Port Authority proposes extending routes to transit deserts!

Port Authority presented their preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 7/2015-7/2016 to the Board’s Planning and Stakeholder Relations Committee this morning. It includes 3.7 million dollars for adding service, which is approximately a 2% increase in service overall. This includes extending service on 4 routes. The routes include the 44 Knoxville to Baldwin, the 20 Kennedy to Groveton, the 56 Lincoln Place to Penn State McKeesport, and the 91 Butler to RIDC park.

Over the past year, Pittsburghers for Public Transit has supported community campaigns for service to the transit deserts in Baldwin and Groveton, and these proposed changes are a result of transit riders, workers, and residents coming together to advocate for the transit service they need and deserve. We are thrilled to see this impact, and we will continue to work to get adequate service to all communities.

Karen Smith, senior Baldwin resident, said “The Buses for Baldwin steering committee is proud of all the residents who gave their time and energy to help the Port Authority understand the importance of public transit in our community.”

The families in Groveton appreciate that Port Authority has listened to the word of the people,” said Darnell Jones, resident of Groveton. “If the proposed extension of the 20 is approved, people will be able to find jobs and get to the supermarket, other stores, and doctor’s appointments.”

The proposed changes will be voted on by the Port Authority Board in June, and if approved, would take effect in September of 2015.