- Fares: The January 1, 2011 fare increase approved by the Port Authority Board of Directors will proceed as scheduled.
- Service: Riders will not face a 35 percent service reduction in March. Instead, service will be reduced by a lesser amount that will be detailed in January. Planners are determining specifics now. This would help the Authority through the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2011. Port Authority also could reduce service sometime in its upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2011.
- Layoffs: It is highly likely that some layoffs would occur under this plan but not at the levels originally feared.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Short-Term Port Authority Funding Approved; 35% Service Reduction to be Scaled Back
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) voted last night by a vote of 27-22 to provide Port Authority with $45 million identified by Gov. Ed Rendell to help offset a statewide transportation funding shortfall.The money allows Port Authority to scale back the approved 35-percent service reduction planned for March that would have been devastating for employers, businesses and riders. We are grateful to those regional officials who supported this effort and recognize the value of public transportation.This clearly is a short-term Band Aid -- not a long-term solution. In response to concerns by a number of SPC Commissioners over the short-term benefit of these funds, Port Authority has committed to examine "stretching" the $45 million over the next 18 months -- through June 30, 2012.So what does this mean?:
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I am SOOO HAPPY and RELIEVED, thank you PA!!!!
ReplyDeleteCheckout the average bus driver salary. Seriously, there are bus drivers making upwards of $80K a year.
ReplyDeleteManagement had a chance years ago to put the union in line with national averages, but they caved, now this is the fallout.
The answer isn't a bailouts it's salary cuts.
That is good news. However, we aren't out of the woods yet. I ride the 67/68J Lincoln Highway, and still feel very skeptical about it sticking around. The TDP plan for these routes looked to be very good, but until I see it implemented, I still think that PAT wants to eliminate all service to the N. Versailles area. Any opinions?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 9:51:
ReplyDeleteTo clarify, the top salary for a Port Authority driver is in the low $50,000s. Anything a driver makes beyond that is overtime.
Im soooo happy to hear this i ride the G1 from robinson and when I heard we might have to ride the 28x airport flyer again I was going to quit taking the bus...I HATE fighting with people's oversized lugauge and holidays and fridays the busses are always full and would pass you up normally having to wait over an hr for a bus that had some room on it. THANK YOU...unless the G1 is one of the ones your still thinking about cutting lol
ReplyDeleteThat still is a lot of money for a bus driver. I'm just saying....
ReplyDeleteIt's gratifying that at least some of our elected officials recognize the value of transit. For all those who don't feel that paying for this community asset is a worthy endeavor, one need only consider the nightmarish traffic and parking situation downtown should the cuts have proceeded -- not to mention that the region would acquire yet another strike against its potential to attract business investment.
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating, though, to see all the whines about Port Authority salaries. "Democracy depends on an INFORMED populace" (T Jefferson). Have any of the anonymous whiners bothered to read Port Authority's budget, studied the $50+MM cuts that have recently been made, or taken the time to commend CEO Bland for VOLUNTARILY taking a pay cut? Courts hold that it is unconstitutional to abrogate old pension responsibilities. Thus, there is NOTHING Mr. Bland can do about these costs. Before complaining, GET THE FACTS. This nation's founding fathers expected no less, and indeed, democracy cannot function without folks taking the time to get the FACTS.
I am praying for the 5,000 residents of Upper McKees Rocks, Mckees Rocks Rd and parts of Upper Broadway and Pine Hollow Rd that 20 Kennedy bus service be restored permanently. If not, why can't the 24 West Park loop back towards Pittsburgh at the intersection of Broadway and Pine Hollow Rd. then Singer Av and then Chariters Av. Since the ACCESS has been eliminated by FOR, hundreds of elderly in the Rox are subject to starvation if they can not get to the local Fisher Foodland. Meals on Wheels can't feed all the elderly in the area, over 18 percent in McKees Rocks, 14 percent in Stowe and a staggering 24 percent in Kennedy.
