Real Pittsburgh Transit Info

Tunnels and Bus Cuts

2011-12-23T11:24:00.003-05:00

Only a CRISIS actual or perceived produces real CHANGE: Many times in this blog over the last 4 years I've used this quote as to what is happening to transit in Allegheny County. The power brokers behind the curtain at the Port Authority the real Wizards in this real life drama have embarked down a path of CHANGE. As the quote suggests a CRISIS must be implemented to produce CHANGE. However what the Great Oz's in this story haven't told to the public are the reasons for this CRISIS. No, to do so would show their own FAILINGS and ulterior motives in this screenplay. So to hide behind the curtain of massive mistakes and downright lies of what the true cost of this Subway tunnel really is, our Power Elite and Representatives of the 1% have invented a bogus Boogeyman. This scenario has been played out worldwide, a vision of blaming the guy who wakes up and goes to work for a living and negotiates a fair wage with retirement at the end of his Families Rainbow. However the funny thing about this lie is that too many of our own kind, the 99% if you will, are only too ready to believe the False and misleading statistics they're bombarded with daily. We're only too willing to believe that what ever is put in front of us as news is factual. On this front the 1% know they can win ,and of course why shouldn't they, after all the Media is owned by them, be it the Broadcast or print version. One of my favorite movie lines is from the "Gangs of New York" towards the end of the Movie one of the Elite states that he has no fear of the Poor because as he states quite eloquently "you can always count on buying one half of the poor to kill the other half" I'm not sure I've ever heard a truer statement.

So with that thought in mind I've compiled a few Links, some from Newspapers, some from another source. I have no idea if these links will stay on line, my guess is that as soon as someone representing the Wizards behind our curtain in Allegheny County find this resource engine they'll be taken down promptly. But the Hard copies of these stories do exist if they are taken down. Either way on this day in 2011 two days before Christmas We give you a compilation of Steve Bland's and Dan Onorato's day's leading up to the completion of Pittsburgh's chapter of the BIG DIG, and how lies and miscalculations and Greed have lead to more BUS CUTS and even more to come. All in the name of Progress, but not for the 99%!

(Read this quote from Jim Roddey in 2006, about future Bus Service)

In a related matter, Mr. Roddey announced he would say "something that's not going to be very popular," asking the Port Authority board to reconsider the $435 million North Shore Connector that's just getting under way.
"Now is not the time to be doing that," he said of the 1.2-mile light-rail extension, warning neither the county nor state will pay for any cost overruns and that undertaking the project "could doom any chance we have for additional funding" for bus-trolley operations.Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06321/739092-147.stm#ixzz1hNaahcSm

(This story was written by Jim Ritchie in 2006. Today MR. Ritchie is the spokesman for the Agency. In 2006 Critics were wondering where the agency would get the 2.5 million to operate the extension. Today we know, they'll make the Blind Guy and Postal worker in the East end and elsewhere wait longer because of their endless Bus Cuts)

Critics doubt the connector will attract 10,000 daily riders expected in 2012, its first year of operation, and are concerned about paying the $2.5 million projected annual operating costRead more: New rail route no sure thing - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_462004.html#ixzz1hNcXcq4F

( Authority officials are being tight lipped about Funding Assurances )

( 393 million cost June 2006)

Authority officials are being tight-lipped about funding assurances for the project that would extend the line 1.2 miles north of Gateway Center and provide three stations. Latest cost estimates also are being kept secret.
The authority's new chief executive officer, Steve Bland, who started Monday, said, "There has been a fair amount of movement" in securing a full-funding agreement under which the Federal Transit Administration would pay 80 percent of the costs.Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06168/699019-147.stm#ixzz1hNezfGPR

(Budget woes begin Under Bland's Stewardship)

Port Authority of Allegheny Countyâ€™s board of directors unanimously approved a $347.5 million budget today for the 2006-07 fiscal year that includes a $31.5 million hole.
Authority members anticipate state lawmakers will approve financial help to offset the deficit before January when the agency projects hitting "cash flow challenges."
The budget takes effect July 1 and ends June 30, 2007. Lawmakers are waiting for recommendations long-term solutions to chronic transit shortages from a state Transportation Funding and Reform Commission created by Gov. Ed Rendell. Those recommendations are due by Nov. 15.
More headlines
Subscribe to the Tribune-Review todayRead more: Port Authority approves budget - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_459343.html#ixzz1hNhOSJGR

(How could this be so a surplus in 2008?)

( Somebody screwed up, that'll )

(never happen again)

Port Authority entered its fiscal year last June facing an $80 million deficit, but now projects that it will end the year with a surplus.
Cost-saving moves combined with a January fare increase have created an estimated $10 million surplus -- assuming Allegheny County pays its $27 million transit subsidy by July 1Read more: Transit authority anticipates $10 million surplus - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_563753.html#ixzz1hNi4KZEI

( Dan fixes that surplus problem )

POSTED: 6:29 am EDT October 8, 2008 UPDATED: 5:04 pm EDT October 8, 2008
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PITTSBURGH -- The Port Authority of Allegheny County is facing a financial crisis, and the mass transit agency could be just weeks away from going broke, according to a report by WTAE Channel 4's news exchange partner, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
County Executive Dan Onorato told the Trib that if things don't change, the Port Authority will be forced to shut down by Dec. 1.
More than 100,000 commuters who use bus and light-rail trolley service would be affected.
In January, two new taxes on poured alcoholic drinks and rental cars went into effect. Money generated by the taxes is earmarked for the county's annual subsidy of the Port Authority.
Onorato is withholding the $27 million subsidy -- which also triggers the release of a $183 million state subsidy -- to force a new round of contract negotiations between Port Authority management and union representatives.Read more: http://www.wtae.com/automotive/17654293/detail.html#ixzz1hNkhOS4B

