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 Transit Electronic Mail: < gawalsh@planetarium.cc >

Service Cuts Web Site: < http://www.planetarium.cc >

2012 April 27 Blog: < http://spacewatchtower.blogspot.com >

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 more than 30 years, including 3 terms on the Allegheny County Transit Council as a Charter Member. Today, my comments are my own and do not reflect those of any organization.

A 35 percent cut in transit service would devastate many people in Allegheny County. Money must be found to reduce, if not eliminate, these proposed cuts.

With the great success of the North Shore Connector and feeder bus routes 14 and 18, Port Authority costs could be reduced by greatly increasing feeder bus lines. With feeder bus lines, you would eliminate the time and money wasted when buses crawl through Downtown traffic, particularly during rush hours. This would be a much more efficient means of providing the same transit service.

Ø Bus routes that circle Allegheny Center or Allegheny Commons Park could feed into the North Side Subway Station.

Ø Most West End buses could feed into the Allegheny Station. Route G2 would continue on Carson Street, to serve The Duquesne Incline, and terminate near the Gateway Subway Station.

Ø South Busway buses could feed into the T at South Hills Junction.

Ø A consolidation of routes 40 and 43 could circulate on Mt. Washington and feed into the Monongahela Incline, with free transfer to the T.

Ø Routes 48 and 51, and perhaps other South Side bus lines, could feed into the T at Station Square.

Ø Many East End bus routes could feed into the Steel Plaza Subway Station, while Mon Valley bus routes could feed into the First Avenue Station.

Ø East Hills bus routes could feed into the Wilkinsburg Station.

Money could be saved by implementing such feeder bus service. This money could be used to preserve some bus service now slated for elimination.

Even if some State money is eventually forthcoming, it may not be the entire $64 million needed. Implementation of a feeder bus system could provide the additional funds necessary to keep more buses on the road.

Even if you vote today to approve the proposed service cuts, please evaluate the financial viability of this feeder bus system proposal.

Thank you.

gaw