Out with the bad, in with the good! As the brass band sings, join us to celebrate the burial of the Mon Oakland Connector and uplift a new vision of community-centered process to take its place – one that uplifts the power of Pittsburghers over products and corporate profits. Join residents of Four Mile Run, Hazelwood and Panther Hollow, along with Junction Coalition, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, P.O.O.R.L.A.W., GH-CARED, and Eagleburger Band, for a New Orleans-style brass band funeral parade followed by a good-’ol community potluck picnic.
This is a family friendly, pet friendly, bike friendly event. Attendees are encouraged (but not required!) to wear their Sunday best or any manner of colorful costumes to celebrate what neighbors can build when we work together.
The Parade:
Start at the Panther Hollow Parking lot and end at the playground in The Run. We recommend walking up from The Run to join us at the start, a 15-20 min walk at a leisurely pace. If you’d like to attend the picnic but not participate in the march you can meet at the playground in The Run at 1:45pm.
The Picnic/Potluck:
Attendees can bring a dish or something else or not. Some refreshments will be generously provided by Big Jims and Zano’s Pub House.
Transportation + Parking:
The 52L, 53L, 56, 58 stop is a 5 min walk to the playground in The Run. The start of the parade in Panther Hollow is a 15-20 min walk from there. Car parking is available in the lot at the soccer field next to the Junction Hollow trail. Bike parking available in the park.
Questions or access needs reach out to info@pittsburghforpublictransit.org
RSVP to join the funeral parade and birth day picnic!
Image Description: Graphic with two sides. Left side has a photo in color or Sara Innamorato. There are two boxes labled “#VoteTransit Q&A” and “Transit Ride-Along w PPT”. Both have checkmarks. On the right side there is a photo in black and wite of Joe Rockey. The same checkboxes are under his photo without a checkmark.
Transit riders are one set closer to deciding the next Allegheny County Executive – now more than ever we need to be vocal with our demands!
On May 16, Sara Innamorato won the Democratic nomination for Allegheny County Executive. Joe Rockey won the Republican nomination for the seat. Both will face off in the General Election on November 7, 2023. The Allegheny County Executive is the top-dog when it comes to public transit in Southwestern PA, so it is critical that transit rider get active in this election. The County Executive controls the majority of appointments to the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Board of Directors which control the transit agency’s $500+ million Operating Budget and $200+ million Capital Budget. Additionally, the County Executive controls board appointments and hundreds of millions of budget dollars at numerous County entities that directly impact the public transit system and its riders, such as the County Housing Authority, the County Department of Human Services, and the County Economic Development agency.
A permanent zero-fare program for all SNAP/EBT households has been a central demand from transit riders through this County Executive campaign. Now is your chance to help keep the momentum high by signing our petition and pledging to #VoteTransit in November to put a true champion for transit into our top office!
image description: Rep Sara Innamorato speaks to PPT Board Chair Verna Johnson during a March ’23 bus ride along on the 82 Lincoln
Sara Innamorato is the only candidate who rode the bus with PPT. And she was the only candidate to respond PPT’s #VoteTransit Candidate Questionnaire
The County Executive has the power to transform transit for local riders, so Pittsburghers for Public Transit has worked hard through the Allegheny County Primary Election season to advocate, educate and organize around the importance of public transit. We invited all candidates to ride the bus with us to see firsthand the issues as well as the demands that transit riders and workers have. We published our #VoteTransit Candidate Questionnaire to hear from candidates directly about their platforms. We’ve launched petitions and actions to allow riders to speak up for their issues.
Of the two partys’ current nominees, only Representative Sara Innamorato accepted our invitation to ride the bus with transit riders and workers, and she was the only one to submit her answers on the #VoteTransit Questionnaire. Joe Rockey was invited to both opportunities but declined response. We will continue to extend every invitation to him and seek his input on the future of transit.
image description: Sara Innamorato (left) listens intently to Ms. Sherai Richardson (right), who is a participant in the fare pilot, at the bus stop in Lincolm-Lemington on a cold afternoon. Ms. Verna Johnson (center) sits near the stop waiting for the bus as well.
Sara Innamorato rode the bus and committed to make a zero-fare program permanent for all low-income riders in Allegheny County – now we have to hold her to it. Sign the petition to strengthen the demand!
During the ride along, Sara Innamorato listened to Ms. Sherai Richardson, transit rider and participant in the Allegheny County Discounted Fare Pilot program. Ms. Richardson spoke about how this pilot has improved the lives of her neighbors. Over 14,000 people in Allegheny County are currently enrolled in the pilot. We know that unfortunately, the cost of transit fare remains a barrier to even more of our neighbors. PPT will continue to fight for affordable transit and a zero-fare program for low-income riders. Ms. Innamorato then boarded the 82 Lincoln with transit riders Ms. Teaira Collins and Ms. Verna Johnson, joined by PRT Operator Instructor Sasha Craig. Sasha Craig impressed the importance of the PRT workforce, scheduling constraints, and the urgent need to hire more operators to keep service running. Along the route, spanning from East Liberty to Downtown, Ms. Innamorato learned from riders how the impacts of reduced scheduling, aging sidewalk infrastructure, and connections to affordable housing and neighborhood amenities look vastly different along a route that spans multiple neighborhoods.
Sara made some other big commitments in ther #VoteTransit Candidate Questionnaire
In addition to the invitation for a ride-along, each candidate was sent a questionnaire highlighting rider and worker demands of the next county executive and asking candidates to detail their vision for transit in Allegheny County. Check out the #VoteTransit County Executive Candidate Q&A blog to find out all the candidates’ responses. In her questionnaire, Sara Innamorato stated that she plans to commit to:
Appoint at least one rider and one operator to the PRT board
Put a moratorium on service reductions and cuts
Create a permanent zero-fare program for all SNAP/EBT households in Allegheny County
Build more affordable, transit-oriented development
Work with Mayor Gainey and other local leaders to invest infrastructure dollars to improve transit, and pass pro-transit zoning reforms at the municipal level
Establish more communication between PRT and the community and transit advocates
Fully implement a bulk pass discount program to get large employers to pre-pay for transit passes for their employees
Seek “payments in lou of tax” agreements or additional taxes from large employers and non-profits
Create a new position at PRT focused on language accessibility and disability access
We await to hear from Joe Rockey on his position and priorities.
Transit riders made transit a top priority in this County Executive race. Now we need your help to keep our momentum going.
As the dust settles from this primary election, one thing is abundantly clear: transit riders made public transit a top priority in the County Executive race. We brought energy across every neighborhood and every borough, and have gotten a step closer to deciding how to make our system better serve those who need it most.
The only way we can push towards transit justice and gain the transit we need and deserve, is if we all do our part.
Can you help fuel a successful victory to the finish line of free transit, improved and accessible transit with no communities left behind? Donate to our transit rider organizing today!
Image Description: Graphic of the County Executive Candidates who all answered PPT’s #VoteTransit Candidate questionnaire overlaid on a PRT bus. Text reads. “Pledge to #VoteTransit May 16th”
Transit riders! Make the pledge to #VoteTransit this Election Day to put a County Executive in office who will do the most for transit riders and our transit system
Voters will roll to the polls to elect a new leader for the MOST POWERFUL REGIONAL OFFICE FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT, the Allegheny County Executive. The County Executive appoints a majority of PRT Board members, they control billions of public dollars, and set policy that can transform transit. Riders need to learn the public transit platforms that each candidate will bring to office and VOTE for the candidate who shares our vision.
