Port Authority: More cuts likely if state doesn't act
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Port Authority officials today warned of a "death spiral" of deeper service cuts along with layoffs and fare increases if Gov. Tom Corbett and the Legislature don't resolve a statewide transportation funding crisis.
CEO Steve Bland said the agency faces a projected $64 million deficit for the fiscal year beginning next July unless state aid is increased and the authority gains significant concessions from its employee union.
If the deficit isn't closed "we're looking at significant curtailment of night and weekend service" including a full shutdown of the Light Rail Transit system on weekends, he said. Another 40 bus routes could be eliminated.
A 15 percent service reduction in March already has stranded many riders and forced others to endure severe overcrowding on buses and rail vehicles. Mr. Bland likened those reductions to "cutting into bone and muscle." Future rounds of cuts would be like "amputations," he said.
A commission appointed by Mr. Corbett has recommended raising $2.7 billion in new annual revenue for roads, bridges and transit statewide through fee increases and an uncapping of the tax on fuel distributors. Mr. Corbett has not commented on the panel's recommendations since receiving them Aug. 1.
"Frankly, time is running short," Mr. Bland said. The Legislature is in session until mid-December and with elections next year, most observers believe that any action on transportation funding must come this year.
While getting a reliable and growing revenue source from the state is the "single largest factor" in the authority's future financial health, "it is not the only one," said Guy Mattola, authority vice chairman. "We must also gain unprecedented concessions from Local 85," which represents drivers, mechanics and first-level supervisors. The current union contract expires in June.
First Published September 23, 2011 12:15 pm
