Two state lawmakers yesterday proposed giving regular transit riders in Pennsylvania a $100-a-year tax credit.

State Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline, and Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Robinson, said the credit would promote transit ridership, help the Port Authority and provide other benefits.

"Mass transit use eases traffic congestion, diminishes highway and bridge wear and tear, reduces pollution and helps keep gas prices down," Mr. Fontana said at a news conference at the Port Authority's Downtown service center. "We should do all we can to encourage its use."

"Right now we have a respite from high gas prices," Mr. Kotik said, "but that's not going to last forever."

The tax credit would offset the cost of a little more than a month's worth of transit fares for the typical rider. The price of a monthly Zone 1 pass for Port Authority buses and rail is $75, and is likely to rise in January.

The two lawmakers said the credit would cost the state an estimated $30 million per year.

They were joined at the news conference by Steve Bland, Port Authority chief executive officer, who said the measure would help the agency generate more of its operating revenue from fares.

Mr. Fontana and Mr. Kotik cited a report by the American Public Transportation Association showing that mass transit ridership is at a 50-year high.