( March 9 2008 they're all backslapping TUNNEL cost only 435 Million )

On June 28, 2006, I wrote this opening paragraph of a featured article: "The estimated cost to bore twin tunnels under the Allegheny River, extend the light-rail transit system to the North Shore and build three stations is now $435 million -- a 10 percent increase in little more than a yearRead more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08069/863673-147.stm#ixzz1hNmg2XyN

( Dec.2011 To boost ridership, free rides are bought by the Stadium Authority)

Meanwhile cost has increased to 523.4 million but not one media outlet cries foul

The $523.4 million North Shore Connector project extends the Light Rail Transit system by 1.2 miles from a new station in Gateway Center to new stations at PNC Park and Heinz Field. Test trains are expected to start operating this month and passenger service is scheduled to debut in late March.Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11354/1198190-100.stm#ixzz1hNnoSD5I

How did Port Authority get into this deep, expensive hole of river tunnel?
Underground rail extension to North Shore overrode servicing Oakland or convention centerRead more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09074/955761-52.stm#ixzz1hNpxRQt3

REST ASSURED EVERYONE, COMING SOON IN 2012, MORE CUTS

LESS SERVICE, FARE HIKES, AND THE MEDIA AND POLITICIANS

WILL BLAME IT ALL ON THE GUY WHO SWEATS TO MAKE A

LIVING. WHILE THOSE WHO MADE THE DECISIONS MAKE UPWARDS

OF A MILLION DOLLARS AND TAKE ALL THE CREDIT

BUT NO BLAME

County executive Dan Onorato is taking an executive VP job with insurance giant Highmark — right in the middle of its World War with UPMC — despite that flurry of “no comments” a month ago.
He succeeds David O’Brien, who made $1 million in salary and other compensation from the insurer in 2010, and $1.39 million in 2009

2011-12-21T13:40:00.001-05:00

The news hasn't been dealt out to the riding public as I write this but guess what's right around the corner Bus riders? That's right more of the annual service cuts. However if you live along the "T" somehow you're service is increasing this coming March of 2012. I know some who may read this think that our views are tainted and cynical and downright wrong. Let me be clear on what this blog is about and has always been about. This is about a timeline on how the Citizens of this County have been misled from day one by Authority management and County Executive now Highmark One Million a Year lackey Dan Onorato.

From day one of Dan's administration his goal has been to create a transit crisis.http://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2006/260315.asp (read the caption) Unending service cuts since 2005 (Dan came into office in January 2004) The public needs to realize that it's not overpaid employees,legacy costs,fuel,etc. Enjoy your free ride everyone over to the Casino's,Bars,Ballparks,Stadiums,Entertainment venues, we've paid for it and we'll continue to pay for it. Sorry but's it's way more than a coincidence that since that mile long tunnel was built that buses have been in constant downsizing. Management at our beloved Authority has failed to operate a damn thing under cost estimates, with one huge glaring exception . That's right the TUNNEL is the exception,on time,on budget. Answer me this naysayers. How could such a seemingly inept Goverment Agency that succeeds in nothing since Steve Bland was appointed, and on his 1st week on the job (June 2006) gave the go ahead of a tunnel to the 1% who play in the palaces that taxpayers are financing be such an exception to this? Guess what, it's NOT!

As the Law stands now no transit agency serving a area of over 200,000 can use Federal capital funds to run the day to day operations of a transit operation,unfortunately the reverse is not true. Thats right the revenue that is used to run the day to day operations so that it may function to provide the services it's there for, can and ARE used to finance Capital Projects like the Tunnel. So you see while others play over at the Palaces built by TAXPAYERS the Janitor or Nurses Aide waits an extra 60 minutes to get to or from their destination with Blands enless Bus service reductions to finance this gift to the 1%. How is this so you ask? The almost total destruction of Bus service in this County follows a direct path of the Subway extension, a simple matter of robbing Peter to pay Paul or in this case Paying the Rivers Casino,PNC Park,Stage AE,Heinz Field and robbing the Postal worker or the blind guy living in the East End. Absolutely amazing how this one thing is so efficient and the Media reports no cost overuns but the rest of Blands operations are going Bankrupt. Oh yeah he does have a Boogeyman on why this is so, the bus driver. Our local media continue to voice these lies and in time these things will be fixed by more contract concessions and Gasp, service reductions to finance the next thing on the 1% horizon. Yes, soon to come to UPMC and the area between Downtown and Oakland. Bus Rapid Transit, to be financed by more concessions,more service cuts,more crisises. And transit workers standard of living will continue to decline along with the other 99%. And when it's all fixed and everything is back as it was, i'll guarantee Dan 1 million a year Onorato and his amoral appointee Steve Bland will be residing elsewhere in comfort as the rest of us wonder how we'll afford the next bill,or the next threat of a Job loss. Follow the money is the simplest rule to follow when you want to find the truth. I have no idea on where this money trail leads, but I do know it's not anybody working for an hourly wage who's able to cause such endless heartache and grief . Click on some of Blands gifts to the transit riders below

( 2007 Service reductions Blands scorecard introduced )

http://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2007/270103.asp

( Transit Development Plan announced )

http://www.nelsonnygaard.com/Documents/Quals-Project-Profiles/NNproj-Pittsburgh-TDP.pdf

( Local 85 annouces a 18.5 million concession to save service. Bland said no)

http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/pittsburgh/allegheny-county-port-authority-faces-even-harder-times-choices-in-the-future/Content?oid=1385378

( Steve Bland's Profile, How could such a brilliant man destroy this system? Unless of course that's the idea to begin with)

http://www.spoke.com/info/p9elAJV/StephenBland

( Steve announces that he needs 15 million a year in concessions (9-2011) even though as you can see above he rejected 18 million a year to stave off reductions in March of the same year )

