Two bills in the state legislature could have deep impacts on the Port Authority of Allegheny County.
House Bill 10 gives Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission sole authority over public transit carriers in Allegheny County. Currently, the Port Authority must approve deals to let private transit companies operate in the county.
Allegheny County Transit Council President Jonathan Robison says if the PUC is given control over county bus lines, the changes won’t turn out well.
“Some private carrier sees a PAT route, and if they, by raising rates and reducing service, can make money, they’ll take over that route instead of the Port Authority,” says Robison.
Robison calls the bill a “union-busting” effort, but sponsoring Representative Mike Turzai says every other county transit system in Pennsylvania works under the PUC.
“This legislation is about transit competition. … Transit competition will promote greater efficiency and provide more options for county residents,” writes Turzai, a Republican from McCandless. “To best serve Allegheny County, we need to end the transit monopoly.”
House Bill 10 passed with support from both parties and has been sent to a Senate subcommittee.
Meanwhile, a Senate bill to change the makeup of the PAT Board got its first consideration Tuesday. That legislation would require the Board to include members from the state legislature, the local transit union, County Council, and the transit council.
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
PA Trans Commission Looking to Bridge Funding Gap
Governor Tom Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Commission has gotten a lot of attention, as it puts together suggestions on energy policy. But another panel is quietly working on policy recommendations for the Corbett Administration, too, and its report could have a bigger impact on Pennsylvanians’ daily lives.
The Transportation Funding Advisory Commission has a big challenge: it needs to figure out how to fill a multi-billion dollar funding gap, while working around Corbett’s vow to not increase taxes. PennDOT spokesman Dennis Buterbaugh says the commission recently listened to a presentation on tolling a stretch of Highway 422. “But,” he explained, “the commission is not going to make any decision on tolling a specific route, like 422. It was just a very good example of what’s involved, and could possibly, or possibly not, be a way to try and bridge some of this funding gap.”
Buterbaugh said the commission is also considering ways to save money. No suggestion, he said, is too narrow. “[Ideas] can be something as small as eliminating the little sticker – the annual registration sticker – on your license plate. That can save the commonwealth some money. Many states have taken that step because it’s really just an unnecessary step now.” Another possibility: extending drivers’ license renewal period. “Currently the driver’s license time is four years,” said Buterbaugh. “There’s been talk about possibly extending that, because again, that would be a cost-savings to the commonwealth. They won’t have to go through that process of processing someone’s driver’s license more than every four years, if they can go five years, six years, perhaps longer.”
The federal government’s rejection of an I-80 tolling scheme and other factors have led to a funding gap of more than three billion dollars. Last year, Governor Rendell convened a special legislative session to fill the hole, and called for an increased gasoline tax, among other ideas. None of his suggestions ever came to a vote.
The Transportation Funding Advisory Commission has a big challenge: it needs to figure out how to fill a multi-billion dollar funding gap, while working around Corbett’s vow to not increase taxes. PennDOT spokesman Dennis Buterbaugh says the commission recently listened to a presentation on tolling a stretch of Highway 422. “But,” he explained, “the commission is not going to make any decision on tolling a specific route, like 422. It was just a very good example of what’s involved, and could possibly, or possibly not, be a way to try and bridge some of this funding gap.”
Buterbaugh said the commission is also considering ways to save money. No suggestion, he said, is too narrow. “[Ideas] can be something as small as eliminating the little sticker – the annual registration sticker – on your license plate. That can save the commonwealth some money. Many states have taken that step because it’s really just an unnecessary step now.” Another possibility: extending drivers’ license renewal period. “Currently the driver’s license time is four years,” said Buterbaugh. “There’s been talk about possibly extending that, because again, that would be a cost-savings to the commonwealth. They won’t have to go through that process of processing someone’s driver’s license more than every four years, if they can go five years, six years, perhaps longer.”
The federal government’s rejection of an I-80 tolling scheme and other factors have led to a funding gap of more than three billion dollars. Last year, Governor Rendell convened a special legislative session to fill the hole, and called for an increased gasoline tax, among other ideas. None of his suggestions ever came to a vote.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
PennDOT Sec: Gas Tax Hike Not Being Considered
The head of a panel designed to find ways to fund repairs to the state's roads and bridges says tolling could be the most reliable way to go.
PennDOT's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission will hear a presentation Monday on the possibility of tolling Route 422 in Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties.
The 30-member commission set up by Governor Tom Corbett looks for ways to pay for transportation improvements across the state.
PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch says tolling would provide a steady stream of income, but can't be used on many busy highways...
“Tolling certainly is mileage-based. It doesn't matter whether your car is electric, fuel cell, or gasoline or diesel. It all gets charged the same way. So that's a possibility in the future, but there are federal laws that restrict that, especially on our interstate systems, so unless they change that won't be a part of the immediate future.”
Schoch says the commission is examining tolls because other sources of funding, like gas taxes, are shrinking...
