The 54D bus is a lifeline for the many Polish Hill residents who don’t own a vehicle and depend on the bus to get groceries, for doctors appointments, and other necessities of life.  We have already fought for the route during a previous round of cuts.  We may have to fight again; the 54 route is on the recently released list of those slated for service reduction next fall.

Port Authority has just released the list of proposed service cuts, reductions, and fare increases.  Fare changes would be implemented on Sunday, July 1, 2012. Service changes would be implemented on Sunday, September 2, 2012.

There will be a public hearing and public comment period on proposed fare and service changes.  The public hearing will be held Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 8 am to 8 pm at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. Individuals wishing to testify are encouraged to pre-register by calling 412.566.5437 (TTY 412.231.7007) from 9 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays. Oral testimony will be limited to three minutes per speaker.

Those who have not pre-registered may register at the hearing and will be called on as time slots become available. Port Authority will provide a sign language interpreter at the hearing as well as Braille copies of informational documents.

The public comment period will begin Sunday, February 5, 2012. Comments on the proposals will be accepted by mail at Port Authority Fare & Service Proposals, Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Floor 3, Pittsburgh PA 15222-2527.  Comments may also be submitted online via portauthority.org. The deadline for receipt of public comments is Friday, March 9, 2012 at 4 pm.

For more information, call Customer Service at 412.442.2000 (TTY 412.231.7007) or visit portauthority.org.  To request printed information only, call 412.566.5543.  Read about the proposed service changes in today’s Post-Gazette.