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_758368.html

(Dan Million Dollar Onoratto clarifies his intentions March 2006 3 months before Bland is hired)

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06075/671120-147.stm

( 3 years and 1.3 million before Nelson-Nygaard supposedly invented it in 2009 with the Transit Development Plan or Connect "09" the transportation action team suggests in 2006 a Oakland circulator system connecting Bloomfield ,South Side,Lawrenceville and a rapid transit system between Oakland and Town . I believe the Transportation action team was voluntary but to validate their service reductions that mostly failed with Steve Blands famous "Scorecard" of 2007 they hired Nelson-Nygaard to sell swampland to the Transit rider of Allegheny County with "Connect 09")

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2008/03/03/focus1.html?page=all

( And this action annnouncing the Transportation Action team members almost a year after the idea was broached is where it all started to begin a transit overhaul to implement the crisis that was necessary for all the changes that have come and will come to Port Authority stakeholders)

http://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2006/260315.asp

2011-10-25T09:27:00.000-04:00

The Media Machine

2011-03-18T13:08:00.002-04:00

I know that there are many people out there that don't believe this could ever happen, but the Pittsburgh media (except for the city paper) is in total cahoots with the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Every time that the Pg, Trib, or the networks get a story in this town they spin it in a way that makes the Unions look bad. For instance John Schmitz wrote an article in the Post Gazette today http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11077/1132789-455.stm about the "Union Sabotage," well if you want the truth put out there sometimes you have to tell it yourself.

Truth be told the Port Authority has known for weeks that there is no way that they had any chance to get the operators transferring to other divisions qualified on the work that they picked in time for the March 26Th deadline that they imposed. The PAT Management team is relying on their same old tactics that they will just blame it on the Union and the media will run with it. For weeks the Supervisors in the Instruction Department have been emailing their bosses telling them that it was an impossible task and it would never get done. Now when it is a week away PAT Management wants to blame and deflect. The task at hand has never been done in the History of the Port Authority, and it was too much to ask the Instructors to do in such a short period of time. If you are on the outside of the Authority you need to know how the system works. When a pick is posted for operators, the operators pick their work location first by seniority, and once that process is done for all 2300 operators the the pick is hung at every location with specific schedules/runs also being done by seniority until every run is picked. While that pick is in the works the operators then let the instruction department know what they need to be qualified on (learn the routing). In normal times the instructors have a few months to get the one hundred or so Operators qualified in time, and the ones who don't get completed, change their locations and are out with the Instructors until they learn their routes at that said location. This time is unprecedented, there was a closing of a garage, 190 layoffs, and hundreds of operators forced to pick a new garage coupled with Instructors being forced to different locations at the same time. So there are instructors at locations who don't know the routes to be able to teach the HUNDREDS of operators in a short period of time. The Port Authority says that you can do it on overtime, but they do not pay overtime they pay straight time, and they also want people to work in between their swings, also straight time. The operators would rather pick up real overtime by signing up on the list filling in for vacations. God forbid a Bus Operator have a life either, most Operators pick their schedules around their children, or wife's/husbands work schedule so putting the burden directly on the operator is completely irresponsible. The PAT Management team needs to come clean and tell the truth that they bit off more than they can chew this time, and the media needs to be more responsible before they spew the same old garbage from that spin machine located in the Heinz building.

My Dear Judas

2011-03-10T18:24:00.011-05:00

My Dear Judas Onorato how many pieces of silver have you received for selling out the Transit Riders of Allegheny County? With inflation these days I assume it's a tad more than the 30 your namesake received in the selling out of Jesus. Rest assured just like the first Judas was exposed you will also. Undoubtedly your political aspirations are at a minimum on hold, although I believe it's over. That will come as a great disappointment to the peoplehttp://postgazette.com/pg/10255/1086909-454.stm who've profited greatly as you rose in the ranks of political harlot. Yes Judas Onorato the common people who believed in you and helped get you elected are now sold out for your inflation adjusted 30 pieces of silver.When Governor Rendell saved your mismanaged transit agency once again with the flexing of 45 million dollars to avert any transit eliminations until at the earliest March of 2012 you and your lackey Steve Bland have blatantly spit in the faces of the common citizens of Allegheny county with the newest and endless round of transit cuts.Who's the biggest financial winner here Judas? Is it you?Perhaps it's one of your board members? Or one of the People you appointed (before transit was in a crisis) to your Transportation action Team www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2007/271031.asp who also belongs to the network exposed by Rich Lord in September 2010. In any event who the Winners are is still hidden from the publics view. But the Losers, they're real easy to find they're the 1.3 million people of Allegheny County who put their trust in someone who instead of looking out for their best interests is looking out for his and his benefactors interests, Dan "JUDAS" Onorato.

Steve must go!

2011-02-15T15:31:00.004-05:00

Steve Bland came to Pittsburgh in 2006, his time here has been a path of destruction for Transit Riders and Transit Workers alike. From the minute he arrived his goals were to shrink the system and bust the Union. There has been zero growth to the Port Authority, as a matter of fact if you check out his old news articles, almost all of them are negative either towards the Public or the Union, They are all either describing the next funding crisis, raising fares, and cutting service. He once said "the people of Troy Hill should get there walking shoes"when he was planning to cut their bus service. In his short time here he alone has been the biggest reason why people don't ride the bus. The decisions he has made has put people out of range and out of touch of bus service through service cuts and fare increases, and its only going to get worse after March, 27th 2011. Now the Port Authority Board of Directed are going to attempt to award him with a new contract to continue this path of destruction. The people of Allegheny County should stand up and tell Dan Onorato to take Steve Bland with him when he leaves, we don't need him here. His legacy is already a dark period for the Port Authority and he must be stopped before he destroys this system completely.

A Christmas Wish.

