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WHEREAS, unless it receives new funding from the state, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) has announced catastrophic cuts in fixed route service of up to 35% with an additional 9% increase in fares; and,
WHEREAS, the impacts of the possible cuts on disabled riders would be even more profound, with paratransit service cuts of 62%, and fares increased by 20%; and,
WHEREAS, the cuts would eliminate 41 bus routes entirely, while making major reductions to service on 34 routes and slight reductions in service on another 20 routes, and they would eliminate service after 11p.m.; and,
WHEREAS, these cuts would be devastating to the tens of thousands of Pittsburghers who rely every day on public transportation, making it difficult or impossible for them to get to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores, and every other necessity more than walking distance away; and,
WHEREAS, to keep the existing service intact, PRT is asking state officials for a $117 million funding increase in the 2026 fiscal year; and,
WHEREAS, in 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro redirected $153 million in funding to SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) to prevent fare increases and deep service cuts to that agency; and,
WHEREAS, PRT is an economic driver that serves 120,000 daily riders, contributes $1 billion to the state economy, and keeps 39,000 cars off the road; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh is dedicated to being a livable city for all, which includes the 1 in 4 Pittsburgh households who do not have access to a car and who need reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation; and,
WHEREAS, the damage these cuts would do to our city's transit riders, economy, and overall livability is incalculable;
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NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Shapiro to increase funding to Pittsburgh Regional Transit by at least $117 million in the 2026 fiscal year t...
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