Last month, PPT issued a #VoteTransit Questionnaire to each of the candidates for County Executive. We wanted to give the candidates an opportunity to lay out the priorities that they have for public transit, affordable housing, economic and environmental justice.
We also want riders to get familiar with these candidates and pledge to #VoteTransit for an Executive who will do the most for transit riders and our transit system.
Here’s a summary of what each candidate said in our #Vote Transit Candidate Questionnaire:
State Representative Sara Innamorato Democrat 37 Years Old
In PPT’s #VoteTransit Qestionnaire, Sara commits to use the office of Allegheny County Executive to:
🚌 Appoint at least one rider and one operator to the PRT board
🚌 Put a moratorium on service reductions and cuts
🚌 Create a permanent zero-fare program for all SNAP/EBT recipients
🚌 Build more affordable, transit-oriented development
🚌 Work with Mayor Gainey and other local leaders to invest infrastructure dollars to improve transit, and pass pro-transit zoning reforms at the municipal level
🚌 Establish more communication between PRT and the community and transit advocates
🚌 Fully implement a bulk pass discount program to get large employers to pre-pay for transit passes for their employees
🚌 Seek PILOT payments or additional taxes from large employers and non-profits
🚌 Create a new position at PRT focused on language accessibility and disability access
Michael Lamb Democrat 61 Years Old
In PPT’s #VoteTransit Questionnaire Michael commits to use the office of Allegheny County Executive to:
🚌 Turn the discount fair pilot program into a zero fare program for all SNAP/EBT households in Allegheny County.
🚌Increase transit-oriented development
🚌Support incentives and requirements to significantly increase affordable housing
🚌Ensure that PRT and county government regularly hear from transit riders and workers to keep county gov accountable
🚌Increase transit funding by leveraging state and federal funding, along with greater contributions from corporations and our largest employers
🚌Require corporations and our largest employers to pay their fair share and contribute to our communities.
🚌Ensure that no one in our communities is ever excluded because of a disability, a language barrier, or any other reason
John Weinstein Democrat 59 Years Old
In PPT’s #VoteTransit Questionnaire, John commits to use the office of Allegheny County Executive to:
🚌Engage at all local levels to determine local needs
🚌Utilize private-public partnerships to fund a permanent zero fare program for all SNAP/EBT households in Allegheny County
🚌Regularly hold listening sessions to dentify systemic problems and coverage gaps. Adapt as necessary
🚌Promote internal efficiencies
🚌Expand the fleet’s transition to electric buses
🚌Call for a funding increase from the Allegheny Regional Asset District.
🚌Promote inclusivity and welcome individuals of all backgrounds
David Fawcett Democrat 64 Years Old
In PPT’s #VoteTransit Questionnaire, Dave commits to use the office of Allegheny County Executive to:
🚌 Cut or eliminate fares for those under the median income level
🚌Address the issue of the ongoing shortage of operators
🚌Expand transit service in Allegheny County
🚌Encourage employers and non-profits to supplement or fully pay fares for their students, patients and employees
🚌Encourage the passage of local zoning ordinance changes to require affordable housing
🚌Require developers to build affordable housing if they receive any sort of public funding for their development
🚌Encourage PRT to investment in better facilities and stops near actual and potential affordable housing sites
🚌Appoint riders to the PRT Board
🚌Insist that PRT make changes in routes, facilities and programs as suggested by transit riders
🚌Appoint a member of the Board to represent the interests of the disability community and other minority populations.
Will Parker Democrat 40 Years Old
In PPT’s #VoteTransit Questionnaire, Will commits to use the office of Allegheny County Executive to:
🚌 Update the bus schedules to real times, delays, and potential road closures
🚌Work with developers and make sure affordable housing guidelines in place before any contracts are approved.
🚌Invest in new technology and add rating features on the bus for transit riders to give real-time feedback
🚌Increase funding for PRT by partnering with corporations, local businesses, and nonprofits
🚌Always consider both language barriers and disability barriers when making critical decisions around them
PPT did not receive answers from Joe Rockey or Theresa Colaizzi.
Make the #VoteTransit pledge to elect a County Executive who will make a permanent discount-fare program expanded to all low-income residents in Allegheny County, develop ample affordable housing near great transit, and increase funding to expand our service:
Image Description: PPT Member Lorena speaks at a PPT rally and release of our “Representing Our Routes” report in the Spring of 2023. She is flanked by an ASL interpreter and dozens of PPT members holding red and yellow signs.
Join the core team to coordinate the strategic direction of Pittsburghers for Public Transit. Nominations open until July 5th. Voting open from July 12th to 31st.
Pittsburghers for Public Transit is a grassroots union of transit riders, transit workers and neighbors. We fight for a public transit system that is expanded, reliable, accessible and affordable to all in Allegheny County, with no community left out. We operate as a truly member-led organization, and that sets us apart from other non-profits because it is our membership that actually elects our Board of Directors, develops and votes to approve our yearly campaign plan, and participates in our different committees to execute our successful campaigns.
Our organizational election season is a special time for PPT! We are looking for a new round of leaders who understand the importance of our work for transit justice in Allegheny County, and are looking to get more involved in directing the course of our campaigns, communications, and actions. Nominations are open until July 5th. The nomination of transit riders, transit workers, Youth, Black people, Indigenous people, People of Color, LGBTQ People, People with Disabilities, Immigrants, and Women are strongly encouraged.
Nominate yourself or someone who inspires you with their leadership, vision, and commitment to transit justice.
More about nominations and voting. 5 seats are open for PPT’s General Membership to run for. 1 seat is open for a PPT Member who is a unionized transit worker.
This year, the board decided to open 5 seats for General PPT Members to serve on the board. These people will be elected to the seats currently filled by Barb Warwick, Dean Mougianis, Nickole Nesby, Paul O’Hanlon, and Swetha Jasti. Then our bylaws require that an additional seat is open for election that is reserved for a union transit worker. This seat is currently being filled by Kevin Joa.
Nominations for these seats are open until Jul 5th. All current PPT Members are welcome to nominate themselves or another PPT Member. Outgoing board members are able to self-nominate or be nominated by another to serve another term.
PPT members are all those who support the Transit Bill of Rights, have participated in a PPT action or meeting, and have given dues of at least $2.75 cents within the last year (the cost of a single PRT fare).
PPT staff will confirm with each nominee whether they accept the nomination to be on the ballot. Each nominee will also be invited to submit up to 250 words about their background, experience, and vision for the organization. This can be submitted through the nomination form, email, or via phone and PPT staff will transcribe.
All nominee bios will be sent to PPT Members the second week of June and again the first week of July. Bios and photos will also be included in the ballot. Nominees will have 3 minutes to speak at the July PPT member meeting before votes are cast to highlight their vision for PPT and how their skills will help build the organization.
Voting in the 2023 Board of Directors election will open at PPT’s monthly meeting on July 12th, and run until the end of the month. PPT members cast their vote via an online form that will be shared at the July meeting and emailed, or by calling PPT’s Director.