ReplyDeleteThis area along upper Chartiers Av has had public mass transit, streetcars and buses for the past 95 years. So much suffering and hardship will be endured if such vital bus service is discontinued.
Why do Zone 2 riders get hit harder with each fare increase? We already pay more for the added distance. WHY AREN'T THE INCREASES ACROSS THE BOARD? That's bull.
ReplyDeleteSome people say the divers make too much money,but when a driver has a bus full of people and there lives are in his hands how much is that worth???? What about when a driver gets hit,spit-on,yelled at becuase of traffic,or how about dealing with intoxicated people or having the bus bricked or snowballs thrown at.Anybody says they make to much ride with them for sometime throw good and bad neighborhoods.....
ReplyDelete$50k is the median for what one can earn with a CDL. Add to that operating within traffic and navigating older, narrower roads, as well as, interacting with a few hundred people - most nice, some not so much - and I believe the salary is probably commensurate with the quality of the individual PAT needs. I'm not saying all drivers are nice - I've met a few meanies - , but reducing their salary $5k or $10k would result in a markedly lower caliber of drivers, overall.
ReplyDeleteHow can you still make the cuts when you got yet another bailot? If you would stop wasting money on subways that aren't needed maybe you would have enough. another thing why don't you ever replace the 4;30 55 jefferson route on fridays. i waited for over an hour in the cold for bus because the 4;31 55 jefferson but never showed, that makes at least five times this year that's happened. I was unable to go into the transportation center to get some relief from the cold because it was locked. The way that port authority treats the riders in the mckeesport area is a disgrace and i can't help but wonder why that is.
ReplyDeleteHEY THE 35% REDUCTION INCLUDES ELIMINATION OF THE 68,68J,67J,69 ON WEEKENDS. ANYONE FROM TRAFFORD, N. VERSAILLES, E PITTSBURGH, BRADOCK HILLS, FOREST HILLS, AND EVEN WILKINSBURGH. WE ARE ALL GONNA BE SCREWED. THESE BUSES ARE STANDING ROOM ONLY IN THE MORNING. THIS MAKES NO SENSE. IT'S LIKE SAYING I DONT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY MY BILLS SO IM NOT GOING TO WORK TODAY.
ReplyDeleteKatie:
ReplyDeleteWe're sorry to hear of your experience with the 55. Please contact our Customer Service line at 412-442-2000 to report these issues so they can be reviewed.
Money used to build the North Shore Connector is included in the capital side of our budget and can't be put toward operating costs like running bus service, so even if we canceled the project we would still be faced with cutting service.
Edward:
The 35% percent reduction is going to be scaled back and we will have more details on that available next month.
Port Authority is an asset to Pittsburgh, no other way to spin it.It one of the few public services that give a return above the level of profits.If a politician said he would bring 3000 50grand paying jobs to Pittsburgh he would be a hero. What does it say when that politician takes away 3000 good paying jobs.
ReplyDeleteThat said the structure of balance between capital and operating budgets could have been different if not for a mismanaged tunnel under a couple miles of river, and for what? The majority of your ridership is out of the east.
ReplyDeleteBeginning Jan 2 I am riding the Mid Mon Valley Transit. I save $50 a month on a monthy pass.
ReplyDeleteMMVT saves money by competing in the marketplace for negoiated contracts for service providers and passes the savings to passengers.
The PAT operation is a dying model. It will not survive unless it utilizes the marketplace rather than tie itself up in unions and unrealistic pensions.