“If you owned a car in the 1970s chances are it got less than 15 miles-per-gallon. Today you probably get around 30 miles-per-gallon. So, you travel the same amount of miles per year, but you buy half as much gas as you did back in the 70s, and that's a large chunk of how we get our revenue to build the roads and bridges.”
Shoch says the commission is looking for plans that will generate two-and-a-half million dollars in recurring revenue over four or five years. He says the commission has been instructed not to look at increasing the gas tax. But if nothing is done to find more money, he says the department may have to close bridges and roadways as they fall into serious disrepair
PennDOT's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission will hear a presentation Monday on the possibility of tolling Route 422 in Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties.
The 30-member commission set up by Governor Tom Corbett looks for ways to pay for transportation improvements across the state.
PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch says tolling would provide a steady stream of income, but can't be used on many busy highways...
“Tolling certainly is mileage-based. It doesn't matter whether your car is electric, fuel cell, or gasoline or diesel. It all gets charged the same way. So that's a possibility in the future, but there are federal laws that restrict that, especially on our interstate systems, so unless they change that won't be a part of the immediate future.”
Schoch says the commission is examining tolls because other sources of funding, like gas taxes, are shrinking...
“If you owned a car in the 1970s chances are it got less than 15 miles-per-gallon. Today you probably get around 30 miles-per-gallon. So, you travel the same amount of miles per year, but you buy half as much gas as you did back in the 70s, and that's a large chunk of how we get our revenue to build the roads and bridges.”
Shoch says the commission is looking for plans that will generate two-and-a-half million dollars in recurring revenue over four or five years. He says the commission has been instructed not to look at increasing the gas tax. But if nothing is done to find more money, he says the department may have to close bridges and roadways as they fall into serious disrepair
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Slide Causes West Busway Problems
The Port Authority has closed a portion of the West Busway to allow crews to clear debris from a landslide caused by the recent saturating rains.
PAT spokesman Jim Ritchie says routes that use the busway are detoured through the remainder of the week and into the weekend. They include Port Authority's G2, G3, G31 and 28X routes along with Beaver County's Route 4. The detours include temporary station closings.
Ritchie says that normal service is expected to resume by Monday morning, possibly sooner. About 10,000 riders use the busway each weekday.
The slide occurred early this morning between the busway's Sheraden and Ingram stations, not far from the Berry Street Tunnel. Slide debris is along the busway and caused one lane to close as a precaution during this morning's rush hour. Both lanes now are closed to give crews and equipment access to the slide area.
PAT spokesman Jim Ritchie says routes that use the busway are detoured through the remainder of the week and into the weekend. They include Port Authority's G2, G3, G31 and 28X routes along with Beaver County's Route 4. The detours include temporary station closings.
Ritchie says that normal service is expected to resume by Monday morning, possibly sooner. About 10,000 riders use the busway each weekday.
The slide occurred early this morning between the busway's Sheraden and Ingram stations, not far from the Berry Street Tunnel. Slide debris is along the busway and caused one lane to close as a precaution during this morning's rush hour. Both lanes now are closed to give crews and equipment access to the slide area.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Study: PA Good at Tracking Transportation Funds
Research suggests Pennsylvania does well in tracking the effects of its transportation investment, except in the area of environmental stewardship.
The Pew Center on the States has released a report evaluating each state’s ability to account for the effectiveness its transportation funding. Thirteen states, including Maryland, ranked in the top category, while Pennsylvania and 18 others achieved “mixed results.” Nineteen states were ranked in the lowest tier.
Pew Director of Research Robert Zahradnik says Pennsylvania did well in five of the six categories – safety, jobs, mobility, access, and preservation. But Zahradnik says the state has room for improvement in tracking the environmental outcomes of transportation investment.
He says the Commonwealth could improve that by emulating other states’ policies.
“Maryland tracks progress in reducing vehicle-miles traveled, and measures reductions in energy consumption by examining the use of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles,” says Zahradnik. “A state like California has set emission reduction targets for multiple-passenger vehicles, and requires cities to develop strategies to meet those goals.”
Pennsylvania spends $7.6 billion on transportation each year, but according to the state’s Transportation Advisory Committee, that figure is short by about $3.5 billion. The Pew report says states spent a total of about $131 billion on transportation in 2010.
Zahradnik says with such a high level of investment, it’s important that state leaders know how their funding is being used.
The Pew Center on the States has released a report evaluating each state’s ability to account for the effectiveness its transportation funding. Thirteen states, including Maryland, ranked in the top category, while Pennsylvania and 18 others achieved “mixed results.” Nineteen states were ranked in the lowest tier.
Pew Director of Research Robert Zahradnik says Pennsylvania did well in five of the six categories – safety, jobs, mobility, access, and preservation. But Zahradnik says the state has room for improvement in tracking the environmental outcomes of transportation investment.
