Red Line (Pittsburgh)

The Red Line is a light rail route operated by the Port Authority of Allegheny County as part of the Pittsburgh Light Rail system, also known as "The T." It is one of three light rail lines, the others being the Blue Line (Library) and the Blue Line (South Hills Village). The Red Line operates primarily in a subway downtown before traveling above ground through the South Hills area of Pittsburgh.

The Red Line's southern terminus is in the South Hills at South Hills Village station, a major park-and-ride location. From there, it proceeds north along a dedicated right-of-way, sharing track with the Blue Line until just south of the Overbrook Junction. The Red Line makes fewer stops than the Blue Line along this shared segment. After the Overbrook Junction, the Red Line diverges and takes its own right-of-way, travelling through Beechview, crossing the Saw Mill Run valley on a high bridge, and then descends into the Mount Washington Transit Tunnel, which it shares with the Blue Line and freight trains operated by the Pittsburgh and Ohio Central Railroad.

Emerging from the Mount Washington Transit Tunnel, the Red Line enters Pittsburgh's central business district, operating in the downtown subway along the "Transit Mall" on Liberty Avenue. The Red Line makes several stops within the subway, including Gateway Center, Wood Street, and Steel Plaza. Its northern terminus is at Allegheny station, located in the North Shore neighborhood near Heinz Field and PNC Park. During peak hours, some Red Line trains continue past Allegheny station to a temporary terminus at North Side station.

The Red Line provides crucial transportation for residents of the South Hills, connecting them to Downtown Pittsburgh and its employment centers, cultural attractions, and other amenities. It also offers connections to other Port Authority bus and light rail routes, providing a comprehensive public transportation network. Service frequency varies depending on the time of day, with more frequent trains during peak hours.