EFFORT TO BOOST RIDERSHIP WILL FORCE PREGNANT AND MOTION SICK COMMUTERS TO TAKE THE BUSPITTSBURGH - Since 1877, the Duquesne Incline has shuttled Pittsburgh commuters living atop Mount Washinton to and from work downtown at a leisurely pace of 16.5 miles per hour. But that is about to change because declining ridership has forced the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline to explore ways to boost clientele, and it thinks it has struck pay dirt with its latest plan.
Starting Monday, the incline's speed will be jacked up by more than seven times to thrill ride levels of 120 miles per hour.
The goal is two-fold, said Incline Society President Robert Atilla Haas. "First, we'll break into the thrill ride market in a big way. Second, for our regulars commuters, we'll make the ride down the Mount faster -- much, much faster." Haas said he is seeking a sound-level variance to allow for the terrified shrieking that will accompany the incline's tumble down the Mount in a virtual free-fall.
If this plan works, Haas said he will explore adding loops and inverting the track so that the car spins upside down in a cork screw effect.
"I won't be surprised if the Duquesne Incline causes brain damage in at least some of our riders," said Haas proudly. "Not that any of us wants that to happen."
