PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania—January 20, 2026. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is thrilled to announce a new tool to increase accessibility for riders across Allegheny County. Beginning today, Deaf and hard-of-hearing riders can connect instantly with a live American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter through the new Aira ASL app – making PRT one of the most accessible transit systems in the nation.

With just a tap, riders can launch the Aira ASL app and be connected in seconds to a professional ASL interpreter. Using the caller’s smartphone camera and microphone, interpreters help bridge conversations in real-time – whether riders are purchasing fares at the Downtown Service Center or communicating with others. The service is available anywhere in PRT’s transit network 24/7/365 with no advance scheduling required.

This launch builds on PRT’s existing partnership with Aira, which already powers Aira Explorer, an on-demand visual interpreting service for blind and low-vision riders. With the addition of Aira ASL, PRT becomes the first public transit system in the country to offer both on-demand visual and ASL interpreting services.

“This is another step toward our commitment to equitable and inclusive transit for all,” said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. “By teaming up with Aira and embracing this innovative technology, we’re making it easier than ever for riders of all abilities to travel confidently and reach the destinations that matter most.”

“Aira is proud to partner with PRT as they expand their on-demand interpreting offerings,” said Henri Grau, Director of Deaf Community Engagement at Aira. “The addition of Aira ASL at PRT means Deaf and hard of hearing riders can count on smoother communication, improved experiences, and access to information whenever the need arises.”

Download Aira ASL for free in the iOS App Store, the Google Play Store, or use the desktop app.

About PRT

Pittsburgh Regional Transit provides safe, reliable and affordable public transportation throughout Allegheny County in Western Pennsylvania. PRT’s 2,600 employees operate, maintain and support bus, light rail and incline services to provide more than 37 million rides a year. PRT’s mission is to advance the Greater Pittsburgh region by investing in local communities and connecting people in a safe, equitable, and reliable manner.

About Aira

At Aira, we believe access to information is a human right. Aira breaks down accessibility barriers by providing on-demand video remote interpreting for both the blind and low vision community, and the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. People can download the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app, and be instantly connected to a highly-trained professional interpreter. Available 24/7/365, interpreters work with callers to facilitate more efficient communication and accomplish tasks together. Aira is proud to be the leader in remote video interpreting and in delivering secure, on-demand, inclusive services that open doors to new opportunities for all. Learn more about Aira Access here.