My name is Kelda Gorman, and I’m an activist member of Pittsburghers for Public Transit. This year, PPT launched its Visionary Transit Service campaign, which invites riders like you and me to reimagine what our transit system should be. I’m so excited to be part of this fight. Can I count on you to fight with me?
As a disabled rider who can’t drive for safety reasons, I’m highly reliant on Pittsburgh Regional Transit. For me and so many others the bus is not a convenience—it’s a necessity. If my bus doesn’t come, the lift doesn’t work, or the driver doesn’t know how to secure the safety restraints, I’m stuck. Literally. And even when all those factors fall into place, I’m still afraid for my safety.
I invest in PPT because I know our transit service can do better. PPT’s Visionary Transit Service campaign helps me dream big about:
- Efficiency: Buses should run frequently and on time, so we don’t have to “gamble at the bus stop” wondering when or if a bus will come
- Safety: All drivers should be fully trained in how to use wheelchair safety restraints and be empowered to safely intervene when a rider is being attacked
- Accessibility: PRT should maintain a large enough fleet of paratransit vehicles and drivers so folks like me can call for service one hour in advance, rather than the 24-48 hours required now.
I know this all takes money. But the secret is: our government HAS the money! It’s up to us to convince them to allocate it to PRT. I experienced this first hand when I joined PPT’s lobbying trip to Harrisburg this year. One of our elected representatives told us that hearing about transit troubles directly from constituents brought it home to him in a new way. We put a human face on this issue and helped him understand why we need a fully-funded, inclusive vision for public transit.
Join us as we Visualize and Mobilize for a community vision of what transit can and should be. The minimum cost of joining PPT is just $2.75, the same as one ride on PRT. And this year, the Posner Foundation has offered to match every contribution made during our Year End Member Drive up to $10,000. Turn your $100 into $200. Turn your $500 into $1,000!
Ride with us today, and make your donation monthly!