Pittsburgh Regional Transit votes to send proposed major service cuts to public comment
Pittsburgh Regional Transit on Friday morning took the next step in making significant cuts to riders, but before the board voted, those impacted by the proposal made sure to speak out.
Emotions were high at Pittsburgh Regional Transit's board meeting at the Heinz 57 Center downtown as members voted to send the proposed major service cuts to the public comment period.
The proposal would cut service via light rail, bus and incline by 35% starting in February 2026. The fare increase would also raise the base fare to $3, making it the fifth highest in the country.
Under the proposed cuts, 19 communities in Allegheny, Beaver, and Westmoreland counties and three Pittsburgh neighborhoods would lose service completely.
"This proposal isn't just another roadblock to our region's economic recovery. It is a bus-swallowing Pittsburgh sinkhole when we can least afford it," Chris Sandvig, a PRT rider and the founder of Mobilfy, an organization fighting for accessible and affordable public transportation in southwestern Pennsylvania.
"It's time for Harrisburg to put forth a real funding package, not what's essentially a one-month's allowance for our county, Sandvig added.
He's one of more than a dozen people who made their voices heard at PRT's board meeting Friday morning, about one week after the agency revealed a signifcant proposal cutting nearly one-third of its service as it faces a $100 million deficit next year that can only rise to nearly $2 billion in 10 years if they don't get any drastic increases in state funding.
They spoke ahead of a board vote not to approve the cuts themselves but to send them to the public comment period.
"We must work with a concerted manner to secure a reliable, dedicated source of revenue," said Ross Nicotero, who is the president of ATU Local 85, representing about 2,200 PRT workers.
People from all walks of life, including those who are disabled, and from across the region are sharing how they would be impacted.
"We deserve public transit that sees us, that sees neighborhoods like mine and others far worse off, that doesn't make us pay more for less or worse for nothing," said Marcelese Cooper from Brookline.
"I implore you not to decrease the service of public transportation. The system needs fertilized, not pruned," said Jennifer Rumble.
The measure passed with CEO Katharine Kelleman and board members saying it's all the more important that folks speak out to show those in Harrisburg how desperately PRT needs $117 million to keep it up and running.
"This is not a funeral, it's a fight," said PRT board member Bobbie Fan.
"I'm committed to finding a sustainable funding stream in Harrisburg," said Pennsylvania Sen. Lindsey Williams, a Democrat who represents District 38.
"Just like everyone at PRT, the board is completely focused on making sure we keep our service and we keep our fares, but your voices must be heard," Kelleman said.
The public comment period runs from Monday, March 31 to June 18. 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.