i am glad PAT got some funding
ReplyDeletei am still fearful my bus the 55 jefferson will be cut it is the only bus ervicing my commmunity,Glassport, and the only bus servicing my workplace,Jefferson Regional Medical Center
if the 55J is eliminated i will lose my job
it just isnt right i dont know how PAT can justify eliminating access to healthcare i really thought we were saved when rendell made his announcement now i still have to worry the 55M should never have been gutted i have worked for 13 years at JRMC and ridden every workday it used to have a lot of passengers till service to CCAC the mall and clairton were cut just isnt right i dont mind paying more fare will hope for new years miracle and a little empathy from the PAT board
i am so relieved to hear that..but like someone else said i steal fear that the 67j,68j will be elimated..look i dont drive and i live in versailles right from the shopping center and if they delete this bus..i will have no way to get to work..i dont see how they could delete the route every bus is jam packed they even have the double busses and there still jam packed but if they delete this i will be screwed n will have to quit my job which i cant afford to do.But anyways i pray that they dont delete it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the drivers make enough what with the terrible streets and neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. They should make much more. The Port Authority does need to rethink the routes though. I miss my 56U bus taking me from Hazelwood to Oakland to work. Now I am late to work daily as I have to take 2 buses to get from Hazelwood to Oakland and there is no earlier bus.
ReplyDeleteZone 2 riders are hit harder with the fare increase because they choose to live farther from their workplace. If you drove to work, you would pay more for gasoline. Can't you put 2 and 2 together?
ReplyDeletethis is moronic. of course this is going to be devastating to everyone. cut your salaries in order to save your jobs. the governor's transportation funding and reform commission found six areas port authority could reform. until they have made significant progress in all six areas they cannot beg for bailouts. this is just childish and irresponsible. what did their parents teach these kids?
ReplyDeletei'm happy with that but you guys need to bring back 56U to hazelwood theirs only two busses to get out of hazelwood. which is a little ridiculous since we spend so much money on busses and bus passes so it would be deeply appreciated that you guys bring back 56U
ReplyDeletePlease do not eliminate the 67J and 68J. I've been riding that bus from North Versailles to downtown since 1993. I drive occasionally, but cannot afford to do so on a daily basis. It will devistate the community if public transportation were to be discontinued.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 2:22 pm:
ReplyDeleteWe have made changes in response to the Transportation Funding & Reform Commission recommendations. Those are detailed on our website at http://www.portauthority.org/PAAC/CompanyInfo/Financials/FinancialSavings/tabid/391/Default.aspx
Also, a general reminder on our comment policy: Venting and expressing your opinion is fine, but please try to do so without using profane language or personal attacks. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they found money. I go to CCAC and take three buses to get there, two of which are on the chopping block: the 62 and the 55. I think PAT should reinstate the CCAC loop on the 55 bus. It would be really easy to make that right off Lewis Run, circle the campus, and then resume the current route. It would only add 2-3 minutes to the commute. I see many students in McKeesport trying to make the 59 bus and if they don't, they take the 55. Then, they have to hope the Y49 is late otherwise they have to wait another 30-60 minutes for another one.
ReplyDeleteWhen the proposed service cuts were announced, I never thought I would have to worry about it. I was shocked when I saw the 68J on the chopping block. I have relied on that bus for years to get to town. The 68J is always full and very much utilized and appreciated. I, for one, am willing to pay the increased fare to keep such an important bus if that's what it takes. North Versailles would really be devastated without bus service. Hopefully, the cuts that still move forward will be minimal and not take away completely bus service from communities that depend on it for so much.
ReplyDeleteThere is no question whether Zone 2 fares should be higher than Zone 1 fares; it is just that the increase is disproportionate. Zone 2 fares are also making up for the elimination of Zone 3 a while ago, which is not fair.
ReplyDeleteThis a request to PAT: fix your fare boxes and make sure you collect your fares properly. I very frequently notice that the fare boxes do not work and the riders get a free ride. If this happens once on each route at least once a week, I can only guess how much revenue PAT is losing. Please implement smart cards or other technology to collect fares. Please help us help you! Many many people are totally depending on public transportation to earn a living.