He says the Commonwealth could improve that by emulating other states’ policies.
“Maryland tracks progress in reducing vehicle-miles traveled, and measures reductions in energy consumption by examining the use of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles,” says Zahradnik. “A state like California has set emission reduction targets for multiple-passenger vehicles, and requires cities to develop strategies to meet those goals.”
Pennsylvania spends $7.6 billion on transportation each year, but according to the state’s Transportation Advisory Committee, that figure is short by about $3.5 billion. The Pew report says states spent a total of about $131 billion on transportation in 2010.
Zahradnik says with such a high level of investment, it’s important that state leaders know how their funding is being used.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Distribution of Red Light Grants Help Out Allegheny County
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has been granted $858,133 for improving traffic signals in distressed communities. The money is part of 8.4 million dollars for transportation projects throughout the state collected from red light camera enforcement in Philadelphia. According to state law the revenue from the red light camera is divided evenly between the city of Philadelphia and the state.
Legislation was approved by the State Senate to allow rid light cameras in Pittsburgh and other cities but did not get out of the House.
Domenic D'Andrea, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Transportation Planner, says the goal of the program is to optimize traffic signals. "Making our signals more efficient leads to reduced delay to the motorists, reduced congestion, reduced emissions, and reduced fuel consumption."
D'Andrea says that the current program that they have now allows municipalities to receive federal funding for signals if they agree to pay for 20% of the project, but some of the more distressed ones focus on keeping services available than updating signals. He says that this money will help those municipalities come up with the money.
The money the Commission received will go to its second round of traffic signal projects set to begin construction in 2012 and finish by the end of 2013.
Legislation was approved by the State Senate to allow rid light cameras in Pittsburgh and other cities but did not get out of the House.
Domenic D'Andrea, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Transportation Planner, says the goal of the program is to optimize traffic signals. "Making our signals more efficient leads to reduced delay to the motorists, reduced congestion, reduced emissions, and reduced fuel consumption."
D'Andrea says that the current program that they have now allows municipalities to receive federal funding for signals if they agree to pay for 20% of the project, but some of the more distressed ones focus on keeping services available than updating signals. He says that this money will help those municipalities come up with the money.
The money the Commission received will go to its second round of traffic signal projects set to begin construction in 2012 and finish by the end of 2013.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Pennsylvania Walks and Bike Summit Treads to Harrisburg
Lawmakers and Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes think they have a solution to the Commonwealth's transportation issues: walking and biking. Walks and Bikes held a summit in Harrisburg today to promote state legislation and policy supporting safe pedestrian and bicycle use on roads and elsewhere in communities. State Representative Michael Folmer (R-Lebanon) says that as the weather changes, the demand for walking and biking paths increase.
"It's imperative, I think, as we go forward with any future road plans and as we go do out road maintenance that we start including the bicyclist and the walkers in that planning because people are starting to do it more and more."
Folmer attributes the outdoor transportation movement to rising gas prices, going "green" and a desire for community camaraderie. The summit advocated for three pieces of legislation that focus on right of way for bicyclists and cracking down on motorists using cellphones while driving. Although Folmer did not have any statistics on pedestrian-driver or bicyclist-driver accidents in Pennsylvania, he did mention that safety is a number one priority when sharing the roads.
"It's imperative, I think, as we go forward with any future road plans and as we go do out road maintenance that we start including the bicyclist and the walkers in that planning because people are starting to do it more and more."
Folmer attributes the outdoor transportation movement to rising gas prices, going "green" and a desire for community camaraderie. The summit advocated for three pieces of legislation that focus on right of way for bicyclists and cracking down on motorists using cellphones while driving. Although Folmer did not have any statistics on pedestrian-driver or bicyclist-driver accidents in Pennsylvania, he did mention that safety is a number one priority when sharing the roads.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Warhol Bridge to Close for Nearly 4 Weeks
Driving from the North Side into downtown Pittsburgh will be a bit more difficult starting Monday. Allegheny County spokesman Kevin Evanto says the Andy Warhol Bridge (formerly the 7th Street Bridge) is closing down for four weeks for deck and steel repairs. However, pedestrians will still be able to use the span. One sidewalk will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and both sidewalks will be open after 4 p.m. and on weekends. Evanto says the bridge is scheduled to reopen May 27.
Monday, April 25, 2011
5 Hurt in Cab Accident In Downtown Pittsburgh
A Yellow Cab traveling on Penn Avenue jumped a curb near Sixth Street in downtown Pittsburgh about 1 o'clock this afternoon. Police say at least 4 pedestrians were injured, two critically. The driver was also injured when the taxi struck several parking meters and two buildings.
No identities have been released.
Jamie Campolongo, President and CEO of Pittsburgh Transportation Group, the parent company of Yellow Cab, issued a statement saying they are trying to get full details.
"Our staff will fully cooperate with Pittsburgh Police to determine exactly what happened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved and their families."
