Statement before Glenn A. Walsh
Council:
Discount Transit Telephone: 412-561-7876
Fares in Jan. For Electronic Mail: < gawalsh@planetarium.cc >
2009 November 17
Good
evening. I am Glenn A. Walsh of
Due to the Port Authority fare changes, which will take effect in January, PAT riders outside of Allegheny County, WHO DO NOT PAY ALLEGHENY COUNTY TAXES, will actually get a fare reduction of fifty cents per ride, while the zone one fare remains at two dollars and all other Allegheny County fares, passes, and tickets are increased in price!
This is due to the fact that PAT has chosen to completely eliminate Zone Three fares, which affect only riders outside of Allegheny County. Zone Three riders will now pay Zone Two fares. The current Zone Three fare is $3.25, and the new Zone Two fare beginning in January is $2.75.
This is
a slap in the face to county residents who choose to stay in
PAT claims that this will reduce spending for the printing of tickets and passes for Zone Three riders. However, next year PAT plans to implement a smart-card system, which will replace transit passes and tickets. Hence, the cost of this printing would be eliminated anyway!
It is
not too late to have PAT change this fare policy. I urge you to stand-up for
Thank you.
gaw