Condensation buildup triggered emergency brake of PRT’s Monongahela Incline Aug. 11

A preliminary investigation has concluded condensation buildup caused by an air conditioning unit attached to an electrical cabinet triggered the emergency brake of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) Monongahela Incline on Aug. 11, unexpectedly stopping the cars partially through the ride.

PRT says the incline will remain closed until engineers determine a way to allow condensation to dissipate more efficiently. The electrical cabinet contains electronic circuitry that connects the incline’s motor to the control system. The air conditioning unit ensures the circuitry inside the cabinet does not overheat.

Port Authority police, along with firefighters and paramedics from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Public Safety, were called to the incline about 5 p.m. Friday when 12 people – nine on the car closest to the lower station and three on the car closest to the upper station – were stranded about 50 feet from the stations. Although emergency responders were preparing to rescue the passengers, crews were able to get the cars moving about 6 p.m. and no rescue was required. PRT closed the incline immediately following the incident.

Once a remedy is in place, PRT plans to conduct several test trips before reopening. There is currently no timeline as to when the incline will reopen.

The 153-year-old incline, the oldest continuously operating funicular in the country, sees 1,000 riders every weekday and 4,500 riders on weekends.

The incline was last inspected in March following an $8.2 million rehabilitation project.