2010-12-19T11:58:00.002-05:00

Some things I hope to find this Christmas season and into the New Year:
That tidings of joy and good will towards men will find it's way into the Port Authority board room.
That the proposed 15% service cut that surely will affect the most vulnerable of routes will be put on hold till a solution can be found that connects everyone to transit.
That Steve Bland a modern day and real life Scrooge will find in his heart the time to lobby for transit in a way that will restore service instead of his legacy of destruction he's building on his resume while up in Harrisburg.
That Dan Onorato will become the goverment official the people elected him to be, and finally take a stand on what HIS appointed board and chief hangman( Mr Bland) is doing to families across the metro area. What was at the time of his 1st term the 10th largest transit agency in the country is now down to around 16 and sinking faster than the Titanic. Thanks Dan. (and he wonders why he's the Governor re-ject)
That Democrats in Allegheny County and the country offer a alternative to neo-liberal economic policies. All to often from people I hear that it makes no difference if a Republican or Democrat wins, that the end results will be the same. Hard to argue with that.
That the only business protected by the constitution (the press) starts doing some exposes on lobbyists and campaign contributors and shows the fraud that's being perpetrated on the nation by big money vested interests that wish to push THEIR agenda. Profits over service, Profits over safety, Profits over everything.
That the voting public start realizing that trade deficits are even more deadly to our futures than monetary deficits, but how often are we reminded of that by the Tea Partiers?
That Steve Bland starts walking in the shoes of some of the people he plans on stranding or already commuting ungodly hours.
That the dedicated public servants of the Port Authority of Allegheny County who are soon to be laid off, many of whom left better paying private sector jobs for what were supposed to be secure futures in the public sector, find it in their hearts to forgive the people who've made their life a living hell over the last decade with past layoffs, talk of layoffs, and continual downsizing. All this done in the name of saving the taxpayer, who has not realized one red cent in tax savings.However our beautuful new stadiums and arenas along with the tunnel,casino, and the restaurant owners seem to be the real beneficiaries in our new service (or is it servant?) economy of low wage jobs without benefits.
That Marty Griffin and all the talk shock guy's who never let fact get in the way of opinion are lucky enough to realize sometime in the near future that what goes around comes around.
That Tom Corbett remain the moderate and common sense attorney he was when he first came onto the political scene and not the Right wing fire breathing dragon his political donors paid for him to become.
That the novels by Charles Dickens portraying life in Victorian England don't become the reality for the middle class here in modern day America, although i'm afraid this is where we're headed.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Shots From The Peanut Gallery

2010-12-12T21:35:00.010-05:00

We're not saying we don't want the money, were saying we need this money to ensure we have some time to secure a dedicated funding source before there is nothing left to save...

Here are a few viewpoints in support of the SPC voting in favor of temporary funding and a dedicated solution.

The Amalgamated Transit Union's International President Larry Hanley is the first letter. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10346/1109897-110.stm

ACLC President Jack Shea is the second letter in support of the same measure. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/letters/s_713216.html

Finally, Jason Altmire who calls himself a friend of Mass Transportation, and often refers to Local 85 as being instrumental in getting him elected, either doesn't get it, or is once again saying the things he needs to say to keep up his "BLUE DOG" status.
http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2023:altmire-questions-pat-bailout&catid=53:post-gazette-staff&Itemid=34

Thanks Jason way to go that extra mile.

Well tomorrow is the vote by the SPC, and if anyone is interested there is a rally in support of Governor Rendell's proposal to the SPC at 4:00 pm. Sixth Avenue and William Penn Place across from Mellon Square.

Setting the record straight

2010-12-11T18:38:00.005-05:00

After talking to my Father today, a member of the Greatest Generation. A man who at the age of 17 enlisted in the United States Navy to fight as his 2 older brothers did, one of whom was killed in Normandy while he was in the South Pacific a real life Private Ryan. He noted to me that I was getting a 3%raise. Dad I responded back do you realize that my health care is also going up to 3%. Of course not was his response they don't tell you that in the news. And that is my point. Why would they? My Father knows i'm a Port Authority Mechanic/Bus Driver, a member of a Public Employees union the chief villian of what ails our economy. Let's set this record straight a top wage driver makes 24.74 an hour. He's due to get a contractually negotiated raise of 3%. That comes out to 74 cents an hour This brings our wage to 25.48 an hour. Also negotiated in this contract is an increase to our health care contribution of the same 3%. As negotiated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Health Care Necessities(and health care is a right as a human being not a privilege) are based on a 40 hour WORK WEEK. What this means to people who can't add is this! THERE IS NO RAISE UNLESS YOU WORK OVER A 40 HOUR WORK WEEK. GOT IT! So everyone out there who thinks this is a 3% outright money grab DO THE MATH! If however you're issue is that Public Employees unions are robbing the Public you are either underpaid in your professions and need to figure out a way to raise your incomes and quit pulling the rest of us under as a DROWNING MAN would. Or you are a STOOGE, of the Mass Media (can you Say Marty Griffin)http://wthrockmorton.com/2010/07/01/follow-up-on-the-fcc-complaint-in-the-case-of-brent-dugan/Sensationalism is the News of the day. Readers of this blog, I encourage you in all the information we provide. Do your own research these media hounds are not the Edward R Murrows or Walter Cronkites of yesterday. They are allowed to lie to you http://www.purefood.org/rbgh/akrepart1.cfm The News media of today is beholden to it's advertisers, they are the ones who control the news you receive thru their advertising DOLLARS.http://www.fcc.gov/telecom.html The point that's to be made here is not that Port Authority workers may be overpaid ( do the job they're not) but that the media which we license thru OUR TAXES (FCC) is not doing the job we trust it to do. Check out the facts yourself. This site has laid it out for you in a attempt to stop this new McCarthyism of the 21st century. Think for yourselves, YOUR CHILDRENS FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT and so does YOURS!

