[PRCo] ({[pat]})

Sun May 21 03:41:47 EDT 2006

Subject: Pittsburgh - Transit system must be better connected, survey says

Pittsburgh Business Times

Transit system must be better connected, study says Pittsburgh Business Times - 2:55 PM EDT Friday
by Jennifer Curry

Local community leaders on Friday released the final version of a study that looks at what steps the region needs to take to plan for future public transportation needs. 

The study, titled "A Regional Strategic Vision for Public Transportation Serving Southwestern Pennsylvania," suggests that the region needs to follow a focused growth plan that looks to create a better-connected region through public transportation. 

"The message is about long-term planning," said James Hassinger, executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. "We have to look much further ahead than next year alone if we are going to plan a significant improvement in our transportation resources." 

One suggestion is creating a transit network for the entire region that would help link the areas 10 transit systems together. Other suggestions include adding more than 40 miles of light rail transit in the region, creating four commuter rail routes to outlying areas, and identifying where transit development should take place. 

It also calls for the creation of more transit-oriented development around transit stops and adding park 'n ride facilities. 

Full implementation of the vision would increase ridership by 55 percent, from 262,000 current riders daily to 408,000, it is estimated. It is estimated to cost about $9.5 billion, which would come from state, local and federal government sources as well as the private sector. 

"We hope it will continue to create conversation," said Caren Glotfelty, director of the Heinz Endowments' Environment Program. "The voices are getting louder about smart growth." 

jcurry at bizjournals.com | (412) 481-6397 x235

URL is:

http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2006/05/15/daily43.html

Subject: Pittsburgh - Port Authority $31.5M short

Port Authority $31.5M short - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

      Port Authority $31.5M short
      By Jim Ritchie
      TRIBUNE-REVIEW
      Saturday, May 20, 2006 

      Port Authority of Allegheny County on Friday proposed adopting a $347.5 million budget with a $31.5 million deficit. 

      Authority board members are counting on Gov. Ed Rendell and lawmakers to help erase the shortfall so the transit agency does not have to raise fares or cut routes. 

      "It's a budget that assumes we'll get more money from the state," said CEO Dennis Veraldi. "I don't know what the governor's planning to do, and I don't know what the Legislature's planning to do." 

      Lawmakers intend to consider recommendations from Rendell's special Transportation Funding and Reform Commission, which was formed last year to offer possible solutions for transportation problems in the state, including growing annual deficits at Port Authority and its Philadelphia counterpart, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. 

      In 2005, Rendell diverted more than $400 million in highway construction money to plug budget gaps at the two agencies through this year. 

      Veraldi has said the Port Authority has enough money to continue operating through 2006, but not beyond January 2007. 

      "Everyone knew this day would be coming," said Rendell spokeswoman Kate Philips. "The governor proposed a solution to transit funding challenges a year and a half ago that the General Assembly didn't pass, so he moved funding to the agencies in need to keep them afloat while a transportation commission ... proposes long-term solutions." 

      The agency's proposed budget includes about $225 million in grants from local, state and federal sources. Nearly $91 million is generated by the authority, mostly revenue from fares. 

      The authority's greatest expenses are payroll and benefits, accounting for $255.1 million, or 73 percent of all spending. 

      Diesel fuel costs are rising and likely will go higher in September when a federal regulation requires transit agencies to begin using a cleaner, ultra-low sulfur fuel. The new fuel costs about 10 cents more a gallon than standard diesel. Port Authority projects spending $23.4 million on fuel in 2007 -- an average of $2.52 a gallon. It is on track to spend $18 million this year at $1.94 a gallon. 

      In other business, the Port Authority: 

      • Proposed spending $46 million to rehabilitate 15 light-rail cars on the T system. 

      • Announced plans to have all new buses painted with one of nine colors. The agency wants to phase out the current paint scheme, including the catchy phrases that decorate many buses. New buses are scheduled to begin arriving in July. 

      • Said it plans to ask other agencies for help overhauling the Monongahela and Duquesne Heights inclines, which could cost up to $40 million. Because of the inclines' tourist value, the authority will seek assistance from groups like the Regional Asset District, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. 

      • Reported that average weekday ridership increased in April by 0.91 percent compared to a year ago, from 243,115 to 245,329 riders. The T carried an average 872 more riders each day, a 3.5 percent jump. Bus ridership increased by 1,447 riders, or 0.7 percent. 

      Jim Ritchie can be reached at jritchie at tribweb.com or (412) 320-7933. 

      URL is:

      http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_454753.html