Public transit riders in the South Hills can speak their mind about the Port Authority's proposed cuts to bus and trolley service at a public hearing from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department .

It is the final public hearing in a series of nine that started Jan. 22 after the Port Authority announced extensive service cuts in order to deal with an $80 million deficit.

The proposed cuts include the elimination of 124 weekday, 59 Saturday and 39 Sunday bus and rail routes. Along the light-rail line, the frequency of service would be reduced and the Mt. Lebanon short trips, which traveled between Mt. Lebanon and Downtown during peak hours, would be eliminated, Port Authority spokesman Bob Grove said.

"We need to hear from as many people as possible. The proposal that is out there is going to change before our board votes on it in March," Mr. Grove said.

Large crowds have attended the hearings, which have been held at various locations around the county since the first was held at the Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh, Downtown, Mr. Grove said.

The Castle Shannon fire hall, at Sleepy Hollow Road and Route 88, is accessible by bus and trolley.

Present at the hearing will be Port Authority CEO Steve Bland, authority board members and staff members, Mr. Grove said.

For more information on the hearing or proposed transit cuts, riders can go to the Port Authority Web site, www.portauthority.org.