This is big.
For the first time in recent history, Port Authority is planning to hold a series of community engagement sessions to hear directly from riders about some of the projects that they have planned. This is no doubt because riders like you have been vocal in saying that riders deserve to have a say in their transit system.
PAAC is currently doing a lot of work on a lot of different projects, and they’re opening the floor for riders to give feedback on all of them. During each session, PAAC staff will spend approximately 60 minutes presenting on current projects like:
- The Port Authority’s Long-Range Plan
- Fare Policy
- Bus stop consolidation program
- Mobile Fare Payment App
Afterward, there will be an hour for Q&A and riders will have a chance to go around the room Science-fair-style, learn more on each separate project and give feedback.
PPT is cautiously optimistic about this opportunity. Although it’s imperative that riders have a voice in this process, and we’re glad that PAAC is starting on this path, it will likely be difficult for riders to analyze AND give meaningful feedback on so many different projects at one time.
Port Authority has assured us that there will more opportunities for riders to give in-depth feedback on some of these programs before final decisions are made, HOWEVER…….
THIS MAY THE ONLY CHANCE FOR RIDERS TO TALK ABOUT FARE POLICY BEFORE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE- #FairFares NOW
These meetings are of utmost importance because these will be a critical opportunity for riders to be at the forefront of redesigning fare policy.
Port Authority is tied for the 3rd highest transit fare in the country! And for years, riders have been organizing for a more equitable, affordable fare policy – from community actions around decriminalizing fare enforcement, to rallies calling for free transfers, to petitions for Fare Capping and lower cash fares. Because of all this community pressure, PAAC hired a consultant last year to look at how the agency could possibly change its fare structure.
To capitalize on this crucial moment, the #FairFares Coalition is about to launch a Policy Platform that is the result of effort from thousands of riders and partner organizations. This platform puts out a vision for how to build a transit system that is affordable and accessible for everyone. Join the #FairFares coalition on February 4th, 9am, at South Ave & Hay St near MLK East Busway Wilkinsberg Station to launch this new campaign.
Review the #FairFares Coalition’s platform, and use these meetings to share your story about how a truly affordable, accessible fare policy would affect your life.
PAAC’s community engagement schedule for “Public Transit: A Community Discussion”
(see the full list on Facebook here)
(or on the Port Authority’s website here)
January 29, 2020
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
*East Lobby Entrance or Garage parking to 3rd Floor
9:00am-8:00pm
Session 1 9:00am-12:00pm
Session 2 1:00pm-4:00pm
Session 3 5:00pm-8:00pm
February 5, 2020
Kingsley Association
6435 Frankstown Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
5:00pm-8:00pm
February 12, 2020
Millvale Community Center
416 Lincoln Ave
Millvale, PA 15209
5:00pm-8:00pm
February 19, 2020
The Monroeville Convention Center
Ballroom
209 Mall Plaza Blvd
Monroeville, PA 15146
*Use South Hall Entrance
5:00pm-8:00pm
March 4, 2020
The McKeesport Palisades
100 5th Avenue
McKeesport, PA 15132
5:00pm-8:00pm
March 11, 2020
Pittsburgh Technical College
1111 McKee Road
Oakdale, PA 15071
*Entrance 4
5:00pm-8:00pm
March 18, 2020
Bethel Park Municipal Building
5100 W Library Ave
Bethel Park, PA 15102
5:00pm-8:00pm
April 1, 2020
Springdale Veterans Association
1151 Pittsburgh Street
Springdale, PA 15144
5:00pm-8:00pm
April 23, 2020
University of Pittsburgh Alumni Hall
Connolly Ballroom
4227 Fifth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
5:00pm-8:00pm