Josh Malloy, PPT’s Community Organizer, leads a Press Conference w over 60 attendees to launch new #FairFares Coalition & Policy Platform
This. Is. Our. Moment. The time for #FairFares is NOW
Over 60 attendees gathered today under the mural of Martin Luther King at the Wilkinsburg Busway Station to launch the new #FairFares Coalition & Policy Platform. The platform is the culmination of years of advocacy and efforts by thousands of riders– canvassing, signing petitions, mailing postcards, rallying, testifying for fare equity and decriminalization of fare enforcement.
Speakers from Pittsburghers for Public Transit, the Alliance for Police Accountability, Casa San Jose, and Just Harvest shared why the time is NOW for equitable improvements along four platform planks: fare cost, fare payment process, fare enforcement, and fare incentives.
Allegheny County Council Member Bethany Hallam, Liv Bennett, and Anita Prizio vow to call out these injustices and fight to make public transit more affordable, accessible and equitable.
As the Port Authority begins their neighborhood outreach meetings, riders are demanding that their fare consultant hear, loud and clear, that planning a fare increase is an unacceptable outcome. That the #FairFares policies, like having fare equity and civilian fare enforcement policies and fare incentives, are not only desirable, but necessary to create the just, sustainable, and thriving region that we all deserve.
PPT needs to thank ALL OF THE RIDERS & TRANSIT OPERATORS who came out to back this monumental statement. As well as the coalition partners – Just Harvest, Casa San Jose, the Alliance for Police Accountability, the Thomas Merton Center – and County Council members Bethany Hallam, Liv Bennett, and Anita Pritzio. It is with this leadership and commitment that we can transform our system so that all residents can have dignity, equity and the freedom to move. Si se puede!
PPT Coordinating Committee Member Lisa Gonzalez wears supports #FairFares, as she wears a Transit Equity Day t-shirt to uphold the legacy of Rosa Parks and the fight for transit justice.
YOU can use your voice to support this vision for #FairFairs – read the full platform here & sign below to endorse
The youth know the deal! Young person makes the call: “Transit for People, Not for Profit”
News Coverage from the #FairFares press conference
For the first time in recent history, Port Authority is planning to hold a series of community engagement sessions to hear directly from riders about some of the projects that they have planned. This is no doubt because riders like you have been vocal in saying that riders deserve to have a say in their transit system.
PAAC is currently doing a lot of work on a lot of different projects, and they’re opening the floor for riders to give feedback on all of them. During each session, PAAC staff will spend approximately 60 minutes presenting on current projects like:
The Port Authority’s Long-Range Plan
Fare Policy
Bus stop consolidation program
Mobile Fare Payment App
Afterward, there will be an hour for Q&A and riders will have a chance to go around the room Science-fair-style, learn more on each separate project and give feedback.
PPT is cautiously optimistic about this opportunity. Although it’s imperative that riders have a voice in this process, and we’re glad that PAAC is starting on this path, it will likely be difficult for riders to analyze AND give meaningful feedback on so many different projects at one time.
Port Authority has assured us that there will more opportunities for riders to give in-depth feedback on some of these programs before final decisions are made, HOWEVER…….
THIS MAY THE ONLY CHANCE FOR RIDERS TO TALK ABOUT FARE POLICY BEFORE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE- #FairFares NOW
These meetings are of utmost importance because these will be a critical opportunity for riders to be at the forefront of redesigning fare policy.
Port Authority is tied for the 3rd highest transit fare in the country! And for years, riders have been organizing for a more equitable, affordable fare policy – from community actions around decriminalizing fare enforcement, to rallies calling for free transfers, to petitions for Fare Capping and lower cash fares. Because of all this community pressure, PAAC hired a consultant last year to look at how the agency could possibly change its fare structure.
