On Friday, the Port Authority Board of Directors is expected to approve a new contract with… On Friday, the Port Authority Board of Directors is expected to approve a new contract with the University extending the free mass transit service that Pitt students, faculty and staff currently enjoy through the 2005-06 school year.

The Pitt News applauds the University and PAT for reaching this agreement. The free-ride program is not only a convenience for those who take advantage of it, but it has also helped alleviate parking and traffic problems in Oakland and throughout the city.

PAT receives only roughly half of its funding from rider fees