PPT Board Structure and Expectations
Each July, PPT members vote for leaders to fill seats on PPT’s 5-15 member Board of Directors. Board Members serve a 2-year term. 2 seats must be filled by members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 85 (the union that represents all of the Port Authority’s bus operators and maintenance workers) or another transportation union that represents workers in Allegheny County because strong community/labor solidarity is a central belief of the organization. The other seats are filled by members who have had previous experience with PPT’s work, and are looking to bring their involvement to the next level.
Members of the Board are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings and should also stay engaged with General Membership Meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. Additionally, Coordinating Committee members will need to maintain active lines of communication with PPT staff and other PPT members to advise and assist with the organization’s strategy, tactics, structure, and financial sustainability. CC Members should also serve on one of PPT’s three committees (Organizing Committee, Communications Committee, and Research Committee).
An excerpt of Article IV of PPT’s bylaws with full detail of the expectations and powers of PPT’s board is included at the bottom of this blog.
2023 PPT Board of Director Election Schedule
Nominations are open until July 5thth.
Bios and photos of current nominees will be sent to members before the June PPT meeting and again the week before the July PPT meeting. Bios will also be included on the ballot.
July 12th, 7pm: PPT Monthly Meeting with Board Nominee introductions and Elections, voting opens
July 31st, 11:59pm: Final deadline for PPT members to submit their ballots online or via phone
Submit nominations through the link below, or by calling PPT’s Director, Laura Wiens, at 703-424-0854:
Excerpt from Article IV of PPT’s Bylaws explaining expectations and operations of our Board:
Article IV – Board of Directors
Section 1: Board Role, Size and Composition
The PPT Board of Directors shall hereinafter be referred to as the Board.
The Board is responsible for managing the business affairs, property, and policies of PPT. The Board shall be composed of five (5) to fifteen (15) members representing diverse interests and areas of expertise that strengthen the knowledge base of PPT. A minimum of two (2) seats will be reserved for members of the Amalgamated Transit Union or any union representing mass transportation workers in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. One of these reserved transportation union seats shall be elected in every second year. The Board shall have charge of the proper, normal, and usual expenditures and other business of the corporation; they shall enforce the provision of these bylaws; they shall abide by the policies and procedures set forth in the Policies and Procedures Manual, and shall enforce the rules and regulations set forth for the management, care, and governance of the property and affairs of the corporation. The Board may employ or appoint such person or persons, or agents, as they deem necessary to further the business of the corporation and shall set and adjust the compensation of all persons or agents so employed or appointed.
The Board will hire an Executive Director who may hire such paid staff as they deem proper and necessary for the operation of the Corporation. The powers and duties of the Executive Director shall be assigned or delegated by the Board of Directors. The powers and duties of the paid staff, other than the Executive Director, shall be as assigned or as delegated by the Executive Director and/or the Board of Directors, in accordance with PPT personnel policies.
Section 2. Qualifications for Board of Directors
Board members shall be elected from the eligible voting, dues-paying membership, and only dues-paying members are eligible to run in the elections. Candidates for the board must have been a dues-paying member for six (6) months prior to an election.
Section 3. Compensation
The Board of PPT shall serve without compensation. Board members may be reimbursed for pre-approved expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of PPT. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to preclude a Board member from receiving compensation for their service to PPT in some other capacity, provided that the transaction has been reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee in compliance with PPT’s conflict of interest policy.
Section 4. Recruitment and Elections
Nominations for new Board members will be made and publicized by the Board, Membership, and/or staff, at least two (2) months before the Membership meeting at which the election will take place. Elections for the Board shall take place every year, with five (5) seats elected in even years, and six (6) seats elected in odd years.
Elections shall be announced verbally at the two (2) immediately preceding membership meetings before the election.
Dues paying members in good standing are eligible to vote.
Bios and platforms of candidates shall be distributed by email to members one month in advance of the vote, and publicized on PPT’s website. Candidates will have three (3) minutes to address the general membership in advance of the election during the general membership meeting. Voting will be open for a minimum of one (1) week.
Section 5. Powers
The government of PPT, the direction of its work, and the control of its property shall be vested in the Board. The Board shall be authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as may be deemed advisable for the government of the Board, the proper conduct of business of PPT, and the guidance of all committees, officers, and employees. The Board shall be empowered to do whatever in its judgement may be calculated to increase efficiency and add to the usefulness of PPT; and to carry out the main purpose of this association provided such action is not in conflict with these bylaws.
Section 6. Limitations
PPT shall be non-partisan and non-sectarian in its activities.
Section 7. Term of office and Maximum number of terms
Directors shall be elected to a term of two (2) years. Board members shall serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms.
Section 8. Meeting Attendance Requirement
Board members must attend a minimum of three (3) out of the four (4) quarterly board meetings per year by phone or presence. Failure to fulfill minimum board obligations may be accepted by the board as a de facto or implicit resignation. The Board member will be informed before the publication of such de facto resignation to the members.
image description: graphic shows Allegheny County Department of Human Service’s new Discount Fare Pilot Program Data Dashboard displaying on a laptop.
Allegheny County’s new zero fare/discount fare pilot project is proving to be a massive benefit for families across the county
Last year, transit riders with PPT and allied organizations Just Harvest, the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council and UrbanKind Institute won a year-long low income transit fare pilot for 14,000 residents, funded and evaluated by the County Department of Human Services (DHS). In this program, a third of enrollees were given free fare cards, a third were given half fare cards, and a third were enrolled in a control group that received $10 on a Connect Card.
Enrollees in the program like Ms. Tameeka Jones-Cuff, who were provided free fares, show how removing barriers to transit access has been life-changing. PPT member Dean Mougianis interviewed Tameeka, and she shared that not worrying about transit fares has allowed her and her children to get caught up on needed doctor’s appointments and physical therapy:
New Pilot Program Dashboard gives new insights into program and impact on participants
The Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services has now also released aggregate data on people enrolled in its Discounted Fare Pilot Program through a public dashboard. The data show the extremely high demand for the program with nearly 16,000 applications across the county, and an acute need for a long-term program. The early data, along with participant testimonials, show that the program is reaching those in need and having transformative benefits.
Participants in the program are primarily heads of households with children, most of whom are sole providers. Many of the program participants are working or looking for work. PPT has long said that Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) has had a poor tax on riders through its cash fare costs– that is, that riders who pay for transit with cash are often very low-income and pay significantly more than other riders for transit.
Astonishingly, the majority of enrollees in the program paid for transit with cash in the week prior to joining the program, with the majority also spending more than $25 a week on transit, higher than the cost of a weekly bus pass.
There were 15,885 household applications, 9,574 of which were deemed eligible for the program. The high number of applicants shows the demand for the program. Over 80% of program participants don’t have access to a car.
Over 80% of program participants used public transportation to travel to work and to get around generally.
43% of the people in the program are working, most are working full time, and most are making about $15/hour.
A good number of participants (nearly 2,500) identified as unemployed and are presumably looking for work based on their answer selection; those searching for work spend about 3 hours a week in their search.
Children (6-17 of age) in the program represent the largest age group at 34%. This shows the pilot provides a benefit at a household level, addressing travel needs for families and caregivers.
72% of the adult enrollees are women.
We know this program needs to be expanded, with free fares extended to all SNAP households, permanently. That’s why we’ve made it a central demand in the County Executive primary election, held on Tuesday, May 16th. Check out the candidate responses to PPT’s transit questionnaire here, and vote!
