Pittsburgh approves fare increase, service reduction

The board of the Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh has approved a fare hike and a reduction in service. The base fare will be increased from $1.75 to $2 beginning Feb. 1, 2005. If additional state funding is not secured, the fare will be hiked to $2.50 beginning July 1. A 12% reduction in service will also go into effect on Feb. 1. An additional 15% reduction will be implemented July 1 if sufficient state funding is not secured. Transit officials say the actions are necessary to address the system's operating budget shortfall, which exceeds $30 million.