Mine 3 was a station on the Port Authority of Allegheny County's light rail network, located in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The small station was located directly adjacent to an industrial park and was designed mainly to provide access for workers at the associated businesses.

Mine 3 was one of eleven stops closed on June 25, 2012, as part of a system-wide consolidation effort.

History

The station's name is a historical reference to a coal mine that was once operated on the site of the current industrial area. Pittsburgh Terminal No. 3 Mine (Mollenaur / Mollenauer Mine) was opened by the Pittsburgh Terminal Railroad & Coal Company in 1903 and still producing coal in 1938. This mine played a significant role in the development of the local economy, contributing to the growth of Bethel Park and surrounding communities.

During its operational years, the mine was a major employer in the area, providing jobs for many residents. The coal extracted from the mine was essential for the various industrial processes and helped fuel the region's burgeoning steel industry. The remnants of this industrial past influenced the naming of the Mine 3 station, serving as a nod to the area's rich coal mining heritage.

Closure and Impact

The closure of Mine 3 station was part of a boarder initiative by the Port Authority of Allegheny County to streamline its services and improve efficiency across the light rail network. Despite its primary function of serving industrial park workers, the station saw relatively low ridership, which contributed to the decision to close it. The consolidation aimed to reduce operational costs and reallocate resources to busier stations with higher passenger volumes.

Legacy

Although the station is no longer in operation, its historical significance remains noteworthy. The name 'Mine 3' serves as a reminder of the area's coal mining past and the important roles the Pittsburgh Terminal No. 3 Mine played in the local economy. The station's existence and eventual closure reflect broader trends in transportation and economic shifts within the region.