No identities have been released.
Jamie Campolongo, President and CEO of Pittsburgh Transportation Group, the parent company of Yellow Cab, issued a statement saying they are trying to get full details.
"Our staff will fully cooperate with Pittsburgh Police to determine exactly what happened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved and their families."
Budget Proposal Eliminates Human Services Fund
The commuters who use the Somerset Country Transportation will not have a public transportation outlet if their ride is paid by the Human Services Development Fund. Jeffrey Masterson, Executive Director of the Community Action Partnership for Somerset County, says the governor's proposed budget that the funding elimination will effect about 2,000 people.
"The basic qualification other than being a Somerset County resident, is to fall into a low-income category."
The fund is allocated to each county in Pennsylvania for human services. That money in Somerset provides transportation for low income individuals ages 18-59 to ride to grocery stores and other necessary trips. Instead of a mass transit system, the county has a shared ride system which relies on the Human Services Fund to offer the free commuting operation.
Some commutes will still be available through other funding outlets such as Act 44, so rides for those 60 and older in Somerset county along with those who need rides to medical appointments will not be affected.
"It's only for those low income individuals that don't fit into that category, but need that necessary transportation to get to things other than a doctor's appointment, which everyone needs to do," Masterson says.
The budget is only a proposal, so Masterson has lobbied to lawmakers, but did not get a satisfying reaction.
"We were provided with the comment that everybody has to tighten their belt, and my comment was, well, there is no belt left to tighten, it's gone. These folks have absolutely no other resources in this rural area to get where they need to go," he says.
"The basic qualification other than being a Somerset County resident, is to fall into a low-income category."
The fund is allocated to each county in Pennsylvania for human services. That money in Somerset provides transportation for low income individuals ages 18-59 to ride to grocery stores and other necessary trips. Instead of a mass transit system, the county has a shared ride system which relies on the Human Services Fund to offer the free commuting operation.
Some commutes will still be available through other funding outlets such as Act 44, so rides for those 60 and older in Somerset county along with those who need rides to medical appointments will not be affected.
"It's only for those low income individuals that don't fit into that category, but need that necessary transportation to get to things other than a doctor's appointment, which everyone needs to do," Masterson says.
The budget is only a proposal, so Masterson has lobbied to lawmakers, but did not get a satisfying reaction.
"We were provided with the comment that everybody has to tighten their belt, and my comment was, well, there is no belt left to tighten, it's gone. These folks have absolutely no other resources in this rural area to get where they need to go," he says.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
PAT to Buy New Buses
Thanks to help from a federal grant, the Port Authority of Allegheny County is in the process of buying 80 new buses to be ready for use late next year.
Port Authority spokesman Jim Ritchie says 35 of the 80 new buses are articulated or “bendy” buses, meant to lessen overcrowding on some of the Authority’s busiest routes.
The total number of PAT buses won’t change, though, because the incoming vehicles will replace old ones that cost too much to maintain.
Ritchie says a $22.7 million grant from the federal government will help pay the $41.5 million total.
“A good chunk of it’s going to come out of that, and that means we’ll be able to spend less capital dollars on the remaining bill, and we can use that in other areas across our system to maintain busways and light rail system,” says Ritchie.
Ritchie says if the Port Authority Board finalizes the deal April 29, the buses should be ready by summer or fall of 2012.
Port Authority spokesman Jim Ritchie says 35 of the 80 new buses are articulated or “bendy” buses, meant to lessen overcrowding on some of the Authority’s busiest routes.
The total number of PAT buses won’t change, though, because the incoming vehicles will replace old ones that cost too much to maintain.
Ritchie says a $22.7 million grant from the federal government will help pay the $41.5 million total.
“A good chunk of it’s going to come out of that, and that means we’ll be able to spend less capital dollars on the remaining bill, and we can use that in other areas across our system to maintain busways and light rail system,” says Ritchie.
Ritchie says if the Port Authority Board finalizes the deal April 29, the buses should be ready by summer or fall of 2012.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Industry Wants Help Building Nat Gas Stations
Within five years, a large number of motor vehicles in Pennsylvania could run entirely on natural gas according to a plan from the Marcellus Shale Coalition.
The proposal calls for $200 million to help build 17 more natural gas fueling stations to add to the current 18 stations across the state. The additional stations would encourage trucking companies to begin converting and building their fleets to use natural gas rather than gasoline. The Coalition is aiming for less dependence on foreign oil and taking advantage of the vast resource of natural gas located in the Marcellus Shale beneath much of Western Pennsylvania. They point out that with compressed natural gas selling for around $1.90 a gallon, the alternative $3.85 national average for gasoline seems like a fortune.
Kathryn Klaber, President and CEO of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, says in order to revolutionize the industry, a change must start somewhere.
