I never thought in my wildest dreams I'd be moved to write a review of a DMV office, let alone a…read morevery positive one. It's spacious. It's modern. It's clean (and that includes the bathrooms). It's efficient -- I was in and out in less than an hour. And every person I interacted with was competent, helpful, and very friendly. I almost forgot I was at a DMV office. Bonus for being near some really cool stores and a Sonic Drive-In. I live downtown and it's a bit of a trek to get here, but it blows the downtown office out of the water. I'll be coming here for any of my PennDot needs,

Typical dmv nightmare. Having no ability to make an appointment tells you everything you need to…read moreknow. It takes HOURS and HOURS to get anything done here.

I went to get a PA license from out-of-state. Shawn F. was very helpful, informative, and made the…read moreexperience pleasant instead of stressful. I had a bit of a wait to see him, but he was efficient and got the job done quickly. Alison L.

I need to go into the DMV for a new license picture. I…read morerenewed license online but never got my picture card. I went into The closest DMV which was this one. I went in and the place was not crowded which was good for me. I went up to the first desk and got a number then waited about 5-10 minutes to be called up to next desk. The person seemed nice and he was helpful. That desk took maybe 5-10 minutes max. Then I went over to the picture station and got picture taken then it took about 5 minutes for new license to come out to me. overall I was pleased with the service and the total amount of time it took. I do recommend this location as everyone seemed very good. I would hesitate to stay if it was really crowded. I will definitely go here again if I need anything from DMV again.

Well, what is there to say about government agencies? I've…read morehad to deal with them a few times. Once to get a duplicate of my birth certificate (original was in bad shape), a copy of my daughter's birth certificate, and reissues of my paternal grandmother's death certificate. What should be an easy process was sometimes cumbersome because of the number of other people attempting to obtain documents and frankly the attitude of employees. The wait time wouldn't be so bad if the people working were a little more empathetic.

Went on a Wednesday morning to get a new birth certificate after losing my original. Went online…read morefirst and printed and filled out all proper paperwork. Which was basically 1 page with your basic info. When I got there I had to let the security guard at the front door know where I was going. He then typed something into a thing at his desk which apparently runs the elevators. Got on the elevator which took me to the 3rd floor without me having to hit any buttons. When I reached the 3rd floor I then had to follow the signs to Vital records office. When I reached the office I went to the window where I was met by a very nice older women who took my papers and ID. She then processed my payment and told me that my Birth Certificate will be ready in 10 to 15 minutes. I sat down for what I believe was no more that 5 minutes and it was ready and given to me by another gentleman. Fast and polite service!! I was honestly expecting a line and alot of hassle. Luckily got neither and had a very pleasant experience!!

I love the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Walking in feels more like entering a castle or historic…read morelandmark than a library. The building is beautiful, and every time I visit I notice something new. The staff are always welcoming, friendly, and willing to help, which makes the library feel comfortable and inviting. What I appreciate most is that there are so many activities and events that are free or very low cost. There are plenty of programs for teens, families, and adults, and everyone is welcome. It's definitely worth the drive from the suburbs if you're looking for a unique place to spend a few hours. Between the architecture, the helpful staff, and all the community events, it's one of the coolest libraries I've visited. I wish I would have known about this place when my boys were little, it would be a great stop after visiting the museum.

A beautiful library filled with tons of amazing resources and interesting and unique finds!…read moreOne of the things I loved was that this branch has a music library! I could spend all day just in that section. You can look at (and check out) all sorts of things from musical scores, concert programs, newspaper clippings and more. They even have instruments you can check out! I don't think there is any other library in the area that offers this sort of department. There is something for everyone here (and then some!). I've been here with my kids when they were babies and have taken them here for a variety of programs or even just to stop in when we are in the area. There are plenty of places to relax and enjoy your book (including a cafe) but lots of quiet nooks and seating areas as well. There is no parking lot specific to the library, but there is a ton of metered parking in the area. I highly recommend visiting this library, especially if you are looking for something unique. Or even just to enjoy some quiet time in a beautiful space.

