PITTSBURGH,None — Local riders aren't too happy after the Port Authority of Allegheny County threatened the steepest cuts in its 54-year history unless the state comes up with more money to subsidize it.
PDF: Port Authority Service Cut Plan SURVEY: Are You Upset With The Proposed Cuts? LINK: Port Authority
On Wednesday, the Port Authority unveiled its plan to cut bus and trolley service by 35 percent, including eliminating 44 routes and cutting 550 of its 2,700 workers.
By cutting those routes, about 90 neighborhoods will lose service completely or face significant loss of service, officials said.
Some of those towns include popular riding areas like Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Lawrenceville, the Hill District, Marshall-Shadeland, McKees Rocks and dozens more.
The authority's board also proposed raising one-way fares on some lesser-used suburban routes to $4. Base fares in and around the city in Zone 1 and Zone 2 will jump 25 cents.
Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland said the agency faces a $51 million budget deficit despite service cuts and other reforms in the past three years that have saved $52 million annually. The company also blames the deficit on $27 million it would have received if the federal government approved tolling on Interstate 80, but that was rejected.
"I had dozens of CEOs tell me their employees use the system," said Bland. "It impacts business, caretakers. My fear, we won't realize until it's lost and then it's hard to get that back."
"Every year, the Port Authority comes up with something," said Bloomfield resident Tyrone Campbell. "They crying that they are broke. Now they're talking $4. They need to quit."
"I, personally, get to and from work through buses now," said Corey Watkins. "Now, I have to hike two to three miles just to get to my bus station."
Watkins said he uses services along Steubenville Pike and Campbell's Run Road, a place where transit officials said services could be greatly reduced or discontinued.
Struggling college student Alyssa Moore said she will probably have to quit her weekend job on the South Side.
"I'm not really happy, I already leave an hour early to get to work. If they cut any more, I have to leave earlier," said Moore.
Spokesman Jim Ritchie said the authority has "no other options" without more state funding.
Fare increases could take effect on Jan. 1 with the cuts coming Jan. 9.
Over the next 30 days, riders who will be affected by the changes can voice their concerns. On Aug. 19, the Port Authority is planning an all-day public hearing at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
The Port Authority's Board of Directors will then vote on the plan in September. But riders are already upset about the future cuts.
Even though the county said the changes are necessary to avert a $50 million deficit, some people aren't buying it.
"I don't know why they need more money," said Moore. "I pay $85 a month, that's already too much."
Previous Stories: June 25, 2010: Port Authority Adopts $330M Budget June 15, 2010: PAT Bus Driver Makes $131K; Organization $51.6M In Debt June 14, 2010: Fares May Increase For Suburban PAT Bus Riders
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