Allegheny County Port Authority survey

[illusionofjoy]

If you live in metro Pittsburgh and ride the bus or the T, you'll probably want to fill out this survey. No guarantees that anyone will pay attention, but here's what I typed into the "Suggestions for improvement" box:

There is really not much that can be done, given the fact that dirtbag Republicans from rural Pennsylvania are actively hostile towards the idea of adequately funding mass transit. Furthermore, local politicians (i.e.: Dan Onorato with his draconian mantra of "right-sizing") aren't much help either.

Still, given the circumstances, reforms need to be made. A few ideas:

1.) Do not increase fares. Only a small percentage of the Port Authority operating budget comes from the collection of patron fares. At $60, a monthly pass is already ridiculously overpriced and any increase would serve to drive people to their motor vehicles and the mercy of overcrowded streets and overpriced parking. What should be done is an abolition of zone pricing; no downtown free zone and no increased fees for travelling outside of zone one or during rush hour. A $60 pass should cover all parts of the route system. Furthermore, those without passes should pay a flat fee when boarding (preferably an even amount such as $2.00, so as to prevent passengers from holding up the boarding process due to "change fumbling").

2.) Merge the routes that are being cut. For every route that is being done away way, rather than leave a gap, the routes it may have been redundant with (the 61 and 71 buses of Fifth and Forbes are a perfect example of this) should fill that gap.

3.) Trim the fat in management. This should be obvious, but I'll state it for the record: certain Port Authority executives have obscene pension plans - especially for people working in a public service sector like mass transit. Give these "trust fund babies" a spanking and make them live more like the common people who have no choice but to ride the bus.

4.) Restructure the route system and methods of transit to last well into the future. While this idea is for the long run and will likely never come to fruition due to lack of funding, it is my opinion that future Port Authority projects should focus on investments in expanding the light rail system. The North Shore connector, while it may ultimately be too little too late, is nonetheless an example of a good start to such a project. Unlike a bus, once a rail line is built it is difficult to reroute, thus encouraging developers who wish to be assured that transit options will be in place for the future. Furthermore, light rail removed vehicles from the roads, easing congestion more than buses. Finally, as the trams run on electricity, less air pollution is produced within the city. So, I dare say, should the opportunity arise, revive the Oakland "Spine Line" and extend the North Shore Connector all the way to the airport (with a spur to Cranberry, while you're at it).

Comments

[crashzero.livejournal.com]

I agree completely

[bonamoz.livejournal.com]

I agree fully. There is a bus that goes to Cranberry (via McKnight Road), but it runs weird hours. I've personally never taken it. I'm not even sure if that was one of the routes being cut.

I miss the "Ride-All-Day on Saturdays for $3" pass. That was truely awesome - even more so when the driver would let you use it at 7am on Sunday morning. :-P