Neighbors, Just passing along. Please note that this is the Port Authority's verbiage - not mine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pittsburgh, PA – Port Authority of Allegheny County approved plans today, Friday, October 23, 2009, that will bring sweeping changes to its route system and fare levels starting in 2010. The Authority’s Board of Directors approved changes to its bus and light rail system that will be phased in over the next two years. The first route changes would start in March while fares will adjust on January 1. Details of the changes are available on the Authority’s Web site (http://tdp.portauthority.org ). The plan will result in routes providing improved levels of service to the vast majority of riders. By cutting duplication and underused routes, Port Authority is able to add trips, increase hours of operation and simplify its service. Comments received from riders, groups and employees have prompted the Authority to modify the initial proposals for 27 routes. Those changes are also detailed on our Web site. The proposal does not cut the overall level of service offered today nor would it require eliminating operating positions. The changes also improve efficiency, which places Port Authority in a position to meet strict rules established by Act 44. This assures the agency is able to receive the maximum amount of state funding available each year. With regard to fares, the $2 base fare in Zone 1 will not change. The Authority has scaled back its initial proposal for Zone 2 to $2.75. The initial proposal would have set the fare at $3. This change was made in response to numerous comments from Zone 2 riders during the recent public comment period. Details of the fare changes are also available on Port Authority’s Web site. Now, the Authority will develop a plan to implement the changes in phases, targeting one area at a time. Riders will be made aware of upcoming changes and provided with information to help them adjust.