2010-12-07T10:07:00.002-05:00

Some random thoughts and gossip at the Bus stop:
That at least half of the 47 million dollar operating deficit is attributable to the agency flexing the money towards the North Side connector to keep it on time and budget.
That Steve Bland and other top management were secretly cringing when Governor Rendell decided to flex money to delay service cuts for at least this fiscal year which ends June 30th 2011.
That Mr. Blands portfolio may have taken a hit with the Governors annoucement as a large proportion of his investments are rumored to be in the shoe business.
That supposedly the Nelson-Nygaard Transit Development plan formerly known as connect "09" or depending upon where you live disconnect "09" was originally to be phased in gradually over three years was rushed into service to hasten the demise of the transit agency.
That the only things I see left in disconnect "09" to be implemented yet are the destruction of a few more routes and the pipe dream of a Bus Rapid Transit system with money the authority clearly doesn't seem to have.
That if the proposed service cuts do come to fruition and thousands of commuters are left scurrying for other options the 50,000 watt blowtorch of KDKA radio will have a large part in stranding them. This commercial radio station that prides itself on being the voice of Pittsburgh never fails to espouse the viewpoint of their "supposed" Free market ideaology and bash any Public Employees Union as being the real root of the cause to the regions and countries problems. If only lifes answers were as simple as they make it be.
That quite possibly the selling of our Parking assets and the elimination of our bus routes could quite possibly be linked.
That you have to ask yourself this question, the ones who gain the most economically by stranding commuters and forcing them into cars would be the very people trying to buy these assets.
That their Free Market hand thru campaign contributions may also have a part in a PA house bill introduced by (R) Turzai this legislative session that was killed in committee while the Democrats had a 5 vote majority.This bill is sure to be introduced this session as the party of Turzai has a 21 vote majority. What is this bill? As described by the Representative it's a bill to introduce competition in our public transit system and fix it.
That if these large conglomerates control our parking and our transit will this be the day we sing the song coined by Willie Nelson and made famous by the recently deceased "Dandy" Don Meredith. Turn out the lights the parties over. It will be for Allegheny County citizens but it will just be begining for the Goldman Sachs and other investment concerns. You really don't think your well being are more important than a profit do you?

2010-12-02T12:39:00.002-05:00

Thank you, Ed Rendell.
Unfortunately it's just another patch on the breaking dam.
We need dedicated funding.
We need it today.
We need to continue to put pressure on the legislature.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10336/1107723-455.stm

2010-11-29T10:09:00.003-05:00

September 11, 2021 dawned bright and brilliant over the 48 contiguous states of America. Optimism was rampant as President Sarah Palin the first woman elected chief executive was in office in her first year. Just as she campaigned to restore a patriotic fervor to our land, the holiday formerly observed on the 1st monday in September (labor day) was changed to September 11th and renamed Patriots day to honor all the martyr's killed on that day 20 years before. The National economy was taking off unseen since the 1990's although the fair and balanced news network mistakenly said the 1980's.http:/http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/11/23/5516897-chart-economic-growth-by-president/. People were moving back into America's cities for the second decade in a row although to do so meant you were in the top 5% of earners. American cities were booming and the suburbs were dying and why shouldn't they have been since fuel prices were averaging $10.00 a gallon. Moat building and ditch digging were the job growth areas ending technologies rein. We were in our 20th year of the war on terror and our 50th year in the war on drugs as reported by the fair and balanced Faux news agency. While many people questioned the insanity of these never ending wars and thought that perhaps more spending on education was in order they were always out opionated by the corporate think tanks that were experts on everything right for us. The jobs were plentiful in the cities of the day and suburbanites flocked there to work, because not to would've meant unemployment and certain starvation since any sort of social safety net had been ruled illegal by the Supreme Court 4 short years before.http:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objectivism_(Ayn_Rand)//From their suburban ghetto's courtesy of their newly privitized minicipal bus company the long journey into the urban areas was made affordable as the corporations of the day relied on this supply of labor to keep their businesses booming. You see workers really had no choice as jobs were non-existent outside the walls of a metropolis. The middle class of the day always voted in elections be it state wide or nation wide to lower taxes and allow monopolies to exist stifiling out any type of competition in their neighborhoods. But what the people of the day didn't realize was that what the elected officials were doing was putting the responsibility of funding every day services such as schools,fire departments,police,onto the local goverments where write offs were non-existent. As a result of this these essential services could no longer function so the citizenry became the serfs of the 21st century. Some knowlegeable scholars in the out lying towns tried to change this by rallying people to register to vote. However this was a failed attempt as to be able to vote people needed 2 forms of identification and at least 2 valid credit cards with their balances up to date. This was an impossibility for over 90% of the populace, as student debt had exploded to unheard of proportions.

Job Loss, Traffic Jams, and Heart Ache.

2010-11-28T08:01:00.010-05:00

On March 13Th, 2011 the Port Authority of Allegheny County plans to cut 35% more of its service, and layoff 500 plus employees. The pink slips for these employees will be delivered during the holiday season, just in time for Christmas, but rest assured the Pennsylvania Lawmakers and their families get to enjoy another extended holiday vacation, and put Mass Transit, Roads and Bridges on the back burner again.