ReplyDeletePort Authority, just so you know, your deficit is going to be way worse when everyone says screw it and gets a car! Thats what I am doing! I cant deal with it anymore! Do any of you realize how much money you would actually save by having a car? Do the math!! Save penny by penny! However Port authority makes that kinda hard when they want to steal your money just to give it to their drivers that dont let you on the bus anyways! I say fire the drivers and hire ones that are actually nice! They dont stop hardly ever! and when they do they are mean! They sit on their phones and cause so many almost- accidents! they make it your fault when they dont know how to use their brakes! I swear to god, if I EVER get a car, I will never even look at another port authority bus a day in my life! and please clean them cause its disgusting! If we HAVE TO PAY to sit on that thing, at least make sure its not so god awful! oh and we have called and complained, that doesnt do a darn thing, the only thing it does it tick off the drivers when they realize it was you that called on them, especially when its us regulars!
ReplyDeleteGov. Rendell just handed the riders of mass transit a big bloody band aid. Dozens of solutions were offered by the bus riders and the state or the port authority of Allegheny Co. never listened. I think that the management in the offices of the bus system should take a pay cut....a deep one to be sure. Until that happens, the problems will keep piling up.
ReplyDeleteThe problem isnt wages its Health Care costs every company has that problem.Doctors wages 200k, hospitals $500 to go to the emergency room. They are ripping off the public are you blind!!
ReplyDeletecomplain about the health care providers...
its not Port Authorty wages give it a break!!
I agree with Anonymous above regarding the 55 servicing CCAC South. Perhaps it is something that person and anyone else who agrees could call Customer Service (412) 442-2000 about.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 1:01 12/31: Please call our Customer Service line at 412-442-2000 if you see one of our drivers using a cell phone while working. We take distracted driving very seriously.
ReplyDelete50-80,000 salary for drivers is NOT excessive. What is excessive is pension and other benefits. Get with the program, PAT! The days of lush life are over. Taxpayers are funding local, state and federal pensions that most of us don't even have. Enough! The unions must accept the reality that taxpayers can no longer support fat pensions and heavy benefits. No wonder governments are going bankrupt. Same with the city of Pittsburgh. Enough is enough is enough is enough.
ReplyDeleteA bus driver on the 26 was smoking a cigar while driving once!
ReplyDeleteI live in N. Versailles and take the 68J to Pittsburgh, from there i take the G1 to Robinson mall, and from there I take the 25 to Robert Morris, where I go to school. I found it highly distressing that ALL 3 of these buses i take to school were going to be cut. I can't afford bus passes nor can i afford the $10k it would take to move on to campus. Although my school is buying my bus passes, thank god, it's completely ridiculous how much they are increasing zone 2 riders. In my opinion the North Shore Connector project is completely ridiculous. It would not kill people to walk across the bridge to the stadiums. I think Port Authority needs to set its priories straight.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 3:58 (1/3):
ReplyDeleteIf you see something like that happen, please call our Customer Service line to report it. We also have a web form available at http://www.portauthority.org/PAAC/CompanyInfo/ContactInformation/Complaints/tabid/168/Default.aspx
You may wish to take note of the four-digit bus number (on back of bus, front corner & top front interior) or the driver number (on his/her uniform shirt or jacket) when reporting.
What happened to the Allegheny Country Drink Tax? Dan Onorato, when campaigning for governor was very boastful about how successful it was, and now they are considering to lower it a percentage because it was generating "more than expected". Wasn't the whole point of the tax to help the Port Authority? Doesn't seem like it has been successful to me... And what about Casino tax revenues? How about having those go to public transportation instead of decreasing property taxes?
ReplyDeleteThe North Shore Connector is well appreciated and will alleviate traffic before/after major events at Heinz Field and PNC Park. It also will allow for people who drive to downtown Pittsburgh to have additional parking. Not to mention, for the countless employees and students of the North Shore, including CCAC Allegheny, to be able to use transit.
ReplyDeleteAfter the North Shore Connector is finished and fully operational, the next logical step would be light rail between Oakland and downtown. However, thanks to all the attacks on the NSCP, I highly doubt the Oakland project will gain the necessary public support and funding it needs anytime soon.
