PRT Funding Crisis - Have your voice heard!
From
Borough of Crafton
Sent
Thu, Apr 24 @ 9:09am
Description
Transit systems across the Commonwealth are facing drastic service cuts, fare increases, and employee layoffs throughout their systems, including here at home in Allegheny County.
Public transit is vital to our region’s mobility, providing access to jobs, services, and opportunities, but funding uncertainty prompts the question of what would happen if public transit wasn’t an option for the thousands of riders we serve every day.
Potential consequences and negative impacts:
• Increased Traffic
A region with decreased public transit would likely see a massive increase in the number of cars on the road, leading to gridlock and significant delays on already congested roadways. Parking would become an obstacle to everyday activity in downtown Pittsburgh, Oakland, and surrounding areas.
• Longer Commutes
Without efficient public transit options, people would likely face much longer commutes, potentially leading to increased stress and decreased productivity, creating significant challenges for our region’s employers to attract and retain employees.
• Unequal Access
Today, people without access to vehicles maintain their ability to move freely around the community by bus, light-rail, or the incline. With a little planning, they have the ability to get where they need to go via public transit. Service cuts would severely disadvantage individuals without personal vehicles, making it difficult if not impossible for them to get to jobs, schools, healthcare, and other essential services. Public transit is essential for connecting people to every aspect of their daily life. Underfunded transit systems can restrict mobility, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with lower incomes, leading to social isolation and reduced quality of life.
• Economic Strain
Increased traffic and longer commutes could lead to economic strains on businesses and individuals, potentially affecting productivity and job opportunities which would negatively impact thousands of employers and employees across our entire region.
Impact On Our Community
Public transit is an asset to every community across the state, including those not directly served by PRT. Public transit is not just a critical need for those who rely on it daily—it benefits everyone. It’s an economic engine that creates jobs, supports businesses, and enhances mobility across our communities.
PRT’s impact extends far beyond transportation. By connecting people to jobs, businesses, and essential services, we help drive economic growth and strengthen our region. Across Pennsylvania, 52 transit agencies serve all 67 counties, directly employing more than 40,000 people and supporting millions more.
In March, PRT announced a 35% service cut that will go into effect in February 2026 without additional funding. The cuts would be paired with a 25-cent fare increase to help close a significant budget deficit. ACCESS, PRT's contracted paratransit service, would see a 62% reduction in its service area and a 20% increase in fares.
The impact of these changes would be felt across our region:
• 40 bus routes and the Silver Line would be eliminated completely.
• Service frequency on 53 bus routes and the Red Line would be reduced.
• 19 municipalities and three Pittsburgh neighborhoods would lose service completely.
• No service after 11 p.m.
• Funding to support extra service for sporting events, concerts, and the 2026 NFL Draft would not exist.
PRT needs a $117 million infusion of state funding beginning FY2026 – with compounding annual increases – to support current service levels for the next decade. This would allow PRT to cover expenses and account for rising costs.
Absent new funding, the only way we're able to make meaningful changes to narrow the funding gap is to cut service and increase fares.
The time to act is now.
How You Can Help?
• We need your support of reliable, sustainable long-term funding solutions for mass transit in Harrisburg. Contact your state elected officials to share the importance of transit in your communities.
State Representative Dan Deasy
1074 Greentree Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220-3140
(412) 928-9514
repdeasy@pahouse.net
State Representative Chris Deluzio
600 N Bell Avenue
Building 1, Suite 102
Carnegie, PA 15106-4325
(412) 344-5583
State Senator Wayne Fontana
524 Pine Hollow Road
Kennedy Township, PA 15136-1661
(412) 331-1208
• Consider filming a video clip for social media to highlight the impact that the proposed service cuts and fare increases will have on your residents and your community. *Contact PRT if you need assistance.
• Have your voices heard by providing feedback in one of the ways highlighted on the PRT Funding Crisis page below. A pdf paper version of the survey is available upon request. Please note that the public comment period on the service reductions and fare increases will begin at 8 a.m. on March 31 and end at 5 p.m. on June 18.
PRT Survey – https://www.rideprt.org/2025-funding-crisis/make-your-voice-heard/
PRT Funding Crisis Webpage - https://www.rideprt.org/2025-funding-crisis/
Crafton Borough Council will consider the attached resolution at their meeting this evening, April 24, 2025.
This notification was posted by Borough of Crafton. Borough of Crafton is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