To capitalize on this crucial moment, the #FairFares Coalition is about to launch a Policy Platform that is the result of effort from thousands of riders and partner organizations. This platform puts out a vision for how to build a transit system that is affordable and accessible for everyone. Join the #FairFares coalition on February 4th, 9am, at South Ave & Hay St near MLK East Busway Wilkinsberg Station to launch this new campaign.
David L. Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222 *East Lobby Entrance or Garage parking to 3rd Floor 9:00am-8:00pm Session 1 9:00am-12:00pm Session 2 1:00pm-4:00pm Session 3 5:00pm-8:00pm
Coalition launches new #FairFares platform to transform Port Authority’s Fare Policy
February 4th, 9am, South Ave & Hay St near MLK East Busway Wilkinsberg Station
Join a strong coalition of organizations as we launch a new #FairFares platform to transform Port Authority’s fare system to be affordable, accessible, and equitable for all riders in Allegheny County. This platform is the culmination of years of advocacy from thousands of Pittsburgh transit riders and partner organizations – from community actions around fare enforcement, to rallies supporting free transfers, to petitions for Fare Capping and lower cash fares – and has been led by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, the Alliance for Police Accountability, Casa San Jose, Just Harvest, and the Thomas Merton Center.
The coalition will launch the #FairFares platform on February 4th, 9am at South Ave & Hay St near MLK East Busway Wilkinsberg Station. This day marks the anniversary of Rosa Parks’s birth. It is celebrated in cities across the country as Transit Equity Day to honor and uphold her legacy. It is with her legacy and the legacy of other civil rights leaders that the #FairFares Coalition puts forward this work.
You’re invited to join the #FairFares Coalition as we launch this new campaign on 2/4 to build a fare system that works for all riders.
Endorse the #FairFares Platform
For equity, for dignity, for freedom to move.
Read the full platform below and sign your name to support.
#FairFares: its what our county needs to make transit accessible for all
Guiding principles on which the coalition puts forward this campaign:
Public transit is a public utility and a human and civil right. Public transit can not be structured as a fee-for-service model or as a business. Riders create a healthier and more sustainable environment in Allegheny County by choosing public transit over single-occupancy vehicles.
Corporations and large regional non-profits must pay their fair share of the cost of funding public transit because they disproportionately benefit from the service. Fares must not be a primary mechanism for funding public transit.
Fares must not be a barrier to access to public transit,so policies must be enacted to eliminate any barriers due to cost, convoluted cost structures, inaccessible fare payment systems, and hostile or overly punitive fare enforcement policies. Fares must be equitable, effectively communicated, and easily accessible to people regardless of income, age, race, gender, ability, language, geographical location, and immigration status. The current fare structure disproportionately impacts classes that must be protected by civil rights law.
#FairFares Campaign Policy Proposals
Guided by these principles, riders and the #FairFares Coalition worked to research and document dozens of opportunities for improvement to the transit fare system along four central planks: fare cost, fare enforcement, fare payment processes, and fare incentive programs.
Each plank begins by documenting the current conditions for Port Authority riders. Before layout out the #FairFares Coalition’s values for the plank. Finally, each plank goes on to lay out both short-term and long-term goals to improve the fare system for riders and for our communities.
1. Fare Cost (What people pay for fares)
How is the system currently structured?
$2.50 on Connect Card
$2.75 with cash
$1.00 for first transfer under the CONNECT card within 3 hours
Cash users pay full fare for each transfer
$1.25 fare for riders with disabilities
$1.25 fare for children 6-12
Free for seniors and children under 6.
Cost is bundled into the tuition for university students at Pitt, Chatham University and CMU. Free for PPS students.
Fare Cost: #FairFares Coalition Values
No one should be prohibited from taking transit because of the cost.
Fare structure must center the most vulnerable people, and not privilege the commutes or access to the basic needs of those with the most resources.
Fare Cost: Short-term Goals
Free transfers
Fare capping (CONNECT card automatically converts to a daily/weekly/monthly/yearly pass when the cost of the pass is paid in single uses.)
