• September 15th, 2025
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On Friday night, September 12, 2025, PennDOT approved Pittsburgh Regional Transit's request to use $106.7 million in state capital funds to cover operating expenses and close a projected $100 million budget deficit — effectively avoiding the need to implement proposed service cuts and fare increases otherwise slated to go into effect in October 2025 and February 2026.

Later this month, PRT will formally amend its operating and capital budgets to its Board of Directors. CEO Katherine Kelleman said, "I want to thank PennDOT for its quick review and acceptance of our request. This approval gives us the breathing room we need to protect our riders and keep our region moving. Even though this short-term fix isn't what we were working toward, we will continue seeking a long-term solution that transit agencies across Pennsylvania need."

(The content below was published by Pittsburgh Regional Transit in press release issued September 11, 2025.)

In an attempt to prevent drastic service cuts and fare increases for two years (view our summary of the proposed service cuts and fare increases here), Pittsburgh Regional Transit today sought PennDOT's approval to use capital assistance funds to support operating expenses.

If approved, the move would shift up to $106.7 million in capital funds and allow PRT to use the money to plug a projected $100 million operating budget deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. PRT would use the remaining balance – and a mix of local, federal, and reserve funds – to preserve service and avoid a fare increase for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Although some capital projects could be delayed by this move, no safety-critical projects would be impacted.
"This is not an ideal solution, but it is our best option to protect our riders by avoiding catastrophic service cuts and fare increases," said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. "This also gives the Legislature additional time to come up with a sustainable long-term funding solution."

Absent additional state funding, PRT proposed cutting 35% of fixed-route service, significantly reducing paratransit service, and raising fares by 9% beginning in February 2026. The measures would severely restrict access to jobs, medical care, childcare, education, and other essential destinations across Allegheny County and neighboring communities.

“I appreciate the need for PRT to exercise this emergency option to avoid catastrophic cuts and keep our regional economy going. I look forward to working with the Governor and legislative leaders on a longer-term solution that allows PRT to serve the 1.2 million hard working people of Allegheny County,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato.

If PennDOT approves PRT's request, PRT management would then present to its Board a resolution amending the agency’s FY 2026 operating and capital budgets consistent with the waiver request.

Source: WTAE, Pittsburgh Regional Transit