At the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, we take pride in celebrating those who go above and beyond to help move our region forward — literally and figuratively. This month, we are proud to recognize Alan Blahovec, Executive Director of the Westmoreland County Transit Authority (WCTA), as our Chamber Champion of the Month.
Public transportation is an often-overlooked pillar of our local economy and quality of life, yet it is essential for connecting residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and community life. Under Alan Blahovec’s steady leadership, the WCTA has continued to navigate today’s complex funding challenges while keeping its core mission firmly on track: to provide safe, reliable, and stable transportation services that meet residents’ needs and improve quality of life.
A History Rooted in Community Needs
Formed by the County Commissioners in 1978, the Westmoreland County Transit Authority was created to consolidate services once provided by several private bus companies. In its early years, the Authority operated out of the Westmoreland County Courthouse under the management of the Planning Department. As ridership and services expanded, WCTA eventually moved to North Main Street and, in 1992, opened its current office and Transit Center at 41 Bell Way — a hub that today symbolizes more than 40 years of commitment to serving Westmoreland County’s diverse communities.
A Leader with Local Roots and Forward Vision
Alan Blahovec has dedicated much of his professional career to WCTA’s mission. Prior to his role as Executive Director, he served as Assistant Executive Director, gaining hands-on knowledge of the daily operations and long-term challenges facing regional transit. Alan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and brings not only experience but an authentic dedication to the people and places that make our county strong.
Guided by a clear sense of purpose, Alan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Transit Development Plan (TDP) — a strategic blueprint for improvements to transit service throughout Westmoreland County. Developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the TDP evaluates current conditions, identifies future needs, and sets goals to ensure transit remains a vital link between our thriving communities and the opportunities that await residents throughout the region.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
The road to reliable rural transit is not without obstacles. While much of the transit conversation in Harrisburg centers on Pennsylvania’s largest systems — Philadelphia’s SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit — smaller and rural systems like WCTA face equally urgent funding gaps. As the Commonwealth wrestles with budget decisions and an uncertain federal funding outlook, regional transit systems are working hard to maintain existing routes and avoid painful cuts that would disproportionately affect seniors, people with disabilities, low-income workers, and residents in isolated communities.
Without adequate investment, rural transit systems risk service cuts, route eliminations, and fare increases — consequences that ripple outward to our local workforce, healthcare access, and economic growth. In Westmoreland County, where many residents rely on WCTA’s mix of fixed-route buses and shared-ride services, dependable transportation remains a lifeline for thousands.
Moving Forward, Together
Community engagement is vital to the future of transit. As part of the Transit Development Plan process, Alan and the WCTA team have welcomed input from riders, businesses, stakeholders, and community leaders to better understand how transit can continue to connect people to where they want — and need — to go.
The vision is clear: protect and strengthen public transportation so that it serves as a bridge — not a barrier — to opportunity. Alan’s dedication reminds us that transit is not just about moving buses; it’s about moving people, families, and our economy forward.
A Champion for a Connected Community
When we talk about what makes Westmoreland County special, we think of people like Alan Blahovec — local leaders who roll up their sleeves to tackle complex problems and deliver real solutions that benefit us all. Alan’s hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the mission of WCTA exemplify what it means to be a Chamber Champion: someone who never loses sight of the bigger picture — or the roads that keep us all connected.
On behalf of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, we thank Alan and the entire WCTA team for keeping our county moving forward, mile after mile.
Thank you, Alan, for your leadership and for being our Chamber Champion of the Month.
