PRT funding in jeopardy - public comment ends 5 pm Wed
Public Transit is a lifeline for many in our neighborhood and throughout our city, but it is now in jeopardy. "The region’s transit agency faces what it describes as a funding crisis <https://www.rideprt.org/2025-funding-crisis/funding-crisis/>, projecting a budget shortfall of more than $100 million beginning in the next fiscal year. Pennsylvania has not increased public transportation funding since enacting Act 89 a decade ago, and with federal pandemic relief funds dwindling, PRT and other transit agencies say <https://www.cityandstatepa.com/policy/2025/04/philly-pittsburgh-mass-transit-leaders-sound-alarm-funding-shortfalls/404621/> they’ll be forced to make drastic service cuts without an infusion in next year’s state budget, which has a June 30 deadline....Without new funding, PRT’s proposed changes would reduce 35% of overall service — including a 62% reduction in ADA services <https://www.wtae.com/article/prt-ada-service-proposed-cuts/64257289> like ACCESS, a paratransit service for the elderly and people with disabilities — eliminate 41 bus routes, end service after 11 p.m., and impose a 25-cent fare hike to $3, making PRT's fare the fifth highest <https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pittsburgh-regional-transit-service-cuts-fare-increases-funding-meeting/> in the country. " Pittsburgh City Paper, June 16 <https://www.pghcitypaper.com/news/fight-for-public-transportation-continues-during-latest-prt-public-hearing-28173546?fref=57f9d541-c2cc-48c5-8ae5-bbc13d57141d&utm_campaign=City+Pigeon+6.16.25&em=aHBjY3BnaEBnbWFpbC5jb20-> The public comment period on the service reductions and fare increases will end at 5 p.m. on June 18. There are several ways you can provide feedback:Complete the online survey: https://engage.rideprt.org/research/comments-2026-cutsCall PRT's public comment inbox at 412-566-5525. Please be sure to leave your name, zip code, and a message. -- Click here to visit our website <https://hpccpgh.org/>
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Highland Park Community Council