Riders are being given a chance to voice opinions about the methodology that the Port Authority will use to evaluate transit service for possible cuts and elimination.

The authority will hold five public workshops, starting two weeks from today, to hear about its new "Service Scorecard" drawn up under the premise of making fair decisions on bus-trolley routes.

Officials characterized the sessions as part of an effort to improve efficiency, manage costs and "prepare for service reductions that may be necessary in the near future," an apparent reference to the steps that may be taken to address a $31.5 million operating budget it faces starting Jan. 1.

Public hearings for service cuts and fare increases were disclosed in September. The plans were quickly quashed, officially because authority staff needed more preparation time, unofficially out of deference to the re-election campaign of Gov. Ed Rendell, who has rescued the Port Authority from financial crises for the past three years.

"This is not an opportunity for people to say, 'Don't cut my bus,' but for them to give us their thoughts on the process we've established," authority spokesman Bob Grove said. "We've not made any decisions. This is just to prepare us if we are forced to adjust service to available revenue in the near future."

Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland said last month that no significant changes will be made before June.

Before the authority makes significant service cuts and eliminates routes, federal law requires public hearings be held. In the past, riders often complained that decisions were arbitrary and based on inaccurate information.

The Service Scorecard consists of three main categories -- effectiveness, efficiency and equity -- and a number of sub-categories covering such issues as cost per ride, park-and-ride lot utilization and an equitable distribution of service. Points are to be assigned on a scale of 1 to 10.

At the workshops, the public will be asked to provide feedback on the methodology and to offer suggestions for improving the process. The authority said this will enable "the best possible analysis of service prior to making any changes."

Here's the workshop schedule:

Nov. 27 -- 6-8 p.m. at the Crafton Community Center, 140 Bradford Ave.

Nov. 28 -- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Monongahela Room on the 17th floor of the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown.

Nov. 28 -- 6-8 p.m. at Wilkinsburg Council Chambers, 605 Ross Ave.

Nov. 29 -- 6-8 p.m. at the Bethel Park Fire Hall, 5213 Brightwood Road.

Nov. 30 -- 6-8 p.m. at the West View Fire Hall, 398 Perry Highway, Ross.

The Port Authority has asked people who want to testify to register in advance by calling 412-566-5135. Sign-ups and information also are available on its Web site, www.portauthority.org. Go to "Service Evaluation Workshops."