Headlines: "Critical need: Let's keep an open mind on transportation funding"

This week the Post-Gazette editorial page weighs in on transportation funding and the monumental task that the newly created Transportation Funding Advisory Commission faces -- determining solutions for sustainably funding mass transit and Pennsylvania's deteriorating roads and bridges. Read more.

Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Introduced.

Port Authority's proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget keeps current service levels, fares and staffing stable through June 30, 2012.

However, if the state's transportation funding crisis is not resolved, the Authority could be facing further challenges in 2013. Read more about current efforts to address transportation funding in Pennsylvania.

A slideshow presentation providing an overview of the proposed budget -- including context, highlights and possible and challenges is available on Port Authority's website, as are charts detailing the proposed operating and capital budgets.

The Board of Directors will vote on the Fiscal Year 2012 budget at its June 24 meeting.

Update: Error on printed 16-19L schedule.

An error has affected the recently released 16 Brighton and 19L Emsworth Limited bus schedule. The printed schedule brochure dated 6/12/11 is incorrect -- it shows fewer trips and less frequent service than what is actually offered on the 19L and provides incorrect trip times for 16's weekend and holiday service.

The 16-19L schedule currently posted on our website is correct; for riders who don't have internet access, Port Authority is distributing cards on buses and at schedule racks that show the correct information.

Please note that the 17 Shadeland timetable included in the printed schedule brochure alongside 16 and 19L is correct.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Dump the Pump Day is This Thursday

With high gas prices forecasted for the rest of the summer, now is the perfect time to try transit. June 16 is the sixth annual National Dump the Pump Day, and Port Authority of Allegheny County – along with transit agencies around the country – is encouraging people to save money by parking the car and using public transportation instead.

Pittsburghers can save an average of $799 monthly and $9,583 annually by using transit, according to the latest figures from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), which founded National Dump the Pump Day in 2006.

To calculate your individual savings, visit APTA’s Fuel Savings Calculator.

The benefits of public transit aren’t limited to your wallet. Consider the environmental impact of “dumping the pump”:

• Public transportation use in the United States reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually. This is equivalent to the emissions resulting from the electricity generated for the use of 4.9 million households, or every household in Washington DC, New York City, Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles combined.
• One person switching to public transit can reduce daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year.

See how you can reduce your carbon footprint by using public transit with the Carbon Savings Calculator.

To plan your trip using Port Authority transit, try our Trip Planner, view our Park and Ride information or call Customer Service at 412-442-2000 or for TTY, 412-231-7007.

 

Reminder: Some Timetables Adjusted on Sunday

Schedules for about 20 bus and T routes will see adjustments effective this Sunday, June 12.

These minor changes are made by Port Authority four times per year to adjust and improve service.

You can read more about these changes and view the new schedules by visiting our earlier blog post or going to PortAuthority.org. Click on the name of the route to view the new schedule.