One of
Pittsburgh's distinctive features is its cable-powered "inclines" for transportation between the river valleys and the communities on top of the overlooking bluffs. At one time
Pittsburgh had about fifteen inclines. Two of them remain, on the south bank of the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, across from downtown Pittsburgh. They provide service to the Mount Washington residential area. The Monongahela Incline, built in 1870 is located near the Smithfield Street bridge, directly across the
Monongahela River from downtown Pittsburgh. Its lower station is across the street from the Station Square shopping complex, and is easily accessible from the light rail system at the Station Square station. It is operated by the Port Authority of
Allegheny County, which operates the rest of Pittsburgh's transit system. Transfers can be made between the incline and the light rail and buses.