Allegheny County’s Port Authority Transit system’s new proposed downsizing could mean… Allegheny County’s Port Authority Transit system’s new proposed downsizing could mean disappointment for people who don’t have cars and for environmentally conscious students.

Port Authority CEO Steve Bland said that because of financial challenges such as the high costs of health care, pension and fuel, and funding sources that haven’t kept up with the pace of inflation, the transit system has no choice but to downsize in order to avoid collapse.

The Port Authority’s cuts could mean students will deal with longer waits at bus stops and more crowded rides. Proposed across-the-board fare increases also have the potential to increase Pitt students’ Security and Transportation Fees.

Pitt currently has an agreement with Port Authority that allows students, faculty and staff unlimited bus rides, paid for by the fee that is part of students’ bills.

“The current contract is up in July 2007, and there is language in it that says it’s subject to renegotiation if we ever raise fares. We have been in communication with the administration of the University, and those discussions will continue,” Port Authority spokesperson Carmen Bray said.

Officials from Pitt’s Department of Parking, Transportation and Services could not be reached for comment on the likelihood of Port Authority’s fares affecting tuition.

The Port Authority is making an effort to encourage public commentary, which they plan to take into account when making their final amendments.

Efforts began in November when, according to Port Authority’s Web site, they “began a new process of evaluating each bus and rail route in its system as a part of an effort to improve efficiency, manage costs, and prepare for service reductions.”

The process used a scorecard system to measure effectiveness, efficiency and equity of Port Authority routes.

After testing the design of the service scorecard through feedback obtained in five public workshops advertised in area newspapers and informational flyers, Port Authority revised the scorecard and put it to work to identify areas for revision.

The scorecard system’s results shaped the Port Authority’s final proposal, which includes: Reducing current service by 25 percent Eliminating 124 weekday, 59 Saturday and 39 Sunday bus and rail routes throughout the county Restructuring existing routes to modify frequency, routing and hours of operation Re-establishing two formerly discontinued routes Introducing a flat $2 fee, thus negating the current policy of differing zone prices (whereby the further you are from downtown Pittsburgh, the more it costs to ride the bus) Annual fare increases of an as-yet-undetermined increment between five and 10 cents, effective each year as of July 1 An initial $1 increase for ACCESS routes (serving the elderly and disabled) followed by a 25-cent increase every other year beginning in 2009

In a continuation of its efforts to consider public opinion, Port Authority has scheduled eight public hearings throughout the county and offered the public the option to comment by phone, e-mail or letter to addresses available on their Web site.

One of the first hearings is slated for Jan. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pitt’s Alumni Hall.

“There are changes coming to the Port Authority,” spokesperson Kevin Evanto said. “Routes will be scaled back and fares will go up, so we’re looking for a quality dialogue with riders. It’s not enough to just show up and say ‘I’m opposed.'”