“The findings really lay out what a strategy would be for putting refueling of fleet vehicles in place and having that be really the leverage point from which we may be able to in the future look at additional private vehicles fueled by natural gas,” Klaber says.
Klaber hopes to achieve a public-private partnership to receive state funds in order to spark the industry’s growth by beginning to build these stations while converting fleet vehicles. The coalition says $200 million would be the most aggressive implementation and they are leaving the amount of funding up to lawmakers.
She says the state has already made advances in that direction that can be built upon.
“Most notably I think up in State College where the transit system runs on natural gas,” she says. “We’ve now got manufacturing from Mack truck in the eastern part of that state who’s bringing these vehicles off the line, and there’s a handful of stations right now being built for fleet purposes.”
The proposal calls for $200 million to help build 17 more natural gas fueling stations to add to the current 18 stations across the state. The additional stations would encourage trucking companies to begin converting and building their fleets to use natural gas rather than gasoline. The Coalition is aiming for less dependence on foreign oil and taking advantage of the vast resource of natural gas located in the Marcellus Shale beneath much of Western Pennsylvania. They point out that with compressed natural gas selling for around $1.90 a gallon, the alternative $3.85 national average for gasoline seems like a fortune.
Kathryn Klaber, President and CEO of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, says in order to revolutionize the industry, a change must start somewhere.
“The findings really lay out what a strategy would be for putting refueling of fleet vehicles in place and having that be really the leverage point from which we may be able to in the future look at additional private vehicles fueled by natural gas,” Klaber says.
Klaber hopes to achieve a public-private partnership to receive state funds in order to spark the industry’s growth by beginning to build these stations while converting fleet vehicles. The coalition says $200 million would be the most aggressive implementation and they are leaving the amount of funding up to lawmakers.
She says the state has already made advances in that direction that can be built upon.
“Most notably I think up in State College where the transit system runs on natural gas,” she says. “We’ve now got manufacturing from Mack truck in the eastern part of that state who’s bringing these vehicles off the line, and there’s a handful of stations right now being built for fleet purposes.”
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pennsylvania State Police Carries Out Operation FracNet
As part of their regular regulating of commercial vehicles on state roads The Pennsylvania State Police has been operating a FracNet program where they regulate trucks used to haul wastewater that is used in the Marcellus Shale industry.
The most recent program was held on March 15 and 16. Their primary concern is making sure the vehicles are operating safely, meaning they have brakes that work and lights that turn on. In this last operation, 731 vehicles were inspected, 334 of them in Southwest Pennsylvania. 131 of the vehicles that were inspected statewide were placed out of service.
The owners of the truck are the ones fined.
The most recent program was held on March 15 and 16. Their primary concern is making sure the vehicles are operating safely, meaning they have brakes that work and lights that turn on. In this last operation, 731 vehicles were inspected, 334 of them in Southwest Pennsylvania. 131 of the vehicles that were inspected statewide were placed out of service.
The owners of the truck are the ones fined.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Bill Would Reconfigure PAT Board
A second state lawmaker from Allegheny County is proposing legislation to change the makeup of the board of the Port Authority of Allegheny County.
Democratic State Senator Wayne Fontana of Brookline says reconfiguring the PAT board would ensure better representation of those impacted by the panel's decisions.
Last week Democratic State Representative Chelsa Wagner of Beechview introduced a bill that would have each of the 4 state legislative caucuses appoint one member to the PAT board.
Fontana's bill would require the County Chief Executive to appoint members to the board that would represent specific segments of the population: a member of the House and Senate from Allegheny County, a member of the Transit Council, and a member that would represent labor.
“The Commonwealth currently provides 63% of the Port Authority’s budget, yet has absolutely no say in the decisions made by the board in regard to service or other issues. This has to change,” Fontana said. “Ensuring that the users (Transit Council) and labor are also at the table is important to provide a full understanding of the issues before the board.”
Currently, the nine-member board is appointed by the Chief Executive and confirmed by County Council. The only requirement is that members must be residents of the county and citizens of the United States and that one member must be a member of County Council.
Fontana's legislation would not put such restrictions on the boards of other public transit agencies that also receive significant state funding. For example, the Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) receives $555 million in state subsidies which is about half of its operating budget.
Fontana says the state was counting on tolling Interstate 80, which would have meant an additional $30 million a year for PAT, and when the federal government rejected that proposal it "blew a hole" in the Act 44 transportation funding plan...
“Designating members of the board will, hopefully, provide a clearer picture of the state’s responsibility and capability to address funding and to identify options available locally.
The senator said this bill is not aimed at anyone in particular but the PAT board is not getting a state perspective..."If the state's going to provide funding, which it does obviously, it should be sitting at the table when we talk about solutions and plans to move forward and keep the Port Authority intact."
Democratic State Senator Wayne Fontana of Brookline says reconfiguring the PAT board would ensure better representation of those impacted by the panel's decisions.
