Pittsburgh Regional Transit plans catastrophic service cuts and fare hikes

In early 2025, the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) agency announced plans for drastic reductions in public transportation services due to significant financial difficulties. PRT leaders articulated that the agency is facing a substantial budgetary shortfall of approximately $1.8 billion over the next decade, with existing state funding not meeting the operational needs required to sustain current services. Currently, Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro has suggested a $40 million annual funding boost; however, PRT's CEO Katharine Kelleman emphasized the need for an increase to $117 million annually to maintain acceptable service levels. As the agency's financial situation worsens, PRT's proposed measures include a 35% cut to bus and light rail services, which is set to take effect in February 2026. This service reduction would eliminate entire bus routes and the light rail Silver Line, severely impacting residents' access to key destinations such as schools, jobs, grocery stores, and hospitals. The cuts would translate into a loss of public transit access for 180,000 residents and 50,000 jobs in Allegheny County, fundamentally altering the landscape of transportation in the region. The community response has been overwhelmingly concerned, with advocates arguing that these cuts would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on paratransit services. Additionally, the planned service cuts could further disrupt local economies as public transport is vital for residents to commute to work and access essential services. Transit supporters worry that the loss of service will lead to increased car dependency among many riders, which has significant implications for sustainability and urban mobility. PRT would also face operational challenges, resulting in potential layoffs and scaled back bus services. Activists and local leaders stress the importance of securing additional state funding to avert these drastic changes and advocate for the restoration of previous service levels. In the face of chronic underfunding and rising operating costs, PRT plans to implement these changes unless sufficient state financial support is secured to stabilize its services and maintain effective public transportation within the region.