Lastly, here’s a beautiful testimonial from Patrice Aaron about how the program has benefited her and her family, interviewed by PPT member Dean Mougianis:
image description: graphic has a clipart photo of a person with short hair holding a cellphone to their ear. There is a clipart speech-bubble pointed to them that if filled with photos of PRT buses. Text in the bottom right corner reads “Election Day is May 16th #VoteTransit”
Help transit riders get to the polls to vote in the most consequential election for our transit in the last decade!
Primary Election Day is fast approaching on May 16th and there is a lot at stake for public transit riders in the Allegheny County Executive race! The Allegheny County Executive has the most power of any local official when it comes to public transit. They control the majority of the appointments to the PRT board, they control billions of dollars that can expand the zero-fare transit program pilot, and they control a number of other departments and policies that can transform transit for riders.
Pittsburghers for Public Transit has spent the last few months getting to hear from the different County Executive candidates to learn about their transit priorities. 4 candidates joined us for bus ride-alongs to learn about the issues that transit riders are having. 5 candidates submitted responses to our Transit Justice Questionnaire with their transit platform. We promoted the information about the candidates’ transit plans to thousands of transit riders. We’ve canvassed at bus stops. We’ve sent mailers. We’ve held textbanks and phonebanks. And with just a few days left, we can’t stop now!
Help to bring this election home for the public transit we deserve! Volunteer with us to spread the word and make sure that riders #VoteTransit. We need to put the biggest transit champion in the Allegheny County Executive seat!
image description: PPT member Debra Green leads a rally for affordable fares. She is smiling and has her fist raised in the air. PPT Members stand behind her holding signs.
Free transit is on the line in the Allegheny County Executive Election on May 16!
Transit riders were successful in advocating for a program to test free fares, but now YOU can help make it permanent and expanded for all low-income riders.
Will you sign the petition to demand that the next Allegheny County Executive extends free transit to all SNAP recipients?
In Allegheny County, our transit fare system charges the poorest riders the most, which keeps families from getting groceries, accessing medical care, childcare, employment, and connecting with loved ones. This is neither just nor sustainable.
No one shouldn be forced to choose between buying food or having bus fare. Members of Pittsburghers for Public Transit– along with allies organizing for housing justice, food justice, and worker justice– have made the demand for free fares for years. As a result, we won a 1-year pilot program giving free fares to thousands of low-income riders in the County! Now it’s our opportunity to make the program permanent, and expand zero-fares for all families with SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) in Allegheny County… and the County Executive election is our path to achieve that.
So what does the County Executive have to do with public transit?
The Allegheny County Executive (ACE) is the most powerful elected position in our region, and has the power to pass policies that support transit riders and transit workers. In addition to appointing over half of the Board at Pittsburgh Regional Transit (formerly Port Authority), the County Executive controls more than a billion dollars in the County budget and can ensure that the temporary Discounted Fares Pilot Program is funded permanently, and expanded to all SNAP households.
Bus fares are not the only thing that the Count Executive can improve. We also need more transit service, safe sidewalks, and bus shelters all throughout the county, and housing that we can afford to live in by transit. You can learn more about where each candidate stands on these critical transit rider issues by checking out this candidate questionnaire that Pittsburghers for Public Transit put together.
Will you sign this petition to help us send a message to all the candidates running for Allegheny County Executive? The time for a zero-fare program for low-income riders is NOW!
Pledge to #votetransit by May 16th to secure free transit for all SNAP recipients in our county.
Image Description: A photo of a SPIN scooter laying on its side completely obstructing the sidewalk on the 10th Street Bridge. Photo credit Josh Crosbie
Dozens of residents call on Pittsburgh City Council to end the Spin E-Scooter pilot, and to improve resident mobility through sidewalk development, bus improvements and affordable housing instead.
On April 12, 2023, Pittsburgh City Council heard from the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), representatives of Spin, and disability and transportation experts in a post-agenda hearing called by District 5 Councilmember Barb Warwick. After the post-agenda hearing more than 45 Pittsburgh residents gave public comments on the impact of the MovePGH Spin shared e-scooter pilot program. This was the first time since the 2-year Spin scooter pilot program started in July 2021 that the public has been given the opportunity to weigh in on the impact of the scooter deployment. It also came in the wake of a referendum in Paris where 89% of voters overwhelmingly elected to ban rental e-scooters from the French city.
In the public hearing, dozens of Pittsburgh residents asked why the City continues to privilege the mobility of the able-bodied, affluent, young, recreational travelers in Pittsburgh at the expense of those with limited or no access to mobility. Programs like MovePGH exacerbate existing transportation inequities, excluding by designlow-income people, people over 220 pounds, residents carrying cargo or dependents, older adults, youth under 18, people who are unbanked or without a smartphone, people with disabilities and residents living in the hills or valleys of our region. And while it’s true that no single transportation option needs to serve all constituencies, it is galling that the City invests the lion’s share of its time, staff resources and our shared and limited public space to serve those who can already access the most transportation options. Because of the prevalent problem of scooters parking on sidewalks, the pilot further narrows the access of those needing real mobility solutions.
The Mayor, DOMI and City Council should be acting on behalf of the community, not private companies, in service of our collective needs for clean air, for transportation, and for safe streets. The most troubling issue with this pilot is that the City has failed to measure or even identify goals that are distinct from the profit motives of the Spin scooter company. In Wednesday’s post-agenda hearing, Director of DOMI Kim Lucas’ assessment of the program was indistinguishable from that of the Spin scooter company representative—so much so that the two shared a PowerPoint presentation. DOMI lazily parrots the ridership numbers and demographic data that Spin collected through a survey of its users, arguing that diverse user data and ridership are proxies for mobility justice and environmental benefit.
In the public hearing, Abhishek Viswanahan testified, “As a researcher, I think it’s a bit ridiculous that you all have spent so much time discussing this survey which has several glaring issues of sampling and bias, most importantly that it leaves out the huge population of people who don’t use the scooters for various reasons.”
So what should actual success look like for the City, for this e-scooter pilot, and how would it be measured? What does failure look like, and what happens when the harms outweigh the good?
If the point of the scooters is to provide underserved populations with mobility options, then the City should start by assessing who in particular this form of transportation can serve and who it excludes. DOMI should be clear about which populations this technology can help and what problem it will fix, and then assess whether that’s working. We know that students—young people—traveling largely on weekday nights and on weekends in the key corridors of Oakland, Downtown and Lawrenceville are predominantly using the service to meet friends, dine out, or joyride. The Pittsburgh student population owns fewer cars, is lower income and more diverse than the city as a whole. So in order to actually understand the data of scooter usage, we should hear about what percentage of students are the same as the no-car household data that Spin is reporting, are the low-income households, and are the minority population using the scooters.
From the data, it seems that scooters are primarily used by students going out recreationally in transportation-rich corridors. We can also assume that tourists see this as a tool for sightseeing, as 20% of the Spin survey respondents were non-Pittsburghers. Are these the transportation problems we needed the City to solve? Should MovePGH be the City’s most-touted transportation initiative over the last several years?
Further evidence that e-scooters fail to address mobility needs in Pittsburgh is that Spin and the City couldn’t evengive away free access to the scooters to low-income people in Manchester for their “Universal Basic Mobility Pilot.” They were unable to find participants for the program until a year and a half into the projected start date, and even then were only able to secure participants because low-income residents were looking to access free bus passes through the program.
