely on HCT for daily work commutes.

The enhancements range from free Wi-Fi to flag stops, automated audio announcements, and the restoration of Saturday Service on the East Pittsburgh Route, catering to rider needs post-pandemic.

HCT conducted two years of analysis with Carnegie Mellon University, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, The Whitehouse Group, and national consultants to identify and address changing mobility patterns in our region.

The milestone event will take place at 800 Braddock Avenue, the future home of Heritage Community Initiatives’ headquarters and commercial kitchen. Guests will be able to see and board the new HCT vehicles. Students from Heritage Community Initiatives Education programs will celebrate the occasion by performing the classic kids’ song “Wheels on the Bus.”

WHEN: Tuesday, July 16th, 11:30AM-1PM

WHERE: 800 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA 15104

WHO:  U.S. Congresswoman Summer Lee, County Executive Sara Innamorato, Paula McWilliams, President and CEO, Heritage Community Initiatives, Industry and Business leaders, and other officials

RSVP HERE

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