Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) CEO Katharine Kelleman gave an urgent testimony today before the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee during a hearing on the future of mass Transit in Western Pennsylvania.

Kelleman’s testimony painted a clear and sobering picture of the fiscal cliff facing PRT and transit systems statewide.

PRT faces a structural deficit that could require severe service cuts and fare hikes as soon as February 2026 without state funding.

“Public transit is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Kelleman. “It connects people to jobs, healthcare, education, and opportunity. If we don’t act now, the consequences will ripple across our entire economy and community.”

Changes that Could Come

To maintain current service levels over the next decade, PRT estimates it will need an additional $117 million in annual state funding. 

Without the funding, the agency may be forced to: 

• Cut 35% of its bus and light rail service, including all service after 11 p.m.

• Raise fares by 9%, making it one of the most expensive transit systems in the nation.

• Scale back ACCESS paratransit service that is relied upon by seniors and people with disabilities.

This is not where any of us want to be, but this is what we will be able to afford," Kelleman said.

Kelleman emphasized that this crisis is not unique to Pittsburgh. Transit agencies across Pennsylvania are or will soon face similar financial cliffs.

Agencies outside of Pennsylvania, such as those based in Chicago, Illinois, are also faced with similar situations.

Transit is foundational to Pennsylvania’s economy, and Kelleman cited that every $1 invested in transit generates $4 in economic returns while also supporting thousands of jobs and local businesses.
“Transit is not and should not be an optional priority—it is a foundational one,” Kelleman concluded. “We cannot afford to let public transit fail. The future of our economy, our communities, and our people depends on it.”