Ubiquitous access to the CONNECT card, but cash fares should be the same as CONNECT card fares in the interim
Fare Cost: Long-term Goals
Low-income fare program
Free transit for people under 18
Free fares for riders with disabilities
Free fares system-wide by 2030
2. Fare Payment Process (How people pay and access fares)
How is the system currently structured?
Riders can pay via cash, ConnectCard, Senior Pass, Student Pass, and Discount pass
ConnectCards can be purchased from a Giant Eagle and other authorized vendors, at the Port Authority Transit Center, at CONNECT Card kiosks, or online.
Port Authority Mobile App is pending.
Fare Payment Process: #FairFares Coalition Values
Fare payment must be easily accessible and equitable for everyone in all forms regardless of socio-economic status, language, ability, banking status, proximity to CONNECT card kiosks, and access to the internet. Cash payment must always be an option.
Passes that start when you tap not by the calendar.
Fare Payment Process: Long-term Goals
Ability to load fares onto cards while on the bus
Ability to pay for multiple fares and fare types on 1 card
Ability to access money loaded onto your CONNECT Card immediately.
Fare payment process must be compatible with transit agencies across the 10 County region, ACCESS and Healthy Ride
Policy of fare payment before boarding on the station platform must be implemented on the T, the busways and the future BRT (also known as off-board fare payment).
CONNECT card kiosks must have several language options.
There needs to be a reporting mechanism for documenting broken CONNECT card machines.
3. Enforcement of Fare Payments
How is the system currently structured?
The first offense is documented but not prosecuted. The second offense can result in up to a $300 criminal penalty for criminal trespass. The third offense can result in a misdemeanor and up to 30 days in jail. All incidents are run through the police database.
There is no appeal process within Port Authority.
Armed Port Authority police enforce fare payment, but any fines paid or criminal proceedings take place in the municipality where the incident occurred.
Enforcement of Fare Payment: #FairFares Coalition Values
Everyone deserves to be safe on transit
Non-payment should lead to additional resources, not punishment
Enforcement must be done equitably
Enforcement of Fare Payment: Short-term Goals
Civilian, multilingual fare “ambassadors” rather than armed police fare enforcers.
Make fare evasion a non-criminal offense, like parking violations, with low fines and community service as an option.
Port Authority should have a policy of non-communication with ICE
Enforcement of Fare Payment: Long-term Goals
Civilian fare ambassadors, when encountering possible fare evasion, should instead direct riders on how to pay their fare, and help riders who are eligible for low-income fares sign up for the program.
Riders should have the option to load any fines levied as a result of fare evasion directly onto the rider’s CONNECT Card.
There needs to be a public, annual audit of fare enforcement impact across gender, race, ability, and economic status.
Port Authority needs to implement independent civilian oversight commissions for fare ambassadors and Port Authority police.
4. Fare Incentive Programs
How is the system currently structured?
Bus passes are purchased in bulk for CMU and Pitt students. The Universities are charged 50% per use.
Pre-tax transit passes available through some employers
Pittsburgh Public School purchases in bulk for high school students
Fare Incentive Programs: #FairFares Coalition Values
Incentive programs make public transit a more convenient and attractive transportation option than single-occupancy vehicles
Fare incentive programs should be designed to increase ridership, not profit.
Programs need to center vulnerable and protected classes, and redistribute the cost of fares onto corporations, developers, and other agencies.
Fare Incentive Programs: Short-term Goals
Shakespeare Giant Eagle campaign: Calling for parking reductions to pay for bulk bus passes for residents, deepened housing affordability, food justice goals and bike/ped improvements.
Regular Free Fare Days over the Summer of 2021 funded by the Health Department’s Clean Air Fund.
Fare Incentive Programs: Long-term Goals
Enable bulk transit pass packages for corporations, events and conferences, cultural orgs, universities, and developers.