If the goal of this pilot is to reduce transportation emissions then the City should have rigorously assessed whether that goal is in fact met when twice as many lower-emissions trips of walking, biking and transit (67% of rides) are being replaced by scooters than car trips (which account for 33% of scooter rides). Researchers, including Dr. Daniel Reck who spoke during the e-scooter post-agenda hearing, have done an international literature review which found that shared e-scooter programs generate more emissions than the forms they replace: Spin scooters generate emissions because diesel vans are out placing and rebalancing them, and they are charged from electricity mostly generated by coal-fired power plants. A plethora of scooter trips doesn’t mean that scooters have just replaced car trips or even bus and walking trips—instead they have likely incentivized new, non-essential trips, which increase congestion, sidewalk hazards and emissions. This is a reasonable assumption given that 30% of riders reported taking trips for “recreation” or joy-riding. The Spin survey had other, separate categories for other non-essential trips of “meeting friends and family” and “dining out/shopping” (not to be confused with “essential errands,” which was another category). These non-essential trips accounted for 44.9% and 23% of Spin scooter survey rider responses respectively on common purposes for trips.
In other words, high use of the scooters, and ridership on the scooters without understanding the context, is not valuable data in itself. It could reflect good OR bad outcomes for the City and its residents. High scooter ridership is a goal that serves Spin itself by helping the company grow its revenue. It is also worth mentioning that in the public hearing, Spin said that they had yet to turn a profit from shared e-scooter trips in Pittsburgh, despite having a legal monopoly on public and private e-scooters, paying just $150 to the City for a permit to operate, and running over a million trips in less than 2 years. It is highly probable that, like the Pittsburgh autonomous vehicle companies, Scoobi mopeds, sidewalk delivery robots and Uber and Lyft, Spin will soon have to raise prices substantially or go bankrupt. In either case, why would Pittsburgh political leadership want to invest or rely on an unsustainable transportation service that runs on the fumes of venture capital and philanthropic donations?
Ultimately, the MovePGH initiative is another example of how DOMI starts with a private corporate product or a “transportation technology solution” and then seeks out a problem to address. This was true about the Mon-Oakland Connector shuttle between Oakland and Hazelwood, a 2022 proposal to run autonomous shuttles to seniors in an isolated high rise in Lincoln-Lemington, the sidewalk delivery robot pilot in Bloomfield, and now, e-scooters. When the transportation “solution” is shown to be a laughable, even harmful “remedy” to the problem it purports to solve, the City hosts a discussion on how to modify the product to make it less bad rather than turning its attention to actually addressing the real transportation barriers that our most vulnerable residents experience.
Inevitably, the transportation tech will go under, there will be amnesia about all the equity and environmental benefits of the products that DOMI shamelessly touted and the City moves on. Meanwhile, we still have residents in Hazelwood who need traffic calming, and seniors in Lemington who cannot get out of their housing complex, and the unmet mobility needs of everyone who are categorically excluded from using these Spin scooters due to their disability.
We need the City of Pittsburgh to commit to people, not products. The solutions to Pittsburgh’s mobility needs, environmental needs, and street safety needs are simple, but they are not sexy and they are not profit-driven. DOMI should implement the sidewalk development and maintenance, bus prioritization and affordable housing development policies that community members collaboratively developed in the Pittsburgh 100 Day Transit Platform, which were largely adopted by Mayor Gainey’s administration in its Transition Plan. Shifting to a people-driven approach would be real progress to celebrate.
“As a Blind person and a resident of Pittsburgh, I regularly encounter scooters that block safe passage in my neighborhood sidewalks. But scooters are not the only reason why my neighbors and I don’t have the transportation access we need—like many others, I can’t afford to live in the parts of Pittsburgh that have quality transit. That’s why the city should end this inaccessible private e-scooter program and focus instead on real policy and development solutions that serve those of us with the highest need for transportation,” says PPT member Gabriel McMorland (pronouns: she/her).
image description: graphic with a photo of the candidates who responded to PPT’s #VoteTransit candidate questionnaire superimposed over a PRT bus and a yellow/red background. Text reads “Transit Q&A with candidates for County Executive #VoteTransit on May 16th”
Transit riders must elect a #TransitChampion as our next County Executive! Primary Election is May 16th General Election is November 7th
The Allegheny County Executive is the most powerful person in Southwestern Pennsylvania when it comes to public transit – so it is vital for transit riders to elect a #TransitChampion into the position. The County Executive controls the majority of appointments to the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Board of Directors which control the transit agency’s $500+ million Operating Budget and $200+ million Capital Budget. Additionally, the County Executive controls board appointments and hundreds of millions of budget dollars at numerous County entities that directly impact the public transit system and its riders, such as the County Housing Authority, the County Department of Human Services, and the County Economic Development agency. Good people, robust budgets and progressive policy at all of these entities can transform transit in Allegheny County.
To ensure that transit riders are educated on where these candidates stand on public transit issues and what their vision is for our system, Pittsburghers for Public Transit issued a candidate questionnaire to all of the candidates running for our county’s top posiiton. Check out the answers that this candidate gave to our questionnaire below.
There’s big potential for having a #TransitChampion as the next County Executive, so transit riders are making some big demands. You can read the demands that riders are making for our next County Executive and sign-on to support below:
Candidate’s Answers to the #VoteTransit County Executive Candidate Questionnaire Traducción al español aquí
Answers are displayed below for the 5 candidates who returned responses to PPT’s #VoteTransit County Executive Candidate Questionnaire. Answers are displayed as candidates submitted them and have not been proofread for spelling or grammatical mistakes. PPT did not receive answers from Joe Rockey or Theresa Colaizzi.
The page is lengthy, so use these hyperlinks to navigate and see candidates’ answers to specific questions:
1. What is your vision for restoring and expanding transit service frequency, span and coverage in the County?
Dave Fawcett: Relative to bus and T service, I am in favor of just about anything that will increase ridership, especially among those who most need public transportation: members of marginalized communities; people without cars who need to get to work and job sites; and our elderly and disabled populations. I see cutting or eliminating fares for those under the median income level being critical to restoring ridership. I also see emphasizing creativity and evidenced-based solutions for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of public transportation. Finally, we absolutely must address the issue of the ongoing shortage of operators…a deepening issue for PRT. I also see more rail and subway transportation as part of the vision for expanding transit service in Allegheny county. As a long time bus rider and passionate advocate for sustainability and equity, restoring and expanding transit service in Allegheny County is a pillar of my campaign and platform.
Sara Innamorato: Public transportation is a human right and a critical lifeline for many people in Allegheny County. At a time when we face multiple crises — disproportionately impacting low-income and Black residents, as well as people with disabilities — we should be expanding service. Secondarily, investment in public transit is a driver for local economies and can revive regional industries. Coming from the General Assembly, I understand the limitations of funding streams, but we should be thinking creatively about how to expand and improve transit, not cutting it. I have been a partner to Pittsburghers for Public Transit at the state level, and I will continue that partnership as County Executive. There are a few key steps I will take immediately and others that we will work together on in the medium and long term. 1) I will appoint at least one rider and one operator to the PRT board so that the experiences of those most impacted by service changes guide board actions; 2) I will put a moratorium on service reductions and cuts and open a community process to determine where service needs to be restored or added; 3) I will immediately begin a series of conversations with state and federal DOT officials and others to ensure PRT is accessing all available funding opportunities and is submitting competitive applications for funding; 4) I will seek sustainable new funding streams such as a local revenue stream funded via fees on ridesharing by advocating for enabling legislation at the state; 5) I will work with Mayor Gainey to help implement the 100 Days of Transit Platform recommendations that the County and PRT can assist with such as incentivizing municipalities to put in place pro-transit zoning reforms, using Allegheny County Economic Development to fund on-street transit improvements such as priority lanes and signaling, and others. These steps would go a long way towards improving and expanding service in my first year in office.
