PAT Approves New Budget Plan

The Port Authority of Allegheny County approved a budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The $362.9 million plan will implement a fare increase in January of 2010, and also use carryover funds from the passing year for their increasing pension spending. CEO Steve Bland says the fare increase must raise $4 million, but it will not exceed 25 cents per ride.

Board member Guy Mattola says aside from the North Shore Connector, the Authority will not spend money on any new capital projects -- much capital money will go to the renovation and upkeep of existing facilities. Mattola says they're asking for $36.4 million from Allegheny County, down from the $37.6 million granted last year. He says this only accounts for about 7% of their spending, but it is "the most important 7%," because state and federal grants depend on the amount received from the county.

The Board also decided not to implement hybrid propulsion in favor of "clean diesel" buses, aside from applying electric power to 3 new buses.