This Funding Crisis didn't happen overnight. In 2007 Act 44 was signed, creating an Historic Permanent Revenue source for Transit, Roads, and Bridges. The problem was that the main funding source for Act 44 was the tolling of I-80. On April 6Th, 2010 the feds rejected (again) the Tolling of I-80. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10096/1048294-100.stm Our elected officials have sat on their hands for too long now, they put getting re-elected over public interest. Ed Rendell tried in-vain to create another source of revenue, but the self serving Pennsylvania General Assembly once again stood on the sidelines. Republicans sat back and said "NO NEW TAXES"so they could get re-elected, and the weak Democrats sat back and said "WELL, WE REALLY NEED TO RAISE TAXES BUT, I MIGHT NOT GET RE-ELECTED. This attitude needs to be stopped. The riding public should be treated better, a Public Transit 'Bill of Rights" should be enacted to protect their interests from the "do nothing" Pennsylvania Lawmakers who cant seem to stick their necks out to do the right thing.

In March, when these additional cuts are put into effect, there will be traffic jams of ridiculous proportions. There will be zero places to park in the already congested City of Pittsburgh, and the people who use this once great Transit system will be stranded and unemployed. The Poor, and Elderly who rely on this public service will not be able to get to vital services necessary to their lives. The rich will not be able to park their Hummer's and Lexus' and save on gasoline and parking fees, creating another void in our Free Market Economy. (sarcasm) This crisis is real, this is not an Allegheny County issue, it is a State Lawmaker issue. Note to the riding and non- riding public, start calling and e-mailing your State Legislators NOW! If you don't know who they are use this link to find out. http://www.legis.state.pa.us/index.cfm

Why now and not 1964?

2010-11-27T11:06:00.005-05:00

I'm constantly reminded by naieve individuals about the virtues of competition in our public transit service circa 1963. Allow me to take you back to the pre-Port Authority days prior to 1964. A time when there were 21 different transit lines operating service into Allegheny County suburbs and 17 into Downtown pittsburgh. A time when there were 38 different fare structures and 38 different public transit schedules to read. Many of these companies were so financially insolvent that equipment over 30 years old was the norm. More than half of these companies were bankrupt and the ones that were profitable derived their income mainly from charters and school bus operations, a service denied to the present operations of the Port Authority. This was a time when Pittsburgh Railways the dominant carrier in the county adjusted Fares upward 13 times in 13 years and was in bankruptcy around 50% of the years it was in operation. Breakdowns were the norm because of the age of the equipment and the automobile was becoming the preferred mode of transportation in the area taking away a customer base.These were the reasons that public transit was formed into a Municipal Authority in the first place. This was a time when our Politics wasn't controlled by large Corporate campaign donors. When private think tanks didn't exist (Allegheny institute,Heritage foundation,Cato institute, Manhattan institute etc.)to frame arguments in a Corporate Monopolistic type of philosophy with their advertising dollars in our newspapers and broadcast media. If we're to hand over our transit system to private carriers, these will not be the mom and pop operations of the past. These type of operations will be done by large Companies that will stifle any type of competition. The First Transits,Veolia's, Coach U.S.A.'s of the world operate for one reason only, as any business does,to make a profit. Their reason for being is not to provide a public service, and the only way for them to exist is thru OUR TAXES as their operating margin.(Please read my blog on Public vs. Private as this is where this debate is going) These transit companies that will be entering our market are not local concerns as they have you believe but are international conglomerates, that will be hauling more American capital overseas as we continue the habit of selling off our public assets (Turnpikes,Public Transit systems,Utilities,etc.) because we as a nation have decided to outsource our manufacturing capabilities. Our economy has become a barter economy ie: you wash my windows, i'll mow your lawn. So to make up for our lack of creating wealth by making raw materials into consumer products and exporting them as we did prior to the 80's. we've resorted to selling off our public assets for cash and importing well over 90% of our manufactured goods to pay for it. Just like the discussion of the selling of our parking assets Pittsburgh, you might want to think long and hard about this public utility as well. Rest assured fellow citizens of Allegheny county you'll hear many proponents of the privitization of our transit in the media over the months to come but if its so good now why wasn't it in 1964?

2010-11-24T09:25:00.003-05:00

The Death announcement of the Port Authority of Allegheny county is moments away on this day the 24th of November 2010 at 9:25 A.M. Funeral arrangements will be made by the "Board of Directed" in a secret meeting. Details to follow.

the future as relived in the past

2009-10-30T13:37:00.002-04:00

On the 19th of April 2005 the County executive unveiled his 6 point transportation planhttp://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2005/250419a.asp clearly stating his goal of a Regional transportation authority and the dreaded public-private partnership.

March 15 2006 the Transportation Action team is announcedhttp://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2006/260315.asp. A stated goal of the team is to focus on the VIABLE next steps for the Chief Executives six point transportation plan. This team is headed by David Hickton recently announced as the front runner for the U.S. Attorney in the Western Region of PA

January 3, 2007 the Chief Executive and Steve Bland announce proposed Port Authority fare and service changes. The first stage is set for a crisis in county transit is set as imminent and drastic service cuts are planned. http://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2007/270103.asp

June 3, 2007. The first stage is set for a dedicated source of revenue for the mass transit system as lobbying in Harrisburg for a tax is pursuedhttp://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2007/270603.asp. This becomes a necessary tool for a public-private partnership as a dedicated source of revenue is a stated goal of Veolia VP Ron Hartman.

what's to come

2009-10-29T13:57:00.002-04:00

ON the 23rd of October the board of directed did what they do best. They rubber stamped a policy decision that will affect all the transit riders in Pittsburgh. In the near future these route changes will be seen for what they are a shrinking of the coverage area provided by the Port Authority and a reason to implement a regional transit authority. We'll soon be hearing of another funding crisis, legacy costs, and more service cuts. Soon our tax dollars will be going into the hands of a private concern running our authority in one form or another all in the name of efficiency. Ever since Dan Onorato's begining of his first term he's been quite clear of changing transit as we know it in this area. Time interrupts me to delve into this subject any further at this time but future blogs will document how this has started from the first weeks of this administration in January of 2005 to the present.

