[PRCo] Re: Public Transportation in Pittsburgh from 1908 to 2008

[Edward H. Lybarger]

If it dates from the beginning of the 20th Century (and more particularly to
1908), what did we have from 1859 until then?  And how about the omnibuses
from the 1840s?

Mr. Bird seems to be starting his history on the wrong end if he likes the
idea of separate companies running things! 

-----Original Message-----
From: pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org
[mailto:pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org] On Behalf Of Barry,
Matthew R
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 1:42 PM
To: 'pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org'
Subject: [PRCo] Public Transportation in Pittsburgh from 1908 to 2008

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