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Nov 16, 2007 2:02 pm US/Eastern
Port Authority Recommends 25 Cent Fare Increase
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Port Authority management recommended a 25 cent fare increase for bus and trolley riders today at a meeting.
If the increase is approved the rate increases would take effect in January.
The fare increase marks the second phase needed to off-set a multi-million dollar budget deficit. Back in June, the Port Authority put a 15 percent cut in service into place.
"Transit systems really have to look more frequently and more regularly at their pricing structures and making sure that the share the passengers are paying keeps pace with inflation," said Port Authority CEO, Steve Bland. "If adopted by the full board, what this resolution would require us to do as staff is formally come back at least every other year and say this is what we need to do with fares to keep pace."
Here is a breakdown of the Port Authority's proposed changes
:
Downtowner Zone
$1.50 (up from $1.25)
Zone 1
$2.00 (up from $1.75)
Zone 2
$2.60 (up from $2.25)
Zone 3
$3.25(up from $2.75)
An official meeting is set for Wednesday to vote on the changes.
KDKA's Jim Lokay reports that there is a way to avoid the cut by buying an annual pass for next year by December 7th. Officials with Allegheny County said they will lock in the rate.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details.
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