Michael Lamb: I believe that Allegheny County needs and deserves a world-class public transit system that keeps all of our communities connected, helps drive the engine of our economic development, and helps attract and retain workers and businesses as we continue to grow. My vision for our system, at its most basic level, is that everyone in Allegheny County should be able to reliably get anywhere they need to go in the county-–to work, to see a doctor, to get groceries, to visit friends and family-–in a reasonable time, with reasonable convenience, for a price they can afford. And I believe that the workers who keep that system running should be paid well and receive good benefits. That should be the goal, and as County Executive I will work towards making that goal a reality while prioritizing improved services and greater affordability for those members of our communities who are most in need and most reliant on public transportation.
William Parker: As County Executive my vision for restoring and expanding transit services is updating the bus schedules to real times, delays, and potential road closures.
John Weinstein: An accessible Allegheny County is how we grow Allegheny County. One of my greatest priorities has and always will be to grow this region to the greatest extent possible, and an important part of that is comprehensive transit coverage that enables our neighbors to readily access work, schools, stores, physicians, and all of life’s daily needs. Accomplishing that goal requires a proactive effort to seek out public input. We must engage at all local levels to determine what those local needs are in order to build plans that are not only efficient but also effective.
2. If you were the County Executive, would you commit to ensuring that the Department of Human Services discount fare program pilot becomes a permanent zero fare program for all SNAP/EBT households in Allegheny County? How would you ensure that DHS has sufficient resources to sustainably run the full program?
Dave Fawcett: Yes. As for sustainability of funding solutions, I would encourage and negotiate with employers and non-profits to supplement or fully pay for fares incurred by their students, patients and employees. Paying for public transportation as part of an employee’s compensation package is an idea that has been implemented in the past and should be implemented on a large scale. There are many other creative solutions for ensuring funding for such a needed and worthwhile program as the zero fare proposal for SNAP/EBT households.
Sara Innamorato: Absolutely. I am a huge supporter of this program and will immediately work with DHS and PRT to make it permanent and even expand eligibility. We need to restore ridership on PRT to obtain more federal funding. This program is one of the keys to doing that and would eventually pay for itself. I am committed to making the program both permanent and sustainable. One example is that by putting up just $4 million more in matching funds from county government every year, we could unlock an additional $30 million in funding for DHS from the state. This would more than cover the cost of an expanded, permanent program. We must great creative with the funding we pursue to sustain this vital program.
Michael Lamb: Yes, I would commit to working towards turning the discount fair pilot program into a zero fare program for all SNAP/EBT households in Allegheny County. DHS is almost half the budget of the 3 billion dollar budget of the county. There are enough funds as it stands, but we could be better using those funds. I’m confident that we can bring together all policymakers and stakeholders to find creative solutions to address our transit funding challenges while ensuring that the neediest members of our communities have full and free access to our public transit system.
William Parker: I would first like to review the data and conduct a survey before I commit to making a decision that will be permanent. However, I do believe the current pilot is a great program that gives us an opportunity to evaluate how attractive discounted fares can be to riders who take advantage of them to get to work, hospital appointments and the grocery store.
John Weinstein: I think this program is so important. It’s empowerment. It’s how we help to build people and families up. I want to help this community match its great potential, and means ensuring all have the ability to access their needs. Opportunities exist to utilize private-public partnerships to fund this program, to help people, and to make sure our residents can get to where they need to go. I look forward to the chance to build those bridges.
3. As County Executive, how will you ensure that developers in Allegheny County are building more affordable housing near great public transit?
Dave Fawcett: I would seek to encourage the passage of local zoning ordinance changes that would facilitate and in place require affordable housing. I would not tolerate economic incentives (such as TIFs) without requiring accompanying affordable housing. Finally, I would encourage PRT investment in better facilities and stops near actual and potential affordable housing sites.
Sara Innamorato: Incentivizing transit-oriented development is critical to rebuild ridership for PRT, meet our climate goals, create vibrant communities, and open up greater access for people who choose not to own a car or cannot afford one. I have worked with stakeholders to explore the ways in which the state can support transit-oriented development that includes mixed-income housing and amenities. I will double down on that strategy when I’m in office. I will also work with staff at PRT to re-prioritize TOD through their planning and real estate divisions. PRT could be doing much more to advance the issue, such as ground leases for development that require TOD and housing affordability. I will instruct Allegheny County Economic Development and other county entities that interact with developers to build TOD requirements into their funding guidelines and to host information sessions with all developers about how to do TOD well.
Michael Lamb: We need to think of public transit development as community development, because our public transit is truly a lifeline for many. I believe that transit-oriented development should be a cornerstone of our future economic development priorities in Allegheny County. As we continue to grow and attract a new generation of people who value high-quality public transportation options, I think it is in developers’ best interests-–and the public’s-–to increase transit-oriented development, and I fully support incentives and requirements to significantly increase affordable housing development as part of those efforts.
William Parker: As County Executive, I would work with developers and make sure there are guidelines in place before any contracts are approved.
John Weinstein: Public transit is an incredible resource for Pittsburgh, for Allegheny County, and for this entire region. It is imperative that we maximize its utility. That begins with talking with community leaders, neighbors, and developers and translating their feedback into a cohesive strategy that lead to thoughtful plans and tangible results. The trend of population loss locally is a problem, and while we have succeeded in many other ways, one we can clearly improve on in order to retain local and attract external talent is to regularly listen to those that rely on these systems and adapt as necessary. Rebuilding our infrastructure for better reliability, stabilizing routes, and accounting for usage all must be seriously evaluated, and done so quickly.
4. How will you ensure that transit riders have a meaningful voice and decision making power at the highest level of Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)?
Dave Fawcett: I would be sure to appoint riders to the PRT Board. I would have public hearings and make inquiries. Most importantly, I would insist that PRT make changes in routes, facilities and programs as suggested by transit riders for the purpose and with the effect of increasing ridership.
Sara Innamorato: The first step is more riders and operators on the PRT board, which I will move on immediately. PRT also needs a much more robust public engagement strategy that provides more opportunity for constant feedback from riders and operators and actions to implement that feedback. Right now the organization feels very closed off to input from those most impacted by their decisions, which isn’t good for PRT and certainly isn’t good for riders and operators. I will work with PPT and others to set up regular meetings between PRT ridership and PPT membership as a starting point, and we can build better engagement systems together.
Michael Lamb: I really enjoyed the ride-along on the 61C and I myself use our buses frequently. I believe the County Executive should do regular ride-alongs to have a hands-on experience of our transit systems. I have always prioritized transparency, inclusiveness and accountability throughout my career, and will continue to do so as County Executive. I believe the people who use and rely on public transit every day-–as well as the workers who keep our transit system running every day-–are some of the best resources we have to understand where our system is succeeding, where we are failing, and where we need to improve. I will ensure that PRT leadership and leaders across county government have regular opportunities to hear from transit riders and workers so that their input can help inform the work we do and hold us accountable as we do it.
