Port Authority sets public hearing for service cuts
Share with others:
With historic service reductions just 4 1/2 months away, Port Authority riders and others affected by the cuts will have the chance to speak out on Thursday.
The authority will hold a public hearing on the reductions and proposed fare increases from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. As of Tuesday afternoon, nearly 170 people had signed up to speak.
The authority on July 21 announced the deepest service reductions in its 54-year history, effective Jan. 9, to offset a $47 million budget deficit for 2010-11. The plan calls for eliminating 35 percent of service hours, abolishing up to 48 routes and laying off more than 500 employees.
More than 50 communities currently served by transit would be cut off.
Authority officials are hoping the Legislature will provide funding to avert the cutbacks. Gov. Ed Rendell has asked lawmakers to convene in special session next week to deal with a statewide transportation funding crisis in the wake of the federal government's rejection of the state's plan to toll Interstate 80.
The authority also plans a fare increase effective Jan. 1. The base fare would rise by 25 cents, to $2.25 in Zone 1 and $3 in Zone 2. Light Rail Transit riders and users of 13 suburban express bus routes would be charged a new "premium" fare of $4.
Spokeswoman Heather Pharo said the authority welcomes public input on the plans, which are scheduled to be voted on by its board on Sept. 24.
"Some riders think that they shouldn't bother coming to the hearing or submitting a comment because we've already made up our minds about what will be cut. That's not true -- we do take feedback into account and make adjustments to our proposals," she said.
"Riders also might not realize that the hearing isn't just about talking to Port Authority. It's a chance for their voices to be heard by our funders, and an opportunity to explain what's important to them," Ms. Pharo said.
Speakers at the hearing will have three minutes each. The authority also is accepting written comments online at www.portauthority.org or by mail at Port Authority Fare & Service Proposals, Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Ave., Floor 3, Pittsburgh 15222 through 4 p.m. Aug. 31
Those wishing to testify are asked to register in advance by calling 412-566-5437 (TTY 412-231-7007) between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Those who do not register may do so at the hearing and will be called on as time slots become available.
First Published August 18, 2010 12:00 am
