Pittsburgh Regional Transit has approved a 2026 budget with deep service cuts and fare increases to close a $119 million shortfall before a critical deadline. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Pittsburgh Transit Cuts Approved in New Budget Amid Crisis
Photo: Pittsburgh Regional Transit

Starting in February, transit service will drop by 35%, and base fares will rise to $3. The agency will also eliminate late-night operations and reduce its workforce by 38%, impacting hundreds of jobs.

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The adopted plan shuts down 12 light rail stations and removes one light rail line entirely. Moreover, 41 bus routes and special services for events such as NFL games will be discontinued.

State Aid Could Prevent Pittsburgh Transit Cuts

The cuts will leave 19 communities without public transit, but officials remain hopeful. A bill offering $290 million in statewide transit aid has passed the House and awaits Senate action.

That proposal also includes $500 million for roads. If passed, the new funding could reverse the Pittsburgh service cuts, but only if lawmakers act before September.

CEO Katharine Eagan Kelleman emphasized the urgency, saying, “These decisions are painful, but we are not done fighting. There is still time to find a solution.”

Pittsburgh Agency Balances Budget to Avoid Federal Grant Loss

PRT had to adopt a balanced budget by June 30 to retain vital federal funds. Failing to meet the deadline would have jeopardized grants essential to daily operations and long-term projects.

The agency followed the same path as SEPTA in Philadelphia, which recently passed a similar austerity plan to address its $117 million deficit. Both systems now rely on state lawmakers for relief.

Although the Pittsburgh board approved the cuts, members can still halt them in September if new funding becomes available. Until then, the transit system remains in limbo.

Source: www.trains.com

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