Patrice in the Vital Records Department and her co-workers delivered outstanding service.read more

The Pittsburgh City-county building is home to many Allegheny county services including the office…read moreof the mayor as well as other public records and the city treasurer. On the steps is a statue of the late Richard Caliguiri and inside the main lobby is a beautiful vaulted ceiling with artifacts all around. You must pass through security to enter. Two of the most used offices are that of the register of wills and the marriage license bureau. The latter is the focus of this review. I came here after learning that my marriage license issued before 911 is no longer acceptable for documentation for proof of name change. This is especially important if you want to get the new PA REAL ID and don't have or intend to get a passport. Oldie wed brides this information is directed mostly for your benefit. Some of us went in the late 90s and not only got the half sheet that was signed by the officiant but also spent money to get a single sealed certified copy. If you have either or both of these items then file them away. I was told they are now outdated. It must be triple sealed. I walked into the office, explained what I needed as was politely asked the year of my marriage and the groom's name. She didn't need anything else. She found my record and told me it would be ready in about 10 minutes for a minimal fee of $10.00. I was then asked to sit in the main waiting room where some happy couples were applying for their licenses for their upcoming nuptials. This same office also serves as a passport office so in case you wish to get that instead it lists the items you need to apply. After 10 minutes I was called and received my tripled sealed copy after I paid the $10.00. Like a deed title the seals are embossed in a triangle shape on the cover page. The 2nd page is the exact copy of that half sheet of paper I was given when I got married and the last page is a copy of my marriage license application. Many people who were married before 911 "assume" their old licenses are still good because they worked to change your name on all legal documents including your social security card. That is not the case any longer. If you don't wish to come down then it can be done on line however, if you were married before 1996 they charge a $4.00 surcharge for a document search in addition to the fee and it takes weeks to get. One of the difficulties with getting to the City County building is that you have to walk a few blocks for public parking or public transportation. Located on Grant St downtown the County Office building sits behind it and across the street is the County courthouse.

I needed to visit in person to get logged on to the newest "my social security" account. I had…read morereceived errors trying to set it up online. I had an appointment, parked for free in their parking lot, and entered the building. I had to check in with a guard, then I was called for my appointment. The staff member was very efficient and fast and I was in and out within moments. And, my login was activated and I was good to go. This, of course, was several weeks ago before the current chaos of the current administration. I hope the office remains open and all goes as smoothly as my transaction.

Why do they build half billion dollar building with our taxpayer money and then put one employee…read moreinside? Seems like a massive overuse of funds that could be used elsewhere. You've got a waiting room full of 30 people and one state employee other than the security guard. Our state could've made the social security office a trailer, it would easily fit the two government employees. Wow!!!!!

There has to be a better way. Maybe their employees need to go back to work. I have been on hold…read morefor 28 minutes to make an appointment to go to an office. Totally frustrasted.

My experience at The Social Security Office was great with great customer service and I highly…read morerecommend The Social Security Office

I'm waiting for a hour and line is not going they have six windows but working only with one window…read morethat's why line is not going!

I really want to give them a better rating. Their bus drivers are 5 stars driving those big busses…read moreon these Pittsburgh streets. Heck, i get here and park my car. Streets are narrow, highways have no shoulders. 5 stars for newer busses which have displays for the next few stops. And Smithfield has helpful employees. So why 2 stars. This system is impossible to figure out. Using their app you have to find a specific stop. You can't see stops that are a block or two away that might be arriving sooner. And then there is inbound and outbound. That is easy to figure out if your bus says "downtown" but some busses don't go downtown so do I want inbound or outbound??!!! Then you have to pick your stop. Why can't they be in the order of the bus route. The app puts them in alphabetical order which makes it difficult to figure when you are the next stop. The system itself seems to cover the city but it just isn't user friendly. Why can't I easily find that when one bus has a 50 min wait, that another stop a half a block or so away has a bus going where I want to go in 8 minutes. I think Port Authority could make finding your bus easier. Half the time, I see those long waits and just walk.

We used the Port Authority T line to get to the 2026 NFL draft event. It wasn't a horrible choice,…read morebut in retrospect we should have drove down town. First, it was advertised that the trains would be running every 15 minutes...either that was a lie, or the management and operators are somewhat incompetent...either way, the waits were much greater than 30 minutes. Maybe the worst aspect of the ride was that 3 of the 4 drivers were the most rude, ignorant people that should not have been dealing with the public...especially considering many of the patrons riding during the draft were not regular T riders. The only way they could have been more rude when telling people to not block the door would have been to add some expletives (though the expletives were pretty much implied with the tone used). Just to avoid the horrible conductors, I will avoid using the T unless some calamity requires it.