Last week Democratic State Representative Chelsa Wagner of Beechview introduced a bill that would have each of the 4 state legislative caucuses appoint one member to the PAT board.
Fontana's bill would require the County Chief Executive to appoint members to the board that would represent specific segments of the population: a member of the House and Senate from Allegheny County, a member of the Transit Council, and a member that would represent labor.
“The Commonwealth currently provides 63% of the Port Authority’s budget, yet has absolutely no say in the decisions made by the board in regard to service or other issues. This has to change,” Fontana said. “Ensuring that the users (Transit Council) and labor are also at the table is important to provide a full understanding of the issues before the board.”
Currently, the nine-member board is appointed by the Chief Executive and confirmed by County Council. The only requirement is that members must be residents of the county and citizens of the United States and that one member must be a member of County Council.
Fontana's legislation would not put such restrictions on the boards of other public transit agencies that also receive significant state funding. For example, the Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) receives $555 million in state subsidies which is about half of its operating budget.
Fontana says the state was counting on tolling Interstate 80, which would have meant an additional $30 million a year for PAT, and when the federal government rejected that proposal it "blew a hole" in the Act 44 transportation funding plan...
“Designating members of the board will, hopefully, provide a clearer picture of the state’s responsibility and capability to address funding and to identify options available locally.
The senator said this bill is not aimed at anyone in particular but the PAT board is not getting a state perspective..."If the state's going to provide funding, which it does obviously, it should be sitting at the table when we talk about solutions and plans to move forward and keep the Port Authority intact."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
More MegaBus
Pittsburgh will be the jumping off point for nine cities as the discount busline extends to the north and west of the city.
Megabus.com already operates lines to 15 cities from Pittsburgh and lines to the latest destinations will start running May 11. But the "hub" will be virtual since Megabus does not have a bus station and most tickets are purchased over the internet. Because the company doesn't maintain bus stations, it's able to offer low cost tickets - some for only $1.
In Pittsburgh travelers board the bus at 11th Street beneath the convention center.
Megabus.com is an arm of Coach USA. "Hey with rising gas prices, rising air fare, high unemployment, coming out of a recession- potentially people are looking for value, they want to save money they want to have more money in their pocket and its all about spending the money when you get to a destination," said Dale Moser, Chief Operating Officer of Coach USA.
The new cities served by the Pittsburgh hub include: Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Detroit, Toronto, Erie and Buffalo. Megabus.com currently links Pittsburgh to Sate College, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C. and Camden, N.J.
Megabus.com already operates lines to 15 cities from Pittsburgh and lines to the latest destinations will start running May 11. But the "hub" will be virtual since Megabus does not have a bus station and most tickets are purchased over the internet. Because the company doesn't maintain bus stations, it's able to offer low cost tickets - some for only $1.
In Pittsburgh travelers board the bus at 11th Street beneath the convention center.
Megabus.com is an arm of Coach USA. "Hey with rising gas prices, rising air fare, high unemployment, coming out of a recession- potentially people are looking for value, they want to save money they want to have more money in their pocket and its all about spending the money when you get to a destination," said Dale Moser, Chief Operating Officer of Coach USA.
The new cities served by the Pittsburgh hub include: Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Detroit, Toronto, Erie and Buffalo. Megabus.com currently links Pittsburgh to Sate College, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C. and Camden, N.J.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Union Offers Concessions to Prevent Transit Cuts
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 has offered to forego a 3% pay raise due to take effect in January, 2012 and to increase employee pension contributions by 10%, which President Pat McMahon says amounts to concessions worth $18.6 million if the Port Authority board will cancel the 15% cuts due to take effect Sunday. The union also says it will engage in immediate discussions to change retiree health care to reduce legacy costs, with any savings used to reduce the additional 10% pension contributions.
Port Authority CEO Steve Bland says the county will consider the union's written proposal and convey a decision to union leadership by 5 pm today. If the answer is yes and union members ratify the agreement by 3 pm tomorrow, cuts would be canceled.
If the Board refuses the union’s offer, there are two other options put forth by Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato that would allow cancellation of cuts if accepted by the union. Union president Pat McMahon has said he doesn’t think membership would approve either of them because they are “too painful”.
When McMahon arrived at the Heinz 57 Center before the Port Authority board meeting this morning, he said Dan Onorato had just refused the union’s offer. McMahon says if the Port Authority board accepts the union’s offer, voting will start early tomorrow morning and continue until the 3 pm deadline.
If the Port Authority board refuses the offer of concessions, the union will have to decide whether to put Onorato’s options, details of which are unknown at this time, to a vote by its membership.
PAT Cuts Looming
The Port Authority of Allegheny County will cut service to many of its bus lines throughout the county this Sunday.
29 bus routes will be slashed and service will be reduced for 37 more. The Port Authority Board voted to cut service in January, pointing to a loss of state funding as the main reason for its $47 million budget shortfall.
Authority spokesman Jim Ritchie says reducing service will also have a “ripple effect” on the buses that remain.
