The options to stave off looming service cuts and fare increases at the state's two major public transit agencies have narrowed because the Legislature has no more voting sessions scheduled this month.

Although lawmakers have hearings and other matters planned at the Capitol for the next month, no voting sessions are scheduled until March 14. Fare increases and service cuts are already scheduled to be in effect on bus and train lines of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of Allegheny County.

One remaining option for Gov. Ed Rendell is to ask the state's regional planning commissions to divert $75 million to $80 million in federal highway funds to transit agencies, something he has twice done before, in December and a year ago.

Jim Hassinger, president and chief executive of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, said it is a request he would consider, even though highway and bridge repair projects are far behind schedule.

Statewide, transit agencies have complained that they have already cut to the bone.

On March 1, the Port Authority is scheduled to raise base fares from $1.75 to $2, and on March 6 it plans to cut service by 12 percent. Also on March 6, SEPTA is scheduled to raise its base fares and cut service by 20 percent.