Home >  Local News

Port Authority plans to raise fares, eliminate routes

Saturday, May 25, 2002

By Joe Grata, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Savings and cost-cutting measures he has been able to muster aren't enough to head off another fare increase and service cutbacks, Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Paul Skoutelas said yesterday.

The authority's board approved holding public hearings June 12 on changes that include raising the cost of monthly passes by 20 to 25 percent, transfers to 50 cents and Zone 1 cash fares to $1.75 or $2 while eliminating 4.5 percent of bus, suburban minibus and light rail service.

The objective is to make up a $10 million shortfall in a $279 million operating budget after failing to balance the books for the first time in 18 years for the 2001-02 fiscal year ending June 30.

Skoutelas has blamed most of the problem on state funding, including frozen operating subsidies, a $5.9 million reduction in the state's mass transit assistance fund and a $2 million decrease in reimbursement for free off-peak rides for senior citizens. In addition, passenger revenue is $3.3 million below projections despite a fare hike that took effect April 1, 2001.

Cost-cutting steps the authority has taken aren't nearly enough to make up the shortfall. A hiring freeze was implemented last September for all nonoperating personnel, 24 administrative positions have been eliminated and marketing, advertising, training and travel expenses have been curtailed.

"Unfortunately, it isn't enough to eliminate our deficit," Skoutelas said. "So, without increased state funding, we've run out of options."

He said the situation isn't limited to the Port Authority.

"Many transit systems around the nation are raising fares and cutting service," he said.

"Even those with dedicated funding sources such as special sales or income taxes haven't escaped the economic downturn."

The fare increases and service cuts would take effect Sept. 1. A smaller, 2 percent round of service cuts will take effect June 16, including reducing the frequency of off-peak service on the light rail system from every 10 minutes to 15 minutes.

The public hearing will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. June 12 on the third floor of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. People wishing to testify have been asked to preregister by phoning 412-566-5103 on weekdays. Oral testimony will be limited to five minutes.

Written comments can be submitted by mail or by e-mail at www.ridegold.com. The mailing address is Port Authority Fare/Service Proposal, Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Ave., Pittsburgh 15222.

Specific information on fare and service reduction proposals will soon be available to the public on transit vehicles and at pass and ticket sales outlets, major schedule rack locations and the Port Authority's Downtown Service Center.