Port Authority Approves Scaled-Back Service Cuts
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Thousands of people who rely on the Port Authority to get around town will be seeing fewer buses and trolleys this spring.
The board has approved a service cut, even after Gov. Ed Rendell secured emergency funding for the agency just a month ago. However, those cuts could be temporary.
It has been about two weeks since the Port Authority put into effect a fare hike that has impacted both bus and trolley riders. At a board meeting today, the other shoe dropped, but it's a drop not nearly as severe as anticipated - a 15 percent service cut across the board.
"This is service that should be sustained. It's service the region needs," said Port Authority CEO Steve Bland. "I think clarification by calling it a temporary reduction is sending a message that it's good service, it's productive service, it's part of the community and we need to be in position to put it back."
The original 35 percent service cut was pared back after Gov. Rendell offered $45 million to the agency. However, the drivers' union, which now faces layoffs and the closure of the Harmar garage, says the board made the wrong choice.
"If it's not fixed - whether we fix it now or later - at the end of the day we're going to lose the numbers if they don't fix it," said Patrick McMahon, the president of the transit union.
But board members say they're not optimistic that the Corbett administration will do much to stop the bleeding.
"If we really thought the $45 million would be followed by additional funding, we probably wouldn't be taking these actions; but none of us on this board thinks the first task by the new administration is to add more funds," said Jeff Letwin, a Port Authority board member.
Both the Port Authority and the union say they'll pressure Harrisburg to come through with last-minute funding. These cuts could be averted up until the 11th hour. They're set to take effect on March 27.
MORE INFORMATION: Port Authority | Check to see if your route is will change (PDF)