Discount pricing for off-peak hours and weekends to bolster ridership
Family passes
Free transit on RADical days funded by the County RAD tax.
Join the #FairFares Coalition on February 4th to launch this new campaign to build a fare system that works for all riders. RSVP HERE
PPT Member, Swetha Jasti, is doing a study on how bus stop consolidation is affecting communities. Help her out and get involved!
Riders and operators of the 16-Brighton or 51-Carrick: are you interested in participating in research on bus stop consolidation? Your contribution will be part of a research project that aims to place riders and bus operators at the center of the conversation about bus stop consolidation.
Click on the image for a printable flyer to share w your community
Bus stop consolidation is the process by which bus stops are removed. The Port Authority has implemented this process on the 16 and 51, and we would like to get rider and operator input on its effects.
Your participation in this research would involve a 15-30 minute interview in-person or over the phone. In-person interviews will be conducted at the branches of the Carnegie library. Your contribution will be part of a research project that aims to place riders and bus operators at the center of the conversation about bus stop consolidation. Any opinions that you express on this topic will remain anonymous. The only risk associated with your participation is a breach of confidentiality; however, this risk will be minimized by storing your contact information (name, email, and phone) separately from your interview answers. There are no direct benefits to you from participation. Additionally, your participation is voluntary and you can withdraw from the study at any time.
The principal investigator of this research is Swetha Jasti, a sociology student at the University of Pittsburgh.
If you are interested in learning more, or participating, please contact Swetha, at spj18@pitt.edu or call 913-575-4824 for more information. Thank you!
240+ supporters! Raised $18,000+! PPT is rising for transit justice!
It is time to celebrate! PPT is about to close out a wildly successful year-end fundraising campaign! Together, our grassroots network mobilized over 240 supporters to raise over $18,000!
We did this as a team, coming together to say that public transit is a human right! That bus lines are lifelines! That we have a right to our city. And that our elected officials and agencies need to be accountable to people, not developers’ profit.
But its not too late to join this movement! Give your gift now to propel PPT’s work into 2020!
PPT sends a heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this campaign a success!
As always with PPT, it is only through grassroots leadership that we accomplish anything. There were dozens of members and volunteers who came together for this win. We need to thank everyone who was involved in putting on an amazing party, two successful phone banks, sharing stories for our fundraising appeals, writing and performing transit sing-alongs!, donating (and painting!) items for our auction, brainstorming messages for our outreach, taking photos, engaging on social media, and giving your TIME, DOLLARS, and SOLIDARITY!
“Pittsburghers for Public Transit is changing the conversation around the power and importance of grassroots transit activism, and we do it with joy.”
A note from Laura Wiens, Director of Pittsburghers for Public Transit:
It’s no secret that they’re trying to keep us divided – by race, class, gender, sexuality, and with policies that produce gentrification, low-wages, and poor public transit.
We can only effect true social change when we organize across difference, and center the needs and leadership of our most marginalized neighbors. PPT has done this from the start. We are changing the conversation around the power of grassroots transit activism, and we do it with joy.
You can move this work forward by rising up with us, donating to this year-end fundraising campaign, and getting involved in this movement for transit justice.
In 2019, PPT made headlines with 96+ new stories in both local and national press. 37 different PPT members were featured in this coverage.
We only win when this work is led by members of our diverse communities. It is with that belief that we push forward bold community-led campaigns to expand transit in underserved areas like the Mon Valley and Eastern Suburbs, to ensure affordable housing in neighborhoods with high-quality transit like East Liberty, to insist on equitable public investments to benefit communities like Hazelwood, Four Mile Run and Greenfield, and to hold public officials accountable to resident’s needs.
Together we are moving the dial, but we are up against entrenched money and power that wants to see us disorganized.
Whether it is donating to this year-end fundraising campaign, attending our monthly meetings, giving public comment, rallying in the streets, or riding the bus with your neighbors; we each have a part to play.
I hope that you’ll ride with us for a better transit future.
