[PRCo] Public Transportation in Pittsburgh from 1908 to 2008

[Barry, Matthew R]

October 5, 2008 | Volume 5, Issue 3<http://journal.heinz.cmu.edu/issue/5/3/>
Then and Now:
Public Transportation in Pittsburgh from 1908 to 2008

by Peter Bird
Abstract
Pittsburgh's public transportation system dates back to the beginning of the 20th century during the bustling years of the steel industry. The system has evolved over the years in response to changes in population, finances and technology. By comparing the studies and recommendations for future development done in the early years with opportunities and challenges faced by the system today, this paper shows that the issues identified long ago are still not completely resolved.

"...because there is no local competition, the Port Authority has little incentive to improve its service. Innovations in organizational structure and culture, such as the geographical segmentation of Phoenix into separate transit companies or the move in New York City to give individual subway line managers greater autonomy over the operation of their lines (Neuman, 2007) are attempting to reintroduce competition into what are essentially monopoly services. The Port Authority seems to have some of this structure set up already in regard to separate divisions and local autonomy, but the culture of competition between divisions is absent."

Here is the link for the full article:

http://journal.heinz.cmu.edu/articles/then-and-now/

Matt