“We’re going to have a lot of transit users looking for alternatives after March 27th, and that is going to touch on many of the routes that continue to exist. We’re expecting situations where those buses, those vehicles are going to be more crowded than normal,” says Ritchie. “You’re going to have standing conditions on some of those routes.”
Pennsylvania gave the Port Authority the $47 million needed to fill its budget gap, but the Board decided to use that money over an 18-month period instead. That angered the local transit union, which wanted to use the money over one year to prevent job losses. Ritchie says PAT is trying to sustain the most routes it can as long as possible.
29 bus routes will be slashed and service will be reduced for 37 more. The Port Authority Board voted to cut service in January, pointing to a loss of state funding as the main reason for its $47 million budget shortfall.
Authority spokesman Jim Ritchie says reducing service will also have a “ripple effect” on the buses that remain.
“We’re going to have a lot of transit users looking for alternatives after March 27th, and that is going to touch on many of the routes that continue to exist. We’re expecting situations where those buses, those vehicles are going to be more crowded than normal,” says Ritchie. “You’re going to have standing conditions on some of those routes.”
Pennsylvania gave the Port Authority the $47 million needed to fill its budget gap, but the Board decided to use that money over an 18-month period instead. That angered the local transit union, which wanted to use the money over one year to prevent job losses. Ritchie says PAT is trying to sustain the most routes it can as long as possible.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Study: Transit Demand Expected to Rise
A national mass transit advocacy group says rising gas prices will push up ridership on systems throughout the country including Pittsburgh. Gas prices in the Pittsburgh area are averaging about $3.59 a gallon and in some parts of the nation have topped $4. A new report by the American Public Transportation Association indicates if gas prices reach $4 on average that will lead to an additional 670 million transit trips a year. Association Vice President Art Guzzetti says if the price hits $5, it would mean an extra 1.5 billion trips annually.
"Systems of all sizes, small bus systems, small communities, big systems as well, big rail systems...it's very widespread that there will be additional transit riders across the board. I think the public is seeing that public transportation when available is the quickest way for people to beat high gas prices."
Guzzetti says a surge in gas prices in 2008 also led to a jump in demand for public transit...."As many things as we did to carry all the additional riders, there were times in certain places where the buses were full, the trains were full, we weren't able to fit them on."
A spokeswoman for the Port Authority of Allegheny County says in 2008 during the gas price spike, ridership rose by about 15%. However, the forecast increase in ridership this time around comes as PAT is getting ready to trim service by 15% on March 27th.
Art Guzzetti of the American Public Transportation Association says the rising gas prices should be a wake up call...
"It might hit $4 a gallon, it might not. My guess is it will. But certainly in the future we're going to be back on this road again, and it might not stop at 4. So, we have to look to the future and have a balanced system, a system that has more options, more public transportation."
Guzzetti added that higher gas prices are a factor in the short term rise in mass transit use but the long term trend, over the last 15 years, is ridership is increasing more quickly than vehicle miles travelled and far outpacing the rate of population growth overall.
"Systems of all sizes, small bus systems, small communities, big systems as well, big rail systems...it's very widespread that there will be additional transit riders across the board. I think the public is seeing that public transportation when available is the quickest way for people to beat high gas prices."
Guzzetti says a surge in gas prices in 2008 also led to a jump in demand for public transit...."As many things as we did to carry all the additional riders, there were times in certain places where the buses were full, the trains were full, we weren't able to fit them on."
A spokeswoman for the Port Authority of Allegheny County says in 2008 during the gas price spike, ridership rose by about 15%. However, the forecast increase in ridership this time around comes as PAT is getting ready to trim service by 15% on March 27th.
Art Guzzetti of the American Public Transportation Association says the rising gas prices should be a wake up call...
"It might hit $4 a gallon, it might not. My guess is it will. But certainly in the future we're going to be back on this road again, and it might not stop at 4. So, we have to look to the future and have a balanced system, a system that has more options, more public transportation."
Guzzetti added that higher gas prices are a factor in the short term rise in mass transit use but the long term trend, over the last 15 years, is ridership is increasing more quickly than vehicle miles travelled and far outpacing the rate of population growth overall.
Friday, March 18, 2011
More Construction Restrictions on Route 28
Northbound Route 28 will be closed between the 31st Street Bridge and the 40th Street Bridge this weekend as construction and preparation begins for long-term work on the 31st Street Bridge.
Route 28 will be closed at 8 p.m. Friday, March 18 and will reopen at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 20. Following the reopening of Route 28, the intersection of the roadway and the 31st Street Bridge will close for long-term improvements planned to be finished next spring.
PennDOT spokesman Jim Struzzi says a detour will be posted but it will be helpful for drivers to find a different route to avoid congestion.
