PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Allegheny County officials say a tentative transit agreement has been reached in hopes of avoiding cuts in service this fall.

Port Authority, the county and the Amalgamated Transit Union were mum on the details, issuing a joint statement saying only that they will put the tentative pact in front of the union membership a week from Sunday.

“If approved, the agreement is the first step in preventing the 35 percent service cuts, resulting layoffs and Collier Division/park and ride closures scheduled to take effect in September.”

The Port Authority needs $60 million in concessions and cash to avert the services reductions and the agreement is expected to get them about halfway there.

If the union approves the concessions, the state is expected to kick in up to $30 million dollars in new funding that will enable the Port Authority board to rescind the cuts.

That comes as welcome news to an anxious ridership.

“It’s very good news,” Dorothy Cansler said. “At least will be able to still ride the bus.”

It may be the first step but it’s probably the most important one. If the other steps follow the cuts that would have crippled Port Authority will be averted.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

RELATED LINKS:
Deal In Works To Avert Port Authority Service Cuts (7/4/12)
Port Authority, Union, State Close To Deal (7/27/12)
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