HARRISBURG -- Two Republican legislators from Allegheny County want to end the Port Authority's monopoly on public transit services in the county.

Reps. Mike Turzai of Bradfood Woods and Mark Mustio of Moon today introduced House Bill 2070, "which eliminates a state-mandated monopoly on transit services in Allegheny County."

Their proposal would end the Port Authority's monopoly, which dates back to 1964, when private bus services were having trouble making money and the Port Authority was formed.

Mr. Turzai and Mr. Mustio said existing bus companies in Beaver, Butler and Westmoreland counties might be interested in picking up passengers in Allegheny County, such as at the airport or in Carnegie, as those buses head to Downtown Pittsburgh, but are forbidden to do so under current law.

"We can't continue to just throw state money at the Port Authority for its inefficient operations," Mr. Turzai said. "Competition will bring about more efficiencies and will benefit bus riders."

More details in tomorow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.