PRT was back in Harrisburg this week and will return next week to make sure the needs of our riders and the communities that we serve are front and center as budget conversations continue. PRT is working to ensure that lawmakers from all across the state understand that the funding we’re asking for isn’t just critical to PRT — it’s essential to our riders, our communities, our schools, our businesses, and the economy-not just here at home in Allegheny County but across the Commonwealth.
Where Things Stand
PRT will continue advocating for a long-term, sustainable funding solution that protects essential transit service and prevents drastic fare hikes, layoffs, and severe service reductions.
Our proposed 2025 operating budget relies on tapping into our limited reserves that are meant for emergencies and short-term gaps. This is not a viable long-term strategy. Without new funding, PRT faces a growing structural deficit beginning in FY2026, threatening the backbone of our region’s transit network.
What’s Needed
PRT requires a $117 million increase in state funding starting July 1 with annual growth thereafter, to maintain current service levels, meet rising costs, and plan responsibly for the future. Without this, we will be forced to make devastating choices.
What’s at Risk
The proposed service cuts would affect nearly every corner of Allegheny County, reducing access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and other daily necessities for thousands. Healthcare workers, teachers, hospitality staff, and countless others who rely on transit will face longer commutes or lose their rides altogether.
As a reminder, we’ve developed interactive maps and data visualizations that show how these cuts would impact communities across the region. These tools can be downloaded and shared across your networks to help raise awareness:
- All Data: https://engage.rideprt.org/transit-cuts
- City of Pittsburgh Service Impacts: https://engage.rideprt.org/transit-cuts/transit-service
- Rest of Allegheny County: https://engage.rideprt.org/transit-cuts/transit-service-travel-times
Make Your Voice Heard
PRT is actively gathering public feedback during our FY2026 Funding Crisis Public Comment Period, which runs through Wednesday, June 18 at 5 PM.
So far, we’ve received nearly 4,000 comments from riders, businesses, and others who’d be most affected by these changes.
You still have time to weigh in:
- Submit written comments by mail or at our Downtown Service Center
- Call our public comment line
- Attend our final public hearing on Thursday, June 12 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, from 9 AM–1 PM and 3–7 PM
Register here → https://linktr.ee/PRTpublichearings
More details: https://rideprt.org/funding-crisis
This information was provided by Pittsburgh Regional Transit.