In solidarity,
Laura Wiens, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Director
“Transit riders and transit workers must advocate together for a better transit future.”
Pittsburghers for Public Transit believes in living wages, benefits, safe working conditions, and union rights for transit workers. It’s in our Transit Bill of Rights. PPT’s advocacy has always centered the needs of riders AND workers because that’s how we build a system that works better for everyone.
Stand with PPT in this belief during the Year-end Fundraising Campaign. Your donations and involvement will elevate this vision. The more perspectives that we have in the movement, the stronger we will be.
A message from James Hanna, Port Authority Bus Operator, Amalgamated Transit Union Member, PPT Leader:
‘Driving a bus is a challenging job. The safety of hundreds of people are my responsibility each and every day. And those days are long – early mornings, late evenings and split shifts. If commuting through rush hour takes a lot out of you, know that it takes a toll on your drivers too. But I know there are so many passengers who depend on what I do to make their lives work. That’s why I got involved with PPT.
Effective transit advocacy requires solidarity between transit workers and transit riders. We are collectively the ones who use the system day in and day out. Our work with PPT brings that knowledge and diversity together, and we draw our power to affect positive change from that collaboration.
– James Hanna, Port Authority Bus Operator, Amalgamated Transit Union Member, PPT Leader
Your action will make it possible for PPT to continue this intersectional advocacy to win quality, affordable public transit for all in Allegheny County.
PPT’s goal is to rally 200 people to donate before the end of 2019 – we are so close! Just 12 more people donating any amount – $2.75, $10, $50, $200! – will tip us over the goal line!
Each quarter the Port Authority adjusts its transit schedules and routes to account for rider’s requests, ridership shifts, construction, road closures and/or all of the other unexpected hiccups that might affect Pittsburgh roads.
Additionally, Port Authority’s new Bus Stop Consolidation program aims to eliminate 20-30% of stops in the entire system. PPT’s feelings about this program are complicated, but every quarter PAAC plans to announce plans for stop consolidation on two new routes. We’re also going to begin including information about this program in these quarterly service adjustment blogs.
The @PGH_Bus_Info Hotline is a volunteer-run twitter account that gives riders updates on Port Authority’s daily happenings. The Hotline has no official connection to the Port Authority (again, it is a volunteer-run twitter account) but the updates are helpful nonetheless. The Hotline is a big supporter of PPT, and an enormous advocate for public transit. We’re thankful for they’re support and happy to share this rundown of the Q3 service changes compiled by the @PGH_Bus_Info Hotline.
Rundown of quarterly Service adjustments, with takeaways from the @PGH_Bus_Info Hotline
The @Bus_Info_Hotline’s overall takeaway from this quarter’s changes:
Hard to believe that the next quarter is already upon us, but yes! Its time for the Q4 service changes. This Quarterly Service Changes Update isn’t super Wow – no big changes.
However, with the Port Authority launching their new bus stop consolidation program. We’ll begin watching and commenting these changes as well.
Remember that riders can give any input or requests to the Port Authority’s Customer Service via twitter, the website or a phonecall: 412-442-2000
Route changes below went into effect on Sunday, November 24th 2019:
1-Freeport Road – Some time points have been removed, though the schedule has not changed.
28X-Airport Flyer – Buses will now drop off passengers at the commercial departures curb of the landside terminal. Buses will continue to pick up passengers at the commercial arrivals curb at door 6 of the landslide terminal.
@PGH_Bus_Info Hotline’s takeaway:
For an airport route to drop-off at departures and pickup at arrivals, sure makes a lot of sense. We approve. Though this routing isn’t so new, this was the original 28X format. Sometimes whats old is new again.
67-Monroeville – Some time points have been removed and schedules have been adjusted.
P67-Monroeville Flyer – Some time points have been removed and schedules have been adjusted.
69-Trafford – Some time points have been removed and schedules have been adjusted.
