Pittsburgh Regional Transit is facing a possible $100 million deficit and says it needs more money from the state in order to keep service and prices as they are now — or else Pittsburgh will see a massive transit overhaul in early 2026.
If the authority can’t secure more funding, fares could increase from $2.75 to $3 and service could be cut by more than 35%. Three city neighborhoods and 19 municipalities would no longer have public transit, and no buses would run after 11 p.m.
" Every public transit agency in Pennsylvania is in different boats on the same river, and we're all heading toward this funding cliff,” PRT’s Adam Brandolph told City Cast Pittsburgh. “There needs to be a new public transit funding mechanism."
State lawmakers have floated some options: Democratic Sen. Jay Costa wants to create a multi-county regional transit system. Democrats in the House and Senate support a tax on ride-share programs or an increase on car rental fees to create more revenue. And PA’s House Republican leader says transit agencies in Philly and Pittsburgh should consider privatizing some of their services.
But a new funding system can’t come soon enough. The advocacy group Pittsburghers for Public Transit is encouraging locals to organize and show up to rallies, speak out at public feedback meetings, and talk to their lawmakers.
“If these proposed cuts and fare increases go through, it’s not certain that there’s much of a transit system left to save or that we will be able to recover from it," Laura Chu Wiens, executive director of Pittsburghers for Public Transit, told City Cast Pittsburgh.
Worried about how transit cuts could affect you and your neighbors? Here’s how to make your voice heard:
📬 Submit Feedback to PRT
Complete PRT’s online survey, call their public comment box at 412-566-5525, or complete a paper survey at PRT’s Downtown Service Center at 623 Smithfield St. You can also print a paper survey (in English or Spanish), to drop at the center or send in by mail. The survey closes June 18.
🎤 Share Testimony at a Public Meeting
PRT’s next public feedback sessions are Thursday, June 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Room 302-204. Register to speak here.
📝 Reach Out to Your Representatives
Pittsburghers for Public Transit has a handy message form that you can use to send letters to your elected officials and advocate for more public transit investment from the state.
📣 Become an Organizer
Pittsburghers for Public Transit put together a toolkit to help you rally your community. It includes flyers to post in your neighborhood, slides for presenting to your neighborhood or group, tools for hosting meetings with state legislators, and more.
