PITTSBURGH,None — Hundreds of people gathered in Squirrel Hill on Saturday hoping to send a message to Port Authority.
They don't want any more service cuts or layoffs to affect the bus system in Allegheny County.
Over 500 people showed up to voice their opposition to the cuts that are expected to take place on March 27.
Paul O'Hanlon said he rides the bus often. "Buses are critical for me and they make the world available to me. Without the bus, I'd be stuck."
The Port Authority plans to cut its service by 15% and lay off 200 union employees.
Officials said the cuts are needed because of the reduction in state funding.
Organizers of the rally said they want the Port Authority to know that the cuts will affect thousands of people.
"I think that we forget because we face so many cuts and threats to our public services that each and every cut creates real hardships for the people in our community," said Alicia Williamson.
Williams said that Port Authority should be looking for a dedicated source of funding.
Sam O'Hanlon, 15, said the cuts will leave him with no easy way to get around.
"I've had to watch buses go by because they were too full to even get on. Sometimes, I was even late for school. If they're cut even more, I might have to wait for 4 or 5 buses to pass by."
The protestors promised to continue their plea to the Port Authority next Friday at its monthly board meeting.