P69-Trafford Flyer – Some time points have been removed and schedules have been adjusted.
77-Penn Hills – Some time points have been removed and schedules have been adjusted.
P10–Allegheny Valley Flyer – Regular routing will no longer serve RIDC Park in O’Hara. The P10 Limited will serve RIDC Park. Schedules have been revised to reflect this change. + P10–Allegheny Valley Limited – This modified routing will operate between Downtown, East Busway, and RIDC Park.
@PGH_Bus_Info Hotline’s takeaway:
Positive that reverse commute trips have finally been restored after over a decade of people in the Valley asking for it.
Also positive is that the P10L will be making its debut .
Unfortunatly, this is a sloppy execution of a good idea. These reverse commute trips will start inbound by looping RIDC PARK then running into town. In the PM Rush, these routes will run via RT 28 Washington Blvd and the busway into town rather than giving the entire valley or Harmar folks reverse commute access.
Conversely, AM P10L WILL ONLY run between Town and RIDC PARK also via the E Busway Washington Blvd and RT 28 again leaving a part of the valley out of the reverse commute equation.
Also this change needlessly and unfairly takes away existing commuter options for RIDC PARK Riders via the normal P10 non-limited service. A proper execution would’ve benefitted ALL Riders and we (PBI and the writer) hope that this erroneous and inequitable execution will be improved at a later date.
P16-Penn Hills Flyer – Service will be re-established to Hulton Road, Hulton Arbors, Oakmont and Harmar once Hulton Road reopens. For Hulton Road detour information or service updates, please call Customer Service at 412-442-2000.
@PGH_Bus_Info Hotline’s takeaway:
Service has thankfully been fully restored albeit in the same limited capacity to Hulton Arbors in Penn Hills and Harmar following Port Authority refusal and supposed previous inability/unwillingness to detour around a aoadwork project this past Spring and Summer. This effectively stranded those riders ALL of summer, part of spring and part of fall. Not great customer service…
We imagine folks will be glad to have their service restored. Unfortunately, service now ends slightly earlier and there appears to be 1 less Hulton Arbors + Harmar trip…
Rundown of Quarterly Stop Consolidation, with takeaways from the @PGH_Bus_Info Hotline
@PGH_Bus_Info Hotline’s takeaway:
On November 24th, the Port Authority consolidated stops on the 16 and 51 after announcing their plan in early September. Although the first draft plan and progcess was meh, we’re glad that residents in the North Side and Carrick were able to speak up and keep their stops.
The Port Authority’s next round of stop consolidation will happen on the 88 and 48. However, because lots of other buses use the same roads, nearly 3,000 riders on the 88, 48, 71C, 74, 77, 82, 86, 89, 54, 91, 43, 44, 51L, 75.
Port Authority has made some big changes to their process after riders and PPT spoke up about ways it could get improved. We’re glad that they were responsive, but people should deinatly review the plans and get their feedback in asap.
Port Authority Customer Service can be reached via twitter, the website or a phonecall: 412-442-2000
The @PGH_BUS_INFO Hotline can be reached by phone @ 412-759-3335 ONLY When PortAuthority Customer Service is Closed/unavailable
The PGH Bus Info Hotline will be back on PPT’s blog in for the next set of Quarter Service Adjustments. See ya then! (And if you want, you can check out Q3 changes here, Or Q2’s changes here)
Pittsburghers for Public Transit is looking to ride with 200 new supporters before the end of the year. Support at any level, even the cost of a $2.75 bus pass will help! Make your contribution today. #SolidarityNotCharity
On Monday some 100 residents and organizations attended and testified at a City Council Public Hearing demanding increased transparency and accountability through the City of Pittsburgh’s Budgeting Process. A rally was organized by the Economic Justice Circle to propose a series of improvements to the City’s budgeting process. It provided the perfect platform for residents to continue highlighting concerns they’ve raised for years around the lack of transparency surrounding the Mon Oakland Connector project.
