METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Allegheny Port Authority may hike fares, cut service

Prompted by a $64 million deficit projected for the Fiscal Year 2013 operating budget. The fare increase would go into effect on July 1 and the service reduction would go into effect September 2. About 46 routes would be eliminated with service scaled back on all remaining routes. The ACCESS paratransit program would see deep cuts.

April 30, 2012
1 min to read


The Port Authority of Allegheny County’s board of directors voted to authorize a fare increase and 35% service reduction scheduled to go into effect later this year. The Port Authority is legally obligated to balance its budget, and these actions are prompted by a $64 million deficit projected for the Fiscal Year 2013 operating budget.

The vote, which is reversible, authorizes Port Authority staff to begin preparing for the changes — writing new schedules, preparing for staffing reductions and a garage closure, and other actions. While staff must prepare for the worst, the service reductions may be scaled back or rescinded entirely if Port Authority’s finances improve.

If nothing changes, the fare increase would go into effect on July 1 and the service reduction would go into effect September 2. Under the service reduction proposal, about 46 routes would be eliminated with service scaled back on all remaining routes. The ACCESS paratransit program would for the first time see deep cuts that would restrict transit options for persons with disabilities.

The only change to the proposal is that the 28X Airport Flyer’s airport segment will be preserved due to recently secured federal Job Access Reverse Commute funds. The 28X is the only Port Authority route funded through this program.

Details on fare and service proposals are available on the agency’s Service Reductions page.

More Bus

Frontrunner's new facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Busby StaffJune 8, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters

The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
World Cup Crowds Will Test Transit Systems
ManagementJune 3, 2026

When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.

Read More →
Bus Roadeo at APTA Mobility 2026
Busby Staff and News ReportsJune 1, 2026

Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference

The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
A SEPTA bus going down the road
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan

Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.

Read More →
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A New Flyer 60-foot articulated bus
Busby StaffMay 29, 2026

WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign

The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.

Read More →