William Parker: I would invest in new technology and add rating features on the bus for transit riders to give real-time feedback from their everyday experiences.
John Weinstein: This is one of the most critical factors facing our public transit system. The reality is that many charged with developing plans do not utilize them on a regular basis, and so cannot wholly appreciate the existing situation. That is why we must emphasize the voices of local users, and why we must come to them. We need listening sessions that identify systemic problems and coverage gaps. The best voices to speak those concerns are those that use the system for their everyday needs, and I plan to go far and wide to hear those concerns.
5. What ideas do you have for increasing the amount of regional funding going to PRT?
Dave Fawcett: Seek partial funding from employers and non-profit organizations (see above); otherwise, the Drink Tax has been a good supplement to funding and I would be willing to explore other such creative solutions if the need arises.
Sara Innamorato: We need local funding streams, and I have a few ideas for how to make that happen. One is fees assessed on ridesharing rides that would go into a new fund to support public transit. We need state-enabling legislation to do this, and I have the relationships to get that done. We also need to look at our current local funding streams, such as the poured drink tax and RAD to ensure that those are being used to their fullest potential to support PRT’s most critical needs. I will also coordinate with Mayor Gainey on how to make sure the region’s largest corporations and massive non-profits are paying their fair share, either through taxes or PILOT agreements.
Michael Lamb: I think we have a lot of opportunities to leverage state and federal funding, along with greater contributions from corporations and our largest employers, to increase regional transit funding. It will be one of my priorities to pursue those opportunities as we look to make major transit infrastructure investments across the county. I would also welcome your input on any ideas or solutions to help expand PRT funding so we can address the challenges we face and build the world class transit system that we need and deserve in Allegheny County.
William Parker: I would partner with corporations, local businesses, and nonprofits throughout the region.
John Weinstein: One main driver is to continue identifying means to promote internal efficiencies so as to maximize the reach of operating revenues, such as expanding the fleet’s transition to electric buses. Additionally, I would call for an allocation increase from the Allegheny Regional Asset District.
6. As County Executive, how will you ensure that corporations and large employers in Allegheny County provide more funding for our transit system?
Dave Fawcett: See answer to #2 above. I think there is also potential for corporations, specifically tech-based ones, to make contributions to public transportation through consulting services to improve the digital functionality of our public transportation.
Sara Innamorato: One early opportunity is to fully implement a bulk pass discount program to get large employers to pre-pay for transit passes for their employees. This would provide new, sustainable, reliable revenue streams for PRT as well as help to rebuild ridership. I will also explore the feasibility of a Commuter Benefits Ordinance such as the one passed and deployed in Seattle. Additionally, as noted above, I will seek PILOT payments or additional taxes from large employers and non-profits to invest in PRT and support system expansion. Large employers need a strong, reliable public transit system, and they should be contributing more to it.
Michael Lamb: I have spent my career standing up to large corporations who try to cut corners when it comes to doing their fair share for our community. But as much as we need regulation and enforcement, the County Executive needs to have a strong relationship with our largest employers so that they can help the develop opportunities to further invest in the communities their employees work and live, starting with public transportation. I fully support requiring corporations and our largest employers to pay their fair share and contribute to our communities. Many of our largest employers would simply not have a workforce if it were not for the public transit system that their workers rely on every day. They stand to benefit from a high-quality transit system that helps attract and retain talent from across the country. so it is more than reasonable to expect corporations and large employers to more fully invest in our transit system. I am committed to ensuring that they do so.
William Parker: I would consider implementing a public mobility tax.
John Weinstein: As the County Treasurer for more than two decades, I’ve had the great fortune to develop relationships throughout this region and the country. We have companies looking to build right here, but they need the requisite infrastructure to attract employees. Accessible and efficient transit is one of the things topping that list. I can draw on those relationships to make sure that as we build back our infrastructure, public transportation is one of the top priorities.
7. As County Executive, how will you ensure that both language access and disability access are central considerations in all the programs and agencies that they are overseeing?
Dave Fawcett: I would insist on it. I would seek to appoint a member of the Board to represent the interests of the disability community and other minority populations.
Sara Innamorato: I helped form the Welcoming PA caucus in the General Assembly and have worked directly on these issues as a State Representative. Through our work, we had Democratic Caucus leadership dedicate resources for translation services for our district office and materials. We MUST have full language access for all public materials and systems, and we have the tools to do it; it just takes political will. Spanish-speaking and Mandarin-speaking immigrants are some of the fastest-growing populations in our region, and we must support them and other immigrants more fully. I will create a new position at PRT focused on language accessibility so that there is staff dedicated to working on getting this done. The same goes for disability access. We must prioritize universal design as the starting point for all new projects and invest in retrofitting existing stations, bus stops, shelters, and other infrastructure to comply with the principles of universal design.
Michael Lamb: I have always prioritized accessibility in all government services, and I believe that diversity is a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and develop in Allegheny County. I will work to ensure that no one in our communities is ever excluded from fully accessing any government service because of a disability, a language barrier, or any other reason, and I believe any investments we make to achieve that goal will more than pay for themselves.
William Parker: Train bus drivers to actively look for creative ways to engage with everyone, always be open for questions and concerns. Additionally, I will always consider both language barriers and disability barriers when making critical decisions around them.
John Weinstein: Every person deserves dignity. Whether you are a new neighbor in our community or require physical accommodations, you must be able to access vital public resources such as transit and many others. We’re a melting pot. We invite and welcome individuals of all backgrounds, which is a large part of what allows it to excel. Promoting inclusivity has been and always will be a staple of my role as a public official.
image description: cutouts of the faces of John Weinstein, Michael Lamb, Sara Innamorato, and David Fawcett are superimposed over a Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus. The text reads “These candidates rode the bus with us”.
Recently, a number of the candidates for the office of Allegheny County Executive office took up Pittsburghers for Public Transit’s offer to ride a bus route and hear about the issues that transit riders experience daily. PPT invited every candidate for the county executive office to join in the bus ride-along. Four of them, Attorney David Fawcett, State Representative Sara Innamorato, Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb and Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein, were able to participate.
On their trips, they were able to speak with PPT members and partners, along with several people enrolled in the low-income fares pilot currently underway in the county. Each candidate was able to hear personal stories from different perspectives. The rides were long enough – an hour or more – to give PPT Organizer Cheryl Stephens time to touch on all the transit issues facing Pittsburgh riders.
This was a great opportunity for riders to connect with the candidates and for those candidates that participated to learn first-hand about the challenges our transit system faces. The incoming county executive, whoever he or she will be, will make the decisions, appoint the Pittsburgh Regional Transit board members, and set the policies that determine the future of public transportation here in Pittsburgh.
Candidates had the opportunity to respond to questions at the end of the ride.
Candidate David Fawcett and his aide, Ally Derubeis, met with PPT at the McCandless Park-and Ride.
Candidate David Fawcett (left) stands near a medal shelter at the McCandless Park and Ride stop on a cloudy Monday, and speaks with Sherai Richardson (center foreground) about low income fares pilot.
David spoke with PPT Member Sherai Richardson, who is participating in the reduced fare pilot program. Ms. Richardson outlined how this program has changed her day-to-day life – allowing her to save money, have far easier access to healthcare for herself and her family, see new opportunities and experiences available to her children, and enjoy significantly more independence. Sherai made a powerful case for having the program become permanent at the end of the pilot.
