Pittsburgh transit system details drastic cost-cutting proposal

Faced with a $30 million budget deficit, the transit system in Pittsburgh is proposing fare increases and a major service reduction. "The fact that [we are] forced to take this action once again speaks to the critical need to establish a dedicated, predictable and growing source of funding for public transportation in Pennsylvania," said Paul Skoutelas, CEO of the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Proposed is the elimination of approximately 70 of the Port Authority's 210 bus and rail routes and all weekend and holiday bus, rail and paratransit service. The cost-cutting plan also calls for an increase of the base fare for bus and rail routes to $2.50 from $1.75. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled Nov. 4.