PRT holding first public hearing on proposed service cuts and fare increases
Transit riders in Pittsburgh can voice their frustrations on Tuesday as Pittsburgh Regional Transit hosts the first of several public hearings about proposed service cuts and fare increases due to a funding crisis.
Inside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center during the first morning session, you could feel the frustration among the crowd of PRT riders, seriously concerned about the proposed massive service cuts.
Rider William Young said now is the time for more transit, not less.
"Harrisburg needs to step up and do their job, or we, the voters, will vote you out," Young said.
Wyndell Williams of West Mifflin agreed.
"You're leaving complete bus deserts," Williams said.
The first of several public hearings comes as PRT revealed a significant proposal that would cut nearly 1/3 of its service as it faces a $100 million deficit for the 2026 fiscal year and $110 million the year after that.
As a part of the proposed changes, the light rail's Silver Line and 40 bus routes would be removed entirely. Service frequency would be reduced on the Red Line and 53 bus routes. Also, 19 municipalities in Allegheny, Beaver, and Westmoreland counties and three Pittsburgh neighborhoods would lose service completely.
There would also be a 25-cent fare increase, raising the base fare to $3.00 and making it the fifth highest in the country.
Residents from across southwestern Pennsylvania shared why they and others need public transportation to get by in their daily lives.
Megan Hartzell of the South Hills said she's been a transit rider for as long as she can remember.
"It's a shame that we have to beg our government to help fund our transit system," Hartzell said.
Nick Kyriazi of Pittsburgh's North Side has also been using PRT for decades. It's why he lives where he does.
"I moved to the North Side, so I would not need to own a car," Kyriazi said.
Riders and advocates for riders showed the domino effect these cuts could have on the region, from the loss of jobs to a hit to the economy and people's wallets.
"I cannot afford to pay $300 a month to park downtown, and then $30 every week for gas for the commute," Hartzell said.
Chris Sandvig, founder of Mobilfy, an organization fighting for accessible and affordable public transportation in Southwestern Pennsylvania, posed a question about the future success of the region with a lack of public transit.
"Workers and employers alike in all sectors seek out places that invest in transit. Will they come? Would they stay?" Sandvig said.
Then, Leetsdale Borough Council President Maria Napolitano argued how necessary PRT is for her small town of more than 1,000 residents.
"These people choose to move to Leetsdale to be able to access the bus line so they could make a living," Napolitano said.
Just as PRT leaders say it's important for riders to speak out to bring their comments to Harrisburg, riders also want lawmakers to listen.
"It's time for Harrisburg to put forth a real funding package, not a month's allowance, and keep Pennsylvania moving, for good this time," Sandvig said.
Tuesday's hearings are being held in the third-floor ballroom of the convention center. A second session is being held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pre-registration for those wishing to comment was encouraged, but PRT says walk-ins are also welcome.
There will be two other days of hearings later this year, and you will be able to share your thoughts at three public hearings and by phone, online, and mail. For more information, visit PRT's website.