Residents demanded that the public money going to construct the multi-million dollar MOC roadway through Schenley park instead be invested in the solutions put forward by the community. These solutions focus on transit improvement, pedestrian safety, and bike connections. More than 20 organizations and 650 residents have signed on to this plan titled: Our Money. Our Solutions.
Through this advocacy, residents were successful in moving Councilmembers O’Connor and Strassberger to commit to introducing a resolution to examine the cost of these solutions. Once costs have been identified residents will continue working to move money away from the MOC and towards their needs.
See these news stories for more background on the action, the project, and resident demands. Reach out to get involved:
Pittsburghers for Public Transit is looking to ride with 200 new supporters before the end of the year. Support at any level, even the cost of a $2.75 bus pass will help! Make your contribution today. #SolidarityNotCharity
Residents and Community Groups Affected by Proposed Mon-Oakland Roadway release Letter Calling on City Council, Foundations, Academic Institutions, and Public Agencies to Fund Alternative Transportation Proposal Entitled “Our Money, Our Solutions.”
December 6, 2019 – Pittsburgh, PA – As the City of Pittsburgh continues to advance the “Mon-Oakland Mobility Corridor,” a controversial roadway project that would cut through Schenley Park, 23 community stakeholders in affected neighborhoods—as well as more than 600 City residents—have issued a letter calling on City Council to reallocate the $18–23 million of roadway funding toward accessible sidewalks, bike trail connections, expanded transit service and safe pedestrian crossings on busy streets.
Hazelwood resident and father of four Eric Williams says, “I’m a commuting cyclist, and I do a lot of walking through these neighborhoods—both by myself and with my children. There are numerous broken, missing, unsafe, and illegally parked-on sidewalks, as well as unsafe crosswalks in Hazelwood where my children and I have nearly been run over several times. I know my neighbors have unmet public transportation needs, too, such as weekend bus service gaps. Has the City asked residents if this project is really the best solution to meet their needs? Did they check its alignment with the Greater Hazelwood Neighborhood Plan? I’m not convinced they have.”
Requests for these critical mobility and safety investments have been documented in countless studies over the years, including in the recently approved Greater Hazelwood Neighborhood Plan and in the recent SPC 885/2nd Ave Corridor Study. Time and time again, the public has been told that there is no money to make these investments a reality. Yet now a project costing more than $16 million dollars is being put forward instead of community solutions. The Mon-Oakland roadway would instead host unspecified privately-run transportation modes—leaving a plethora of open questions such as usage costs, disability access, hours of operation, passenger-carrying capacity, safety for other park users, and impact on adjacent neighborhoods and the natural environment. Because of these concerns—and the Mon-Oakland Corridor’s dubious utility in addressing the communities’ very real transportation and pedestrian safety needs—the proposal has been met by considerable opposition. Funding these priorities instead would be in line with Pittsburgh’s 2016 adoption of the Complete Streets ordinance.
Four Mile Run resident Barb Warwick says, “We need flood mitigation, not a roadway that would degrade Schenley Park, and one that would drive through the heart of our community. Public money should be used for public good, and we are proud to collaborate with our neighboring communities to enhance the transit, bike and pedestrian connections between us—in an equitable and effective way.”
Dozens of Four Mile Run, Hazelwood, Greenfield, Panther Hollow, and Oakland residents will testify along with other stakeholders on Monday, December 9 at 10 a.m. at the Tax, Budget and Citizen Participation Hearing at City Council to raise concerns about the proposed roadway and its transportation utility, environmental consequences, safety impacts for cyclists and pedestrians, traffic and affordable housing implications, and whether it’s a responsible use of public funds. They will call for the “Our Money, Our Solutions” plan to be funded instead.
You can speak up for community-generated mobility solutions over the top-down Mon Oakland Connector Project. Sign the petition today. Join us at City Council on Monday, 10am at 414 Grant St, to testify in support.
