Statement before Glenn A. Walsh

Board of Directors, P.O. Box 1041

Port Authority of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230-1041 U.S.A.

Allegheny County:      Telephone: 412-561-7876

Proposed Incline          Electronic Mail: < gawalsh@planetarium.cc >

Fare Increase             Internet Web Site: < http://www.planetarium.cc >
Astronomy / Space Blog: < http://spacewatchtower.blogspot.com/ >

2016 April 29

THIS STATEMENT EMBARGOED UNTIL 9:30 a.m. EDT, Friday, 2016 April 29

Good morning. I am Glenn A. Walsh, 633 Royce Avenue, Mt. Lebanon, a regular Light Rail and bus rider who has chosen not to drive a motor vehicle since 1985, to help save energy, protect the environment, and reduce city traffic congestion. I have been an active transit advocate for nearly 40 years, including 3 terms on the Allegheny County Transit Council as a Charter Member. My comments today are my own and do not reflect those of any organization.

Today, if you approve the new Fare Policy as-is, with no amendments, you will be increasing the normal base fare, between Mt. Washington and Downtown Pittsburgh on both the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines, by one dollar, from $2.50 to $3.50 !!! This will be due to the fact that the new Fare Policy includes the elimination of all free Continuation Transfers (“CT”).

For decades, the Port Authority has understood that the fare between Mt. Washington and Downtown should be the same, whether travelling by Incline or by bus. This is why a free “CT” has been given for people who ride the Inclines between Mt. Washington and Downtown. Why, now, disadvantage and discourage Incline ridership?

I also question the legality of this fare increase. Although there was a public hearing, this fare increase was hidden, among many changes, as a “CT Elimination.” AND there was no publicity, or even mention, that there would be an Incline fare increase. Indeed, all of the publicity said there would be no fare increase, and suburban riders would get a fare decrease! To this day, I am sure that most Mt. Washington residents have no idea that Incline fares will be increasing in January.

Today, I ask that, before approving the new Fare Policy, you approve an amendment which provides for a free, electronic Continuation Transfer, on the ConnectCard, for all people who ride the Inclines between Mt. Washington and Downtown.

Thank you.

gaw

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