PRT Restores Service, But Transit Fight Continues
Legislative Update from Senator Lindsey Williams, District 38.
Lindsay Williams, PA State Senate, District 38
Work on Transit Continues
Last week, the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Board voted to reverse proposed service cuts and maintain current fare levels. But this is a temporary fix. It is not a long-term, sustainable solution to our region’s—or Pennsylvania’s—public transit problems.
I first want to thank everyone who took the time to share your personal story about why public transit matters. Whether you spent valuable time waiting to testify at a PRT hearing, attended a rally, or contacted your legislator, your voice made a difference in this fight. This vote was only possible because of your advocacy.
Since I joined the PRT Board earlier this year, we have been in crisis mode as we have worked to stop PRT from entering a death spiral. Following today’s vote, I am looking forward to working strategically to build better public transit for all, and for advocating for what my constituents say they need.
That includes restoring services to parts of my Senate District back to 2019 levels. Too much of my district has been cut off from transit due to service cuts in previous years. It also includes improving the user experience for all PRT passengers—creating safe, accessible bus shelters and stops that meet the needs of all riders.
I am also focused on increasing public participation in PRT Board Meetings and our processes. This is the time for us to regroup and build the case that transit matters for all Pennsylvanians. Our work is not done, but I look forward to amplifying your voices here in Allegheny County and in Harrisburg.
Finally, I look forward to strengthening the relationships between PRT and our region’s large employers and their employees. Public transit is an incredible economic driver, getting people to work every day. Our employers are a critical ally in the fight to restore services, and I look forward to engaging with them to bring Transit for All Pennsylvanians!
If you were unable to attend last month’s meeting, you can watch a replay of it on PRT’s YouTube page. The next Board meetings will be:
Committee Meetings: Friday, October 16, 8:30 a.m.
Full Board Meeting: Friday, October 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Meetings are held in the Neal H. Holmes Board Room of the Heinz 57 Building, 345 Sixth Avenue, 5th floor. These meetings are open to the public, but participants must register to speak by filling out the Board Meeting Registration form. An online participation option is available for those wishing to speak; however, meetings are not live streamed for the public.