Pennsylvania Senate Democrats hold hearing on future of mass transit
Senate Democrats held a hearing Tuesday on the future of mass transit in Pennsylvania.
The hearing comes as Pittsburgh Regional Transit leaders say are facing a projected $100 million deficit next year and may be forced to take drastic steps, including by raising fares and making major service cuts.
PRT says the projected deficit could grow even higher without more help from the state.
"This is something we're focused on," said Sen. Jay Costa. "This is a high priority for myself and my Senate Democratic colleagues and the House Democrats, as well. So we're going to work hard. We're going to work hard to bring this home and have a revenue stream/"
"This is the start of a hearing and that respect we can analyze what's wrong and what's happened, what's changed from 2013 until now and why there's so much more money needed," said Sen Wayne Fontana.
Senate Democrats say they're committed to finding solutions before major cuts are made.
Public comment period open on PRT's proposed cuts
A public comment period is open where people can let their voice be heard.
Emotions have been high since the proposal, which would cut nearly 1/3 of PRT's service came out and now the agency's leaders say they need feedback from the public to help get more funding from Harrisburg.
PRT has an online survey on its website along with a public comment inbox which you can be transferred to when calling the customer service number at 412-442-2000.
Paper comment forms can also be filled out and turned in at PRT's Downtown Service Center located at 623 Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Three public hearings will be held later this year where people can comment in person.
The hearings will be held on Tuesday, April 29 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, on Tuesday, May 6 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, and on Thursday, June 12 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
The hearings each day will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
