Audits, Board Actions, Complaint Form Also Available Online

Pittsburgh, PA, Jan. 22, 2010 — Port Authority of Allegheny County has made its raw route and schedule data publicly available through its Web site and on Google.

The move is among the latest aimed at making the Authority more accessible and open to riders and the public. Other recent changes include placing the results of internal audits, Board actions and meeting documents online.

“Nearly everything we do impacts this community in one way or another,” Authority CEO Steve Bland said. “We are accountable to the public and it only makes sense to make it easier for concerned individuals to find an audit report, file a complaint or access our route data.”

Port Authority’s route data now is posted on the Authority Web site and also at Google’s transit data feed site. Anyone may download the data, which includes route, schedule and stop information. This type of information commonly is used by individuals who develop transit-based applications found on the Web and used on mobile phones.

Other recent changes:

Addressing our Board: The Authority’s Board today approved a change that makes it easier for individuals to comment, speak or make a presentation at public meetings. Now, any individual may request to address the board by filling out an online form, rather than mailing or faxing a written request.

Board Actions: The Authority this month also started posting Board agendas and resolutions on its Web site. We also will post meeting minutes starting in late February.

Audits: The Authority has posted links to some audit reports online but recently started posting internal audit reports on its Web site.

Port Authority has made similar improvements through the last year:

Communications: The Authority also used the Web to create new lines of communication with riders and the public. The Authority now uses a Twitter site and blog to provide information on service changes and key issues.

Complaints: The Authority developed an online complaint form that allows individuals to pass on information without calling Customer Service.

For additional information, visit portauthority.org or call Customer Service at (412) 442-2000 or the TTY number, (412) 231-7007.