Port Authority officials charged today that several drivers operating out of its Harmar Division garage distributed false information to riders this morning about upcoming changes in bus routes.

Spokesman Jim Ritchie said the drivers handed out brochures "with a lot of scare tactic information about what's going to happen on routes. I don't know how many routes got this but it is quite widespread."

He said the authority has gotten numerous inquiries from concerned riders and is immediately mounting a campaign to correct the misinformation.

"This morning, many riders may have received fliers detailing changes to their bus routes. These fliers were not authorized by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, and we believe they were created and distributed by a handful of disgruntled drivers," says a letter being e-mailed today to about 10,000 authority customers, community leaders and others.

One false charge made in a brochure was that "mass transit in Oakmont and Verona is being eliminated," Mr. Ritchie said.

The Harmar Division serves much of the North Hills, Allegheny Valley and eastern suburbs.

Drivers who participated in the distribution face disciplinary action, Mr. Ritchie said. He said officials do not know whether the drivers union was behind the action but "are looking to find out." He noted the activity was limited to the Harmar garage.

The authority board this month is expected to finalize a service overhaul that calls for consolidating or eliminating some routes, but officials say the plan will result in more frequent, reliable and efficient service. While there will be fewer routes and stops, buses will make more weekday trips than at present.

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