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Port Authority is facing a $64 million deficit in its operating budget for the coming fiscal year, starting July 1.

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.

However, these devastating cuts do not have to happen. Adequate State transportation funding could prevent this drastic step.

Let your voice be heard on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Speak Up for Transit! Public Hearing

Help us make a difference. The Speak Up for Transit! Public Hearing will be held on February 29, 2012, from 8am-8pm at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. For more information about this event, as well as a complete service reduction and fare increase timeline, summary of proposed fare changes effective July 1, and summary of service changes effective September 2, download the Speak Up for Transit flyer. (PDF)

Update February 8, 2012: State Budget Figures - Public Transit

Download State Budget Figures (XLS)

Governor Corbett's Remarks on Transportation Funding and Local Response during February 7, 2012 Budget Address

"Lastly, it is also critical that we address our transportation issues. This is not a budget item. It is too large for that. Transportation must be confronted as its own distinct and separate topic. This problem has grown for the past several decades and it will not be solved overnight. But, whatever solution we enact must be a lasting one.

"I have spent significant time considering this issue with my transportation team and developed some workable solutions. However, those solutions will only be possible with your input, assistance and support. I look forward to working with you."

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald's Email Statement Response to Gov. Corbett's Budget Address

"I am glad the Governor addressed transportation in his budget remarks. He is embracing his Transportation Funding Advisory Commission's recommendations. Based on his remarks, he is asking the House and Senate members to do the same.

"I am proud that the Democratic members of the Allegheny County delegation are clearly supportive of those proposals, and I hope to see others join them in this effort."

# # #

The files below were presented at the Port Authority Board of Directors' Planning and Development Committee meeting on January 18. They include details about each aspect of the proposal.

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, and be assured that we'll continue to stand up for those who want a thriving public transportation system in Allegheny County.

As we've said before, 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.

Details on proposed service and fare actions are posted at PortAuthority.org. A public comment period will run from Feb. 5 through March 9, with a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 29 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

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 our community and regional economy, and acts to avert this crisis.

- Jim Ritchie, Port Authority, (412) 566-5136

Additional Transportation Funding Resources:

Allegheny Conference on Community Development Call-to-Action

At the joint Allegheny Conference/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership business briefing yesterday, the business community heard details of the proposed 35% cut to transit services the Port Authority. The Port Authority has already taken important steps to reduce operating costs, boost productivity, and contain legacy costs. The funding gap the agency faces is in fact part of a much larger transportation funding crisis facing our Commonwealth.

At the meeting, the question of how the business community should respond arose. Your voice as a business leader, as well as the voices of your employees, will be essential in convincing the Governor and the General Assembly to act. Click the link below to learn more about ways you can let your legislators know how much you value public transit and a robust road and bridge network.

 

MovePGH Multimodal Transportation Plan Public Kick-Off:

The Public Kick-Off for the MOVEPGH Multimodal Transportation Plan project will be held February 2, 2012 on the Carnegie Mellon campus from 6-8 PM. A presentation with an opportunity to interact with team members will be held in Porter Hall (Building #3B) just off of Frew Street (adjacent to Schenley Park). Signs will direct you to the presentation.

For more information or questions regarding the plan, contact Patrick D. Roberts, Principal Transportation Planner at (412) 255-2224.

Media Coverage:

Below are links to media coverage related to this transportation funding issue.

The following media clips were handed out during the Port Authority Stakeholder Relations Committee Meeting on December 8, 2011.

Multimodal Resource Map
OTMA Annual Reports

Commuter Resources



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