“We do encourage motorists, local traffic people who may know other ways to find alternate routes because there are easier ways to go. Particularly if you are leaving the city area, you can continue out Liberty Avenue rather than actually getting onto Route 28,” Struzzi says. “It’s going to be a little transition for people once the bridge closes but in the long run it’ll be better for everyone.”
The intersection will be closed as crews construct retaining walls for a new interchange with Route 28, part of a $22 million project. Other aspects of the project include upgraded drainage, signals, utility and railroad track relocation.
Struzzi says the bridge will still be accessible for those who need it.
“Roughly about 6,000 vehicles use the 31st Street Bridge on an average day. It’s important to note that motorists coming from Lawrenceville will still be able to cross the bridge and access River Avenue down to the Herr’s Island area and Washington’s Landing,” Struzzi says. “It’s important to note that for people who do work on Herr’s Island.”
Route 28 will be closed at 8 p.m. Friday, March 18 and will reopen at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 20. Following the reopening of Route 28, the intersection of the roadway and the 31st Street Bridge will close for long-term improvements planned to be finished next spring.
PennDOT spokesman Jim Struzzi says a detour will be posted but it will be helpful for drivers to find a different route to avoid congestion.
“We do encourage motorists, local traffic people who may know other ways to find alternate routes because there are easier ways to go. Particularly if you are leaving the city area, you can continue out Liberty Avenue rather than actually getting onto Route 28,” Struzzi says. “It’s going to be a little transition for people once the bridge closes but in the long run it’ll be better for everyone.”
The intersection will be closed as crews construct retaining walls for a new interchange with Route 28, part of a $22 million project. Other aspects of the project include upgraded drainage, signals, utility and railroad track relocation.
Struzzi says the bridge will still be accessible for those who need it.
“Roughly about 6,000 vehicles use the 31st Street Bridge on an average day. It’s important to note that motorists coming from Lawrenceville will still be able to cross the bridge and access River Avenue down to the Herr’s Island area and Washington’s Landing,” Struzzi says. “It’s important to note that for people who do work on Herr’s Island.”
Monday, March 14, 2011
Councilman Proposes Reduced Funding to PAT
Allegheny County Council President Jim Burn is trying to pressure the Port Authority to use all of the $45 million in emergency flex funds it received in December from the state rather than spreading it out over 18 months. Riders' groups and the union representing bus drivers want the money used now to avoid a 15% cut in service and the layoffs of hundreds of workers effective March 27. PAT CEO Steve Bland says spreading out the flex funds will give state lawmakers more time to find a permanent funding stream for mass transit.
Burn says the PAT Board said last fall that it faced a $47 million shortfall and the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission agreed to "flex" the $45 million that was originally designated for road projects and send them to PAT because of the emergency nature of the transit agency's deficit.
“The purpose of the ask for the money was to stop any service cuts. By stretching the money over 18 months, they are going to make service cuts,” Burn says.
Burn says PAT has cut more than $50 million from its operating budget at the urging of the state but it now appears state funding for PAT will be $30 million less in 2011-12 than it is in the current fiscal year. The councilman says the state has not lived up to the terms of Act 44 for funding roads, bridges and mass transit. Burn says that means the required county match would also decline by nearly $5.1 million, and he will introduce an amendment calling for a reduction in county funding by that amount because he refuses to over-subsidize the organization (PAT) that he says “refuses to keep its word to the public.”
“Once they got the money, we are concerned that they then began to act in a fashion inconsistent with the initial ask,” Burn says. “We want them to use this money in a fashion consistent with what they had asked for in the first place.”(to eliminate the $47 million deficit for the current year)
Burn says he and his fellow colleagues in agreement with him on the council are willing to rescind this proposal if the PAT Board decides to use the state-allocated money in full this fiscal year.
Burn says the PAT Board said last fall that it faced a $47 million shortfall and the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission agreed to "flex" the $45 million that was originally designated for road projects and send them to PAT because of the emergency nature of the transit agency's deficit.
“The purpose of the ask for the money was to stop any service cuts. By stretching the money over 18 months, they are going to make service cuts,” Burn says.
Burn says PAT has cut more than $50 million from its operating budget at the urging of the state but it now appears state funding for PAT will be $30 million less in 2011-12 than it is in the current fiscal year. The councilman says the state has not lived up to the terms of Act 44 for funding roads, bridges and mass transit. Burn says that means the required county match would also decline by nearly $5.1 million, and he will introduce an amendment calling for a reduction in county funding by that amount because he refuses to over-subsidize the organization (PAT) that he says “refuses to keep its word to the public.”
“Once they got the money, we are concerned that they then began to act in a fashion inconsistent with the initial ask,” Burn says. “We want them to use this money in a fashion consistent with what they had asked for in the first place.”(to eliminate the $47 million deficit for the current year)
Burn says he and his fellow colleagues in agreement with him on the council are willing to rescind this proposal if the PAT Board decides to use the state-allocated money in full this fiscal year.
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