Transit Union Wants Port Authority Board To Reconsider Cuts

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A plan to cut Port Authority service met some resistance Friday from drivers and operators.

Members from Transit Union Local 85 asked the agency's board to reconsider the 15 percent service cut approved just two weeks ago.

The union says the Port Authority is placing too many riders at risk by not fully using a $45 million funding package offered by the Rendell administration in December.

Port Authority CEO Stephen Bland says both sides would be better off working together.

"The way we execute or design the system, there will always be disagreement, and we look forward to talk about those," said Bland. "But everyone, not just Local 85, but the ridership and community with Port Authority management, are unified in looking for a funding solution."

Those cuts are on track to happen on March 27.

The board has said it would reverse the cuts if additional state funding comes through.