2009-10-22T13:34:00.002-04:00

Well it's the last day of knowing the Port Authority of Allegheny County as we know it. Tomorrow October 23, 2009 the board of "directed" casts their rubber stamp on the TDP connect 09. It's the first step to destroying the social safety net we have in public transit. It's being sold to us as a improvement, and the efficiency of our system will be greatly enhanced while only seperating a few hundred people from the social safety net of the county transit system. In the next few years we'll be hearing of private haulers of transit services entering Allegheny County http://www.veoliatransportation.com/index. Don't be fooled by the cost savings or the increase of services none of this will happen and it will all happen at the expense of the American taxpayer so that a few will become wealthy thanks to your taxes. Don't say you haven't been warned America we've documented this for over a year now, the privitization of goverment services.http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=376. Soon we'll be hearing of new pension issues over at the port authority and why that will have to be dissolved it's all part of the plan to destroy the greatest middle class in the history of man by destoying all the hard won gains of labor unions from the 1930's. The next three years on this issue will be interesting, but I wanted this blog out today on this subject as a record of the situation as it stands.

You're Lying!

2009-10-09T00:09:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. Bland,

Please start telling the citizens of Allegheny County the truth. Since you arrived here from the giant metropolitan area of Albany, NY you have done nothing but weaken the transit system in our region. You have insulted the intelligence of our good people. First by trying to ram service cuts down our throats, and when you couldn't achieve the goal you wanted, you went to school and found your "veil" in the form of Nelson/Nygaard. You brought them in to "assess" our transit system. Needless to say if anyone has the time or the or the will to do any investigating, they will find that in two years and 1.3 million dollars of the taxpayers money later, all that Nelson/Nygaard has done is disguise the (almost exact) doomsday service cuts of 2007. Rename every route to have the appearance that they changed the whole system. Last but not least this should outrage the citizens of Allegheny County, only one, yes one new route has been created in this region. Every other change has been either a service cut or a so-called consolidation that will absolutely leave people in certain areas stranded. Thank you Steve for your dedication to destruction. Now lets all sit back and see how long it takes for the private sector to step in and fill the gaps left in the county. The State Legislators, County Council, and the citizens of this County aren't even going to know what hit them when the Port Authority's Board of "Directed" approves this worthless Transit Development Plan. It's not too late. We'll stand up and FIGHT!

Cowboy Neal Cassady

son of the greatest generation

2009-10-08T19:38:00.003-04:00

Well here we go again with another exciting episode of, Watch the Port Authority of Allegheny County mislead the public, starring Dan Onoratto, co-starring Steve Bland, and the special guest appearance of Nelson-Nygaard. When last we left off the storyline, the big issue was just how do we fund a transit system without a dedicated source of revenue. Alas the star of our show Danny Onoratto rode in his limo and called out to the state legislature. Please, please give us a dedicated source for transit, and I have a great idea to achieve this without pissing off anyone politically. After years of striving for a dedicated source of revenue the administration of Onoratto was rewarded with a 10% drink tax on alchoholic beverages in Allegheny County to fund his transit system. Well here we are caught up to the storyline, and once again the transit system of our metropolis is in flux. Am I missing something here? Wasn't it just recently that Steve and Dan were touting the historic savings in a newly negotiated transit contract with the evil bus drivers union? Wasn't it just recently that we right sized our transit system to adjust for the population decreases over the last quarter century? Now we get the all Knowing consulting firm from San Francisco at a small cost of 1.3 million to decrease service further. A long time ago my father told me if it smells like it, and looks like it, don't step in it. That's exactly the crap thats being fed to us, a transit overhaul that will improve service for most of us. Just who exactly are most of us anyway? Someone who lives in the inner city? and already has a transit ride every 30 seconds. The only thing I know that's a certainty in life is, if it's not there, it's not there. Let's get real MR. Onoratto, if your taking my bus ride from me and countless others it is in fact a ELIMINATION. It's not an improvement for me a tax paying citizen of this county who happened to buy his home near a transit stop. What's next Danny? no more electrical lines to my home? Maybe the water company feels i'm too far from the pumping station to serve me and they'll cut that service too. The one thing I know for sure in politics is that the candidate who raises the most money is always the one who's sold his soul to the highest bidder. Haven't you raised the most money so far of any Democrat in the Governor's race? Who is it Dan that's bought you off and stands to profit from the transit system cuts and surely other things we're not aware of ? Surely sometime in the future the ugly head of Pittsburgh transportation group ( http://www.veoliatransportation.com/index ) a subsidiary of Veolia transit will show its head as the driving force behind this so called transit devolopment plan. But those of us who live here from one generation to the next we'll still be here trying to fix the mess you've left behind as you travel down the road of political whore.

Public vs Private

2008-09-07T10:31:00.007-04:00

Over at the Allegheny Conference, The Big "Z" (Ken Zapinski) admits the importance of public transportation to the vitality of a vibrant urban core. So it seems our differences lie not in providing the necessary service but in who is better in providing it, the public or private sector?

Let's examine the differences. The private sector exists to make a profit that's as American as apple pie, however as stated in it's corporate charter a profit must be first and foremost on the minds of it's directors, and how we go about making that profit is secondary to showing a profit in other words the ends justify the means.

Not exactly what the citizenry wants when it comes to a necessary service. The public sector on the other hand exists to provide a service for all it's citizens as economically feasible as possible and is held accountable thru the ballot box and not by it's shareholders.

We both agree that Public transportation can't exist without taxpayer subsidies which is why the Port Authority was formed in the first place, and no knowledgeable person disagrees with that fact. So it seems our differences would lie in cost containment. Most uninformed people at first glance would agree with The Big "Z" that the private sector would win this discussion but is this true?

The first example I'll cite would be the city of Pittsburgh's experimenting with contracting out of waste services in the south hills of the city. After extensive bidding on the contract and extensive studies being done it was found that the Public Sector was more efficient in providing the service and now the suburbs are contracting out with the city to provide waste hauling at less cost.

