Port Authority of Allegheny County has scheduled a supplemental public comment period and two-hour hearing due to an adjustment in its fare proposal.  The change involves eliminating the proposed premium fares on some routes and instead increasing the overall Zone 2 fare.

These changes relate to Port Authority’s broader proposal to counter a statewide transportation funding shortfall. Port Authority faces a $47.1 million shortfall in its fiscal budget. The Authority’s Board proposes a drastic 35% reduction in service and fare increases to help offset the shortfall.

The Authority’s Board plans to vote on the fare and service proposal in November. Under the proposal:

Fares: Zone 1 fares would increase by 25 cents to $2.25; Zone 2 fares would increase by 50 cents to $3.25. No premium fares would be charged at this time. Fares would increase on Jan. 1, 2011.

Service: Authority bus and T service would be reduced by 35 percent, resulting in loss of some routes, loss of trip frequency and elimination of bus service to some communities. These changes would be enacted in March.

The supplemental public comment period will run from Oct. 13 through 4 p.m. on Nov. 12. Comments will be accepted by mail or online at www.portauthority.org.

A public hearing only on the fare change will be held on Nov. 3 from 9-11 a.m. in the Authority’s Board Room.

For more information, call Customer Service at 412-442-2000 (TTY 412-231-7007) or visit the Port Authority website.  Look here for more information about how Port Authority is trying to handle the funding crisis.