Coronavirus Changes: Port Authority To Reduce Bus, T Service By About 25 Percent
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Port Authority will be reducing its bus and T service by about 25 percent, starting Wednesday.
There's been a "substantial" decrease in riders as well as several operational challenges due to the coronavirus outbreak, Port Authority says. Ridership has plummeted more than 50 percent in the past two weeks.
With a reduced schedule, a press release says employees on the front line will get some protection, but public transit will still be available for essential trips.
"It's not good news at all," said Rodger Macklin of McKeesport. "A lot of us depend on the bus."
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With less buses in service, crews will be able to keep up with the current daily disinfecting schedule.
"Port Authority staff will continue to evaluate service levels to determine if further adjustments are needed," a press release says.
The Port Authority recently implemented a social distancing policy in an effort to keep its employees and riders safe.
"It makes me nervous," said Anessa Short of Pittsburgh. "It gives me a little bit of anxiety. I'm going to work every single day, so if they are cutting it back, it might be cut back on my bus time."
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