Table of Contents
Port Authority is facing a $64 million deficit in its operating budget for the coming fiscal year, starting July 1. This deficit stems from a lack of dedicated funding for transportation at the state level.
Left without adequate state funding, Port Authority will have no choice but to slash service, increase fares and lay off employees in order to balance its budget, which it is legally obligated to do.
These actions would be devastating. More than 40 routes would be eliminated from the 100 we currently operate, and schedules would be reduced on all remaining routes. Commuter service to many suburbs would disappear. Late-night service would be cut on all but a few routes, negatively impacting the shift workers so many employers depend upon. Riders who rely on ACCESS paratransit would see fare increases and decreased service. And hundreds of Port Authority employees would be laid off.
However, these devastating cuts do not have to happen. Adequate state transportation funding could prevent this drastic step.
State Reps. Dan Frankel and Mike Sturla have introduced a bill (HB 2112) that would ensure funding for Pennsylvania’s transportation system, including roads, bridges and mass transit. You might recall that Sen. Jake Corman proposed similar legislation last year. And just last week, Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch said Gov. Corbett would propose a transportation funding package next month.
Of these, Rep. Frankel’s proposal clearly would help sustain public transportation in Allegheny County. We would not have to cut 35 percent of our service.
There’s likely to be much discussion of these proposals in coming weeks. Be assured that we’ll continue to stand up for those who want a thriving public transportation system in Allegheny County.
Passage of a bill would be the first of two steps necessary to get Port Authority in a stable financial position. The second step is tackling legacy costs and securing union concessions during this year’s contract negotiations.
While we continue advocating for adequate state funding, Port Authority must at the same time prepare for the worst. Without a state funding solution and real progress on legacy costs, fare increases would go into effect July 1, with service cuts to follow on September 2.
It is our deepest hope that we do not have to enact these service cuts and fare increases – that our state government recognizes the devastating impact they would have on our community and regional economy, and acts to avert this crisis.
Details on possible service and fare actions are posted below, including a service reduction/fare increase chart, system maps showing affected areas, and information on possible changes to ACCESS. We will also hold a public hearing and public comment period so that riders and community members may comment on the proposals.
Service Reduction & Fare Increase Details
View a PDF brochure with service cut and fare increase information.
This information will be available as a printed brochure shortly. More detailed information on service reductions will be released later in the year if cuts become necessary.
Public Hearing & Public Comment Period
Riders and community members will have the opportunity to comment on proposed fare and service changes during Port Authority's public comment period and public hearing.
Public Comment Period:
Sunday, February 5, 2012 through Friday, March 9, 2012 at 4 p.m.
Comments on the proposals will be accepted online through our
public comment form or by mail at:
Port Authority Fare & Service Proposals
Heinz 57 Center
345 Sixth Avenue, Floor 3
Pittsburgh PA, 15222-2527
The deadline for receipt of public comments is Friday, March 9, 2012 at 4 p.m.
Public Hearing:
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown Pittsburgh
Individuals wishing to testify are encouraged to pre-register by calling
412-566-5437 (TTY:
412-231-7007) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. Oral testimony will be limited to three minutes per speaker.
Those who have not pre-registered may register at the hearing and will be called on as time slots become available. Port Authority will provide a sign language interpreter at the hearing as well as Braille copies of informational documents.
To request printed information only, call
412-566-5543.
Current & Proposed System Maps
Below is a current system map, a map of proposed service eliminations and a map that shows what would be left of the system if cuts occur.
Communities Affected
Many communities would lose transit service entirely if the September cuts happen.
View a PDF chart showing which communities would be most impacted.
Impact to Park and Ride Program
If service cuts were to occur, Port Authority would be forced to shut down several park and ride lots due to lack of service. Additionally, some lots would lose their express service, meaning fewer choices for riders.
View a PDF chart for more information.
Proposed Service & Fare Change Timeline
View a PDF timeline of proposed fare and service actions, including effective dates, dates of Board actions and more.
Proposed ACCESS Changes
ACCESS paratransit is also affected by the funding crisis, and proposes to increase fares and decrease service hours/area.
View a PDF brochure detailling all proposed changes to ACCESS service and fares.
Please contact ACCESS at
412-562-5353 if you have questions on their proposed changes.