Arguments against the Public Sector in providing these services lie in the argument of soft budget constraints that the Public Employee's Unions will drink at an endless trough. To say that this is true you are also saying that an American Democracy is also a failure since we've shown the ownership of said services is the voting public, but what is also missing from this argument is that if the private sector takes over necessary services they also have soft budget constraints and will drink from the so called trough that they accuse Public Employees of with a vast difference of instead of being responsible to the taxpayers they serve, their loyalties lie to their shareholders who by law they must exist to show a profit thru what ever means are necessary. In the end it comes down to a profit motive for the private hauler whereas for the Public Sector it's all about providing the service to it's electorate that motivates it.

For the Private Sector to operate 1 of 2 things must happen a raising of subsidies to support it's existence or the obliteration of it's services, the public be dammed. The fact that their is absolutely no risk for the Private Sector to take over necessary services should raise a huge flag to all interested parties. The biggest risk to a private transportation provider is the network distribution (busways,buses,insurance,fuel costs,emergency services,rail lines) all the things that the public has already bought and will continue to pay for. State owned enterprises are shown to be superior wherever a natural monopoly exists this refers to the situation where technological conditions dictate that having only one supplier is the most efficient way to serve the market place. Electricity,water, gas,public transit,land phones,emergency services, are examples of natural monopolies. In these industries the main cost of the services as fore mentioned are the distribution network and therefore the unit costs of provision go down if the number of customers that uses the network increases.

In contrast having multiple suppliers each with it's own distribution network as Pre-Port Authority 1964 increases the costs to it's public. Historically in every large city there were competing transit companies but these were then consolidated into large monopolies for efficiencies sake. When a private company owns a monopoly it can charge what ever it wishes and serve wherever it wishes to the dismay of our most vulnerable citizens who reside in our county and allow us to plunge deeper into what seems to be the goal of certain leaders, 3rd world status.

Don't be fooled by the arguments that we're hearing out there, there is an all out assault by the corporations to take our tax money and use it for their benefits under the guise of Public-Private Partnerships. When ever one goes into business there is a certain amount of risk involved but the reason private companies love these arrangements is that the risk is not theirs but ours thru our taxes. Great deal if you're in on it bad deal if you're the one who funds it which one are you?

LABOR DAY

2008-09-01T16:12:00.006-04:00

From The People Who Brought You The Weekend!

Cowboy Neil Cassady and The Son of the Greatest Generation would like to thank all the men and women who made the selfless sacrifices so that our families could have a chance at the American Dream, and we will continue the fight for all future generations of working families to enjoy the same.

Open Your Eyes

2008-08-27T21:45:00.005-04:00

You know, it's a sad day when you hear every day ordinary people echoing comments that are usually made by the likes of the Allegheny Institute / Allegheny Conference. (slash, because they all work together and look out for their own pocket books not to help tax payers as they may attempt to suggest. Follow the money, see who funds them).

The fact that people buy into their dog whistle politics are whats wrong with this country. It hit me very hard while enjoying a cup coffee with a few old friends, when unexpectedly the conversation turned into discussion about the drink tax.

The four of us grew up together in a working-class, (predominantly Italian) neighborhood in the city of Pittsburgh. We were all raised by union families. Many of us went to Catholic schools, paid for by our parents' union wages. Most of our parents are living secure retirements, because of their union pensions. Three of us are union members now. It was therefore, shocking and depressing to me when the fourth one of us, declared that they should privatize the Port Authority and that he didn't think it was fair that the public has to pay for the Port Authority with the drink tax.

It was like my heart broke to hear him say that.

The complete line of bull that is being fed to the people of Allegheny County by the media in this town about the Port Authority & ATU Local 85 contract talks sickens me.

Why is the local media (irresponsibly) feeding the citizens of Allegheny County the idea that Local 85 is going on strike-- like it is inevitable?

Why is it OK for the media to fill the heads of the tax payers of this region with lies?

Why is it OK for local news papers to print "plant stories" by Port Authority Management?

Why is it OK for all the mismanagement over the years to be taken out on the workers?

Fear, Jealousy, and Misinformation is the key to their success. Just when ridership is on the steady up rise they want to put the fear of a work stoppage in the public's head.

They try to make people jealous by posting salaries of drivers and maintenance workers, because they know that many people who ride public transit are victims of our low-wage economy. To people who are struggling to make it in a non-union job, our salary can seem like a lot. In reality, bus drivers are making enough to live a decent life, not an extravagant life. Very few of us are able to sacrifice our personal and family time to work the amount of over time you have to work to exceed than the 40,000 average salary.

They constantly give misinformation on ATU member's pensions and the supposed cuts in management jobs.

Why are Jake Haulk of the Allegheny Institute and Ken Zapinski of the Allegheny Conference so motivated to constantly take a one sided approach to this topic. What is their motivation to rip off the blue collar, hard working, people of Allegheny County who use public transit.

Or, maybe it's just the (over-paid, lazy) Unionized workers that they're after.These people are here for good old fashioned UNION BUSTING, and they need your help. They want to enrage ordinary people to help them further their agenda:

They want you to write letters to the editor, send emails and and write comments agreeing with them on their blogs about the overpaid bus drivers.
They want you to stand around the office water cooler with your co-workers and bad mouth "Union Workers".

What's sad is that these horrible Union Workers are your family, friends, your neighbors. They are the fireman, the policeman, your mailman, your garbage man, your kid's school teacher, and your bus driver-- (even the nice ones).

Come on, who are the Allegheny Conference, or groups who want to privatize transit like the Allegheny Institute looking out for?? Is it you? Is it me?

Most union members appreciate their union and would not deny another worker the right to have a union-