MY BUS IS 59 AND 56 AND 61C PLEASE DO NOT CUT
ReplyDeleteI want to know who gets the kickbacks from printing the schedules. The waste is unbelievable. You put out hundreds off new schedules just to say that the 54C will leave South Hills Junction at 5:05 instead of 5:12. This is where all the wasted is.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that there is a short-term influx of money coming to Port Authority to avert a far-more devastating situation. Sure, it is not perfect in that it's short-term and that it will still involve some reduction, but it is far more preferable.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest to other riders to leave suggestions with Port Authority's customer service hotline or their comment/suggestion form on their website to address concerns and, most importantly, ideas, especially in terms of what they could do and consider doing in regards to any service reductions that they would do not only in this funding-related fiasco but for future situations like this.
Like any entity that deals with customers, Port Authority relies on customer feedback. That is why they have a customer service hotline as well as forms on their website for comments, suggestions, and complaints. They rely on customer feedback to improve their service. They cannot just rely on mere venting and nay-saying on forums, news, et al. This would be most effective if more and more people would utilize this, especially if people en masse bring up ideas such as "use more smaller buses for low-rider routes" or "reduce the number of trips to reduce the number of half-empty buses on [miscellaneous route]".
I would like to know if there is a policy in the PAT planning or service guidelines that mandate that PAT provide transit within walking distance of a specific % of residents in all areas PAT serves.
ReplyDeleteIt seems weird to me that PAT can just cancel routes to whole areas of the region.
I watched someone showing their parking pass in the evening, outbound, to the person in the fare booth at SHV. There is only one person in the fare booth and oone side is blocked off so that during evening rush hour, there are hundreds of people trying to get to the garage on one side, and the person can NOT see every person's pass! It would be impossible for them to do so. When people can get a free ride.....
ReplyDeleteWant to save money? Two suggestions:
ReplyDelete1. Everyone with manager, supervisor and the like in their title take a 50% pay cut, and if they don't like it....find another job.
2. Crush the union. Be merciless!
There you go...boat loads of money to use.
the north shore connector wont do you any good if you cant get downtown because your bus route was cut! personally i would take the bus to steeler and penguin games but bus doesnt run late enough for the pens games and sunday service was cut!
ReplyDeleteIt's easier to complain about something than to do something about it. I would love to know what people think the Port Authority wastes it's money on.
ReplyDeleteHopefully if PAT did their homework the 13k Warrendale Express will remain intact. The park n ride and the other lot is full to the max way early in the mornings, people are even parking where they shouldnt be just to grab the bus. Buses are standing room only most times in the am & pm commutes. Its a very busy and popular route that saves so many vehicles from traveling in from the ever growing Cranberry area.
ReplyDeleteThere have been a couple comments suggesting people leave a comment for the Port Authority. I've been trying to do this but every time I do so, the comment box only allows me to type in 10-12 characters before it cuts me off. I would love to give them my idea of including CCAC South in the 55 Jefferson run but I can't if I'm only allowed to type 10-12 characters.
ReplyDeleteTo answer a few earlier questions:
ReplyDeleteThe county drink tax basically replaced the property tax as the source of our local funding rather than serve as a generator of extra funds. There's more about the drink tax in our FAQs: http://www.portauthority.org/paac/portals/0/board/Jan2011FAQs.pdf
Additionally we only print schedules no more than four times a year in order to save money (for example, we have not yet printed schedules to reflect the recent fare increase and won't until March), and we have been consolidating schedules wherever possible to further cut costs.
How about cleaning up the buses that are currently running? On the 41 buses, seat cushions are missing or lying on the floor and the material is disgusting.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 12:14:
ReplyDeletePlease send us a link to the form you are having difficulty using and we will have the web team take a look at it.
Anonymous at 12:29:
I recommend taking note of the four-digit bus number and filing out a complaint using http://bit.ly/Complaint - that will be forwarded to the appropriate garage to be addressed.
No 1D service on Saturday or Sunday? I have ridden this particular bus for more than 5 years. I often take it to work and this route was modified to go through Millvale, which takes me longer to get to work, but was acceptable to still have bus service. I don't drive at all. Don't have a car or a license, so yes, this is a convenience for me to have a public transportation system, but instead of eliminating routes altogether, couldn't there/shouldn't there be some compromise...like running three buses on Saturday/Sunday one early in the morning. One mid- to early afternoon and one early evening. Either that or maybe one of the board members who chose to eliminate service on this route would be willing to pick me up on Saturday/Sunday to help me get to work.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to see the zones being remapped. I ride the 68 from Turtle Creek and unless you go early morning or late night you have to pay the full 2 zone fare to get to Wilkinsburgh and pay for a transfer. It doesnt go the whole way to downtown. Where as you go during peak times and pay less to get to downtown. Would this be possible or at least include a special fare for a downtowner ride during those times.
ReplyDeleteWhy doesnt the mayor negotiate with the universities so that students have to pay more of their tuition into the Port Authority? Right now I believe students pay $75/semester, while residents pay $90/MONTH. How is that fair? And, why do out of city residents only pay $52 wage tax, and then their bus fares? I live in the city and have to pay the bus fares every day, as well as my property taxes. Sounds like everyone outside of the city is taking a ride on our backs if you ask me.
ReplyDelete15 % reduction????
ReplyDeleteLooking at the new schedule that takes effect March 27th and posted in the Post Gazzette,
How can they call this a 15% reduction when routes are completely eliminated?
NO G2 Carnegie service to Oakland?
No 44 Mt. Lebanon to Oakland?
No G1?
No 13K and J?
Oakland riders need to ban together and protest!!
Please everyone.Look at the March 27th revised schedules and see how this is going to effect you!
ITS TIME TO RALLY!!!!!!!!!!
Isn't it time that local companies invested in public transport? In Portland (OR), the streetcar is fully subsidized by a sponsorship model in which each stop is sponsored by a local business that is in the vicinity of the stop.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, these large companies in Pittsburgh (not small businesses) are creating jobs in the region, but Port Authority plays a key role in transporting employees to these jobs.
Again, I haven't researched the Portland model enough, but investment in a region should include investment in public transport. How can we coax people to not leave Pittsburgh, if we don't have a robust public transport solution?
I cant believe that a bus route that is full to the max every day and only runs in the early am until 8:20 and then from 2:45 to 6:07 in the evening, would be eliminated. What a joke, no wonder PAT is in the financial trouble it is. The Warrendale 13k was a money maker , PAT could have enlarged or added another lot and it would of filled too. SO be it, I will take my patronage and dollars to a service who knows what they are doing, BCTA !
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 2:11 pm:
ReplyDeleteWe negotiate our contracts with the universities that participate in the pass program. These are multi-year contracts -- the amount of money paid to us by the universities increases with each school year and provides us with a predictable revenue stream of millions of dollars.
Port Authority does not receive any funding from the City of Pittsburgh. Our funding comes from county, state and federal sources.
So the Port Authority eliminated the 50W effective March 27th. This route was formerly the 51B and the 51D and was cut in Sept from approximately 40 daily runs to 9 in and 9 out of town. I would like to know the though process behind this. I would also like the decision-maker(s) to walk from the nearest stop on Brownsville road to the 3200 block of Villawood Avenue. And I would like them to do it tonight with a windchill factor of 8 degrees. The last time I saw anyone validating ridership on this bus route was the day before a holiday weekend when ridership was down. I understand that they are dealing with crippling legacy costs, but the fact that they would eliminate total routes leaving riders stranded with no options is mind boggling. There are other routes that weren't touched or even increased. They need to revisit this plan.
ReplyDeleteThe service reductions to the West Busway routes make no sense. The G1 and G2 routes are two of PAT's most heavily used routes, and you are proposing to eliminate the G1 and eliminate the G2 trips to Oakland?
ReplyDeleteCurrently 5 routes service the West Busway (G1, G2, G3, G31, and 28X) and over crowding and riders being left behind due to no room are still an issue. Eliminating the G1 will only exacerbate these issues.
Are you going to add additional G2 trips in order to make up for the loss of the G1 trips?
The region's largest employer, UPMC, is located in Oakland as well as the region's largest university, Pitt. Additionally, 3 other universities are also located in the Oakland/Shadyside area, Carlow, Chatam, CMU. A large percentage of the staff and students at these institutions are commuters, and many live along the West Busway. PAT is proposing to remove the best route into Oakland for these people, the G2.
After the proposed cuts in March, the only direct route to Oakland will be the 28X. In theory riders who need to get to Oakland could take another bus into town and transfer to a 2nd bus to Oakland, however many of the Oakland routes will receive service reductions in March (61A, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, 81B, 93). Those reductions will likely cause issues for transfers- overcrowding, long wait times, etc.
Since the 28X will be the only West Busway route to offer direct access to Oakland, will the 28X continue to pick up riders at all stops inbound to compensate for the loss of Oakland service on the G2? Will the 28X discharge riders at all stops outbound?
Will additional 28X trips be offered during rush hour to compensate for the addition of service to Robinson Towne Center that is currently serviced by the G1?
"Why doesnt the mayor negotiate with the universities so that students have to pay more of their tuition into the Port Authority? Right now I believe students pay $75/semester, while residents pay $90/MONTH. How is that fair?"
ReplyDeleteThe universities are already paying PAT:
From PAT 2007 Rider report:
"The University of Pittsburgh, which signed its first agreement with Port Authority in 1998, accounts for approximately 5.8 million rides annually and will pay $3.887 million in the first year of the contract. Carnegie Mellon University, which signed its first agreement in 1999, accounts for approximately 1.3 million rides annually and will pay $881,000 in the first year of the contract."
So in 2011 Pitt is paying $6,798,387 for it's contract.
"And, why do out of city residents only pay $52 wage tax, and then their bus fares? I live in the city and have to pay the bus fares every day, as well as my property taxes."
Out of city residents pay property taxes in their appropriate townships, municipalities etc. just like you. Plus they pay for their bus passes, just like you, plus they pay $52 annually for the "privilege" to work in the City of Pittsburgh.
So what exactly are you complaining about?
I ride the G1 from Robinson and I know it is quite busy around rush hour. Is it possible to keep the route as a rush hour or weekday only route?
ReplyDeleteWhere is the alcohol tax money going that
ReplyDeletewas suppose to be for the Port Authority?
It got lowered to 7% because the 10% was
bringing in too much money. Well, apparently
the 7% isn't enough or it isn't being used
towards the Port Authority.
I am tired of the city residents saying that suburbanites are taking a free ride on their backs, etc. I am tired of suburbanites being looked down upon as second class citizens. As a suburbanite, should I stop shopping in town and spending money at restaurants, etc.? Suburbanites should maybe not spend a dime in the city of Pittsburgh and see how much revenue is lost.
ReplyDeletePlease consider applying for federal appropriations in order to rebuild the streetcar lines that used to run in Pittsburgh. There are several financial and environmental advantages to this. See: http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/06/03/36-reasons-that-streetcars-are-better-than-buses/
ReplyDeletePlease try to keep this on-topic and try not to argue over city vs. suburbs. Our local funding comes from the county.
ReplyDeletePort Authority does not receive funding from City of Pittsburgh coffers. We do receive funding from Allegheny County, and we are getting money from the drink tax. The drink tax and car rental tax replaced the property tax as the source of county funding for Port Authority. These service cuts are happening because of a state funding shortfall, not county.
Again, please try to keep this civil -- no personal attacks.
Why did you guys get rid of the streetcars, anyway?
ReplyDeleteSo the G1 is not going to run starting March 27th? Will the 28x go back to its old route where it stopped by Ikea and Long Horn Steak House??
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 8:31:
ReplyDeleteYes, 28X will be rerouted to serve Robinson once more.