Thinking about trying out the Port Authority rather than being bankrupted by high gas and parking prices? Or just to make a statement?

The best place to gather information and decide about switching to public transit is the authority's Web site, www.ridegold.com.

Riders can find information about fares, stops, frequency of service, park-n-ride lots, tax-free, payroll-deducted EZ Gold passes, a "Rider Rewards" program and buses with racks on the front to accommodate bicycles.

Brochures and schedules, including those for buses, are available at Downtown subway stations, at the Downtown Service Center on Smithfield Street and at other city and suburban locations. As a last resort, contact customer service at 412-442-2000.

The Port Authority, the nation's 15th largest public transit system, operates 220 bus and light-rail routes. It serves a 755-square-mile area including all of Allegheny County and parts of five surrounding counties.

The service includes frequent weekday trips from 64 park-n-ride lots providing almost 15,000 spaces -- practically all of them free.

In addition, most surrounding counties operate their own public transportation systems, like the Beaver County Transit Authority, Westmoreland County Transit Authority and Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority.

--By Joe Grata

First Published: September 24, 2005, 4:00 a.m.