The Monongahela Incline: Symbolizing Pittsburgh’s Spirit for 154 Years
The Monongahela Incline serves as both city public transportation and tourist destination
Pittsburgh is well-known for its rivers, bridges and sports teams, but among history and transportation enthusiasts, it’s also celebrated for an iconic part of its identity: the Monongahela Incline. Embedded on the slopes of Mount Washington, this incline isn’t just an important part of the city’s public transit - it’s a symbol of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage.
Locally referred to as the “Mon Incline,” the incline was built to address a critical issue: the difficulty steelworkers and their families faced commuting from Mount Washington to their workplaces along the Monongahela River below. Designed by German engineer John Endres, the incline features a system of counterbalanced cars running on parallel tracks. Originally steam-powered, it allowed passengers to traverse the mountainous terrain safely and efficiently. Over time, as Pittsburgh and its industries grew, the incline became an important artery for the city's working class, connecting their homes to the factories that buoyed America's industrial boom.
Currently, the Mon Incline functions as an essential part of Pittsburgh’s public transportation. It’s also a popular tourist destination, carrying tourists to the top of Mount Washington to explore its history and take in the sweeping views of the Pittsburgh skyline.
PRT plays a vital role in owning and operating the Monongahela Incline. As a part of the region’s public transportation infrastructure, PRT ensures the incline operates safely, reliably, and efficiently, providing an essential link for residents traveling to work, school, or leisure activities, while also preserving a unique piece of the city’s cultural history. Its operation by PRT integrates the incline into the broader public transit network, facilitating connections to buses and light rail systems, which collectively enhance accessibility and mobility within the city.
For information on how to ride the inclines, visit: https://www.rideprt.org/inside-Pittsburgh-Regional-Transit/rider-info/how-to-ride/how-to-ride-the-inclines/