PRT operator Sue Scanlon (right) leans forward in her on the 12 McKnight bus discusses driver issues with David Fawcett listening in (middle).
Sue Scanlon, Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus operator and PPT Board Member spoke to David in detail about the worker shortage and scheduling issues affecting the transit system. Sue has a unique perspective on how these issues hamper drivers like herself and riders as they navigate the transit system. She made it clear that these concerns are among the most serious to faced by transit workers and riders alike that need to be addressed quickly.
David Fawcett (left), Cheryl Stephens (center), listen to Alisa Grishman (right) discuss the necessity public transit for disabled riders’ mobility and need for safer crossing, sidewalk, and bus stop infrastructure.
PPT Member Alisa Grishman, regular transit rider and head of Access Mob Pittsburgh, a disability rights organization, highlighted the shortcomings in infrastructure and service that limit the mobility of so many in Pittsburgh’s disability community.
End of ride wrap-up
PPT: “What was your impression of today’s ride-along?”
David Fawcett: “That’s a great experience…really informative, particularly the explanation of the importance of bus ridership for low income families. It’s a priority to increase ridership and users of the bus system. We really should be having free fares for people with lesser means…There’s many, many creative options that allow the funding for this sort of program.”
PPT: “Was there anything new that you learned on today’s ride?”
David Fawcett: “This experience reinvigorated me, increased my drive that I already had to improve public transportation…the critical need of public transportation and principally for people of lesser means and in communities where they might not simply need to get to town, but need to get to a job site or get to a doctor’s appointment.”
David Fawcett and intern Ally, standing at a bus shelter in Downtown, Pittsburgh and smiling with PPT Ride-along delegation. Alisa Grishman and Cheryl Stephens are holding signs from PPT saying “This Bus Is For All of Us!”
Candidate Rep. Sara Innamorato along with aide Olivia Settle met up with the delegation from Pittsburghers for Public Transit at the Lincoln Loop for the ride downtown.
Rep. Sara Innamorato (left) listens to transit rider Sherai Richardson (right) about low-income fare pilot program’s impact at the Lincoln-Loop bus stop in Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar.
Rep. Innamorato also had the opportunity to hear from Sherai Richardson about the life improvements she and her family have seen from the low-income fare pilot. Ms. Richardson underscored the importance of making the program permanent and how it would improve the lives of so many of her neighbors.
Ms. Verna Johnson (left) across from Rep. Innamorato (right) and conveys the reduction of service in her community.
Ms. Teaira Collins (center) discusses inequity infrastructure sidewalks, location of shelters, and consequences of disinvestment in transit dependent neighborhoods, while Cheryl Stephens (right) takes notes.
PPT members and long-time transit riders Ms. Verna Johnson and Ms. Teaira Collins were both able to give their perspectives on how the transit system has changed. Ms. Johnson, who lives in Larimer, described how transit functions as a lifeline to her entire community.
PRT Supervising Instructor Sasha Craig speaks across the bus with the group on the demands placed PRT frontline workforce, including scheduling constraints and need for hiring.
Transit Supervising Instructor Sasha Craig filled Rep. Innamorato in on the difficulties and limitations presented by the worker shortage as well as how drivers are stretched to the limit by scheduling.
End of ride wrap-up
PPT: “What was your impression of today’s ride-along?”
Rep. Sara Innamorato: “You really see the difference from neighborhood to neighborhood in terms of availability of shelters, quality of sidewalks…We need to make sure that we’re investing in this really great public asset…That’s not only an economic development tool, but it is a lifeline for people. This is a valuable resource we need to prioritize investing in.”
PPT: “Was there anything new that you learned on today’s ride?”
Rep. Sara Innamorato: “I really appreciated hearing directly from one of the bus drivers on how to get more people into the workforce. The next county executive [needs to work] creatively on how they can partner.”
Rep. Sara Innamorato (right), smiling with Ms. Teaira Collins (center), and Community Organizer Cheryl Stephens left) following the PPT ride-along in Downtown, Pittsburgh.
Candidate Michael Lamb met part of the PPT delegation at the McKeesport transportation center. The other members were delayed when ripple effects from an accident on the parkway east snarled traffic throughout the east end. We met the 61C en route at one of the more dangerous bus stops in the county. A lesson about our car-centric transportation system in itself.
Ms. Teaira Collins (right) converses with Michael Lamb (leaning in on the left) on the 61C on how many people rely of transit in the Mon Valley, including her family members.
Ms. Teaira Collins and Ms. Clara Weibel, riders and PPT members, gave Mr. Lamb a thorough understanding of how bus service has declined over the years in that area. Ms. Teaira also demonstrated the strong community nature of transit when she greeted so many friends who happened to be on that bus.
The bus operator who was part of the PPT delegation was able to inform Candidate Lamb about the difficulties in addressing the driver shortage.
Candidate Lamb on crowded 61C
As the bus rode through Homestead, which has the largest percentage of transit dependent riders in the state of PA, Candidate Lamb got to see how the bus filled to overcrowding.
End of ride wrap-up:
PPT: “What was your impression of today’s ride-along?”
Michael Lamb: “We saw today bus overcrowding…through all these river towns from McKeesport all the way up to Oakland and the critical need that it (transit) serves. Also just the discussion we had around infrastructure, around access and even just basic sidewalks. I think was a great conversation.”
PPT: “Was there anything new that you learned on today’s ride?”
Michael Lamb: “Obviously we knew there was a manpower need. What I didn’t realize was the lack of communication and marketing around hiring…getting out there and recruiting new drivers, new operators, new employees”
County Executive candidate John Weinstein arrives at McKeesport Transportation Center
Candidate John Weinstein along with his aide, Amanda Horn, met with the group from PPT at the McKeesport Transportation Center.
John Weinstein (center) introduces himself to Antonia Guzman (center foreground) as Laura Chu Wiens (right) translates their conversation on fare affordability.
The candidate had an opportunity to hear from rider Antonia Guzman about the positive effects the low-income fares pilot has had in the life of her and her daughter. She was also able to make candidate aware of the multi-language translation shortcomings in the transit system has.
John Weinstein (right) with Sasha Craig (left) seating on the bus discussing bus operator recruitment
Operator Instructor Supervisor, Sasha Craig, made the case for better worker recruitment to address the driver shortage.
John Weinstein with Ms. Teaira Collins
Ms. Teaira Collins, long-time rider and PPT member, gave Mr. Weinstein the benefit of her multi-decade experience with public transportation in that specific area.
End of ride wrap-up:
PPT: “What was your impression of today’s ride-along?”
John Weinstein: “This was a fantastic experience. I’m 100% committed to our infrastructure and public transit. It takes understanding the plight of people and being able to help them. Everyone should be safe first and foremost. The bus stop should be safe. The sidewalks, the infrastructure.
PPT: “Was there anything new that you learned on today’s ride?”
John Weinstein: “I learned about the main lines and how accessible they need to be for people. We need more drivers. We need more maintenance people. We need more people to take care of the bus shelters and the sidewalks and the infrastructure. This was a very enlightening opportunity”
John Weinstein smiling with PPT Ride-along delegation in front of a CONNECTCard machine at the Atwood bus stop in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh
