How do we fix the transit problem?

The success of the greater Pittsburgh region depends on a robust and reliable public transportation system. Transit service in and around Pittsburgh is extensive and well used, and many would agree that the two of the region's most significant economic and cultural centers - Downtown and Oakland, could not survive without an adequate transit network.

In what has become an annual ritual, public transportation service in Allegheny County is under threat again. Although service and fare levels will remain stable through at least June 2012, the future beyond then is quite cloudy.

Despite much debate over dozens of issues associated with this topic, very few people have come to grips with what it will really take to sustain the region's transit system over the long term. In truth, the survival and success of a viable public transportation system for many years to come requires that we address three key issues: 

Funding

Develop sufficient, reliable, predictable and dedicated federal, state and local funding sources that grow with inflation to support operations and investment in transit capital maintenance. As much as some might like to think that passenger fares can cover the full cost of service, it just doesn't work that way in any major city. Public transit is a public good, and public goods require public investment.

Legacy Costs

Get control of Port Authority's legacy costs, which have developed over many decades and become a millstone around the neck of the agency. While it will take many years to significantly reduce these costs, unprecedented actions must be taken immediately to reduce this burden over the long haul. Although benefits such as generous pension programs and post-retirement healthcare were common when adopted, the economic landscape has changed and so too must our thinking along these lines.

Operational Efficiencies

Continue to improve the operating efficiency of other elements of the system, including service design, operating revenue increases, collective bargaining concessions, administrative efficiencies, appropriate use of technology, coordination with other organizations and reasonable system enhancements. Over the past several years, more gains have been made in this area than any other. Even so, Port Authority and other regional transportation decision makers cannot slow down in this regard.

Like public education and public safety, public transportation is a service that requires government investment. These investments come back to our region's citizens many times over in the form of enhanced mobility choices, reduced congestion, environment benefits, access to employment, support of private investment, access to crucial life activities for residents, and an improved image of our region by the rest of the world.

The first step in solving these problems is deciding that we want to.