Pittsburgh To See Massive Transit Service Cuts, Fare Hike

PITTSBURGH, PA — Citing a lack of state funding, Pittsburgh Regional Transit on Thursday announced a planned 35 percent service reduction that would go into effect next February.

Also planned is a 25-cent base fare increase to $3, making it among the most expensive in the country. ACCESS, Pittsburgh Regional Transit's contracted paratransit service would see a 62 percent reduction in its service area and a 20 percent increase in fares.

Terming the cuts "brutal," transit agency officials said the moves are necessary to counter a $100 million deficit.

"This truly is a sad day for our region. Public transit is a lifeline for communities throughout and we are not taking this proposal lightly," authority CEO Katharine Kelleman said. "We have warned that we would face service cuts and fare increases without new funding for the past year, and we remain committed to continuing to fight for the service Allegheny County deserves."

The changes, which the agency's board of directors likely will approve next week, include:

• The elimination of 40 bus routes and the Silver Line.
• Service reductions on 53 bus routes and the Red Line..
• The elimination of service entirely for 19 Allegheny County municipalities and three Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
• No service after 11 p.m.
• No funding to support extra service for sporting events, concerts, and the 2026 NFL Draft.

If the plans are approved by the board, the agency would begin soliciting public feedback on March 31 and hold three public hearings in May, and June before the board adopts next year's budget, which begins in July.

Encouraging all riders and stakeholders to participate in the public comment process, Kelleman said, "We hope that our voices are heard in the state Capital and we're able to bring greater investment to public transit back home.”

Nineteen municipalities in Allegheny, Beaver, and Westmoreland counties — including Ambridge, Ben Avon, East McKeesport, Glenfield, and Trafford — and the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Banksville, Ridgemont, and Swisshelm Park — would lose service altogether. The 28X-Airport Flyer would terminate in Carnegie.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit would also close two bus garages, the Wabash Tunnel, and 10 park-and-ride lots. The Bus Line Redesign, which PRT had hoped would increase transit access and improve efficiency, would not be implemented.

Details on the proposed changes can be found here.