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PAT/"Death spiral" could come with more cuts


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#1 KevinKorell

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Posted 30 October 2011 - 03:31 PM

Pittsburgh, PA Post-Gazette, 9/24/11:

Port Authority officials are warning of a "death spiral" of deeper service cuts along with layoffs and fare increases if Gov. Tom Corbett and the Legislature don't resolve a statewide transportation funding crisis.

Full story here.


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#2 jacorbett70

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Posted 18 January 2012 - 11:34 AM

... and here it comes! The article primarily addresses bus service since most public transit is by bus in Pittsburgh. However there are cuts in light rail and incline hours and frequency of service.

Port Authority of Allegheny County threatens to close its latest budget deficit by killing bus service to 100 communities, stranding 45,000 riders daily and raising fares again.

The agency's proposal to erase a $64 million gap would make Pittsburgh International Airport the only major airport in the country not served by public transportation.

"If these proposals go through, it will probably be the beginning of the end for the Port Authority as people know it," said agency spokesman Jim Ritchie. Port Authority today will detail its plan, which includes eliminating 35 percent of its service and about one-fifth of its work force.

...

The proposal eliminates 46 bus routes, and scales back the remaining 56 bus, light-rail and incline routes -- riders would lose night or weekend service, and the frequency of trips would be reduced.



http://www.pittsburg...s/s_777124.html

#3 KevinKorell

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Posted 18 January 2012 - 01:47 PM

We'll find out more when the details are released, but it sounds like the worst doomsday scenario all over again. Of course the last cuts were pretty drastic too, espeicially with the total elimination of the "over the top" light rail line. Since this is still a state problem, can we expect a similar announcement to be coming from Philly's SEPTA anytime soon? If so, John, I'd enjoy that Cynwyd Line as much as you can, because I'll bet that's the first to go. :(


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#4 jacorbett70

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Posted 18 January 2012 - 10:54 PM

We'll find out more when the details are released, but it sounds like the worst doomsday scenario all over again. Of course the last cuts were pretty drastic too, espeicially with the total elimination of the "over the top" light rail line.

Since this is still a state problem, can we expect a similar announcement to be coming from Philly's SEPTA anytime soon? If so, John, I'd enjoy that Cynwyd Line as much as you can, because I'll bet that's the first to go. :(


I do not think SEPTA's situation is nearly as bad. I think the greater danger to the Cynwyd dinky is that rickety bridge over the main line near 52nd Street. It certainly won't be replaced. Otherwise Cynwyd is a very small line in the budget that may remain under the radar until there a major financial crisis like Pittsburgh.

#5 jacorbett70

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Posted 18 January 2012 - 11:05 PM

This link has the list of proposed changes. Blue Line (Library) will be gone on weekends.

http://www.wtae.com/...119/detail.html

#6 KevinKorell

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Posted 18 January 2012 - 11:12 PM

Back to the "burgh".... From Pittsburgh, PA Tribune-Review, 1/18/12:

Port Authority cuts would be in September, fares would rise in July


Port Authority of Allegheny County officials today detailed proposals to raise fares in July and slash bus routes in September as part of a plan to erase a $64 million budget deficit for the fiscal year starting in July.

This article doesn't even mention cuts to LRT & Incline, but we know that is part of the total package.


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#7 KevinKorell

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Posted 18 January 2012 - 11:14 PM

CBS Pittsburgh, 1/18/12:

Port Authority Riders Disheartened By More Proposed Cuts


The last round of Port Authority cuts were called draconian.

The next round, which is currently being explored, would cut even deeper. It would be the largest in the Port Authority’s 48-year history.

More


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#8 KevinKorell

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Posted 18 January 2012 - 11:18 PM

MSNBC, 1/18/12:

Port Authority To Cut Many More Routes, Raise Fares


Weekday service will end at or about 10 p.m. on all but a handful of routes. There will be deeper cuts in weekend service, and Blue Line trolleys won't run at all on weekends.

Continue


Kevin Korell


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#9 KevinKorell

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Posted 06 February 2012 - 12:34 PM

Progressive Railroading, 2/6/12:

Pittsburgh port authority proposes fare increase, service cuts


Port Authority of Allegheny County officials are soliciting public comments on proposals to reduce service and increase fares as part of an attempt to address a $64 million operating budget deficit in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.


Continue


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#10 KevinKorell

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Posted 29 February 2012 - 08:47 PM

Pittsburgh, PA Post-Gazette, 2/29/12:

Riders, advocates push back against proposed transit cuts


The largest service reduction in Port Authority history would displace senior citizens, the disabled, working people and businesses, and reverse the region's recent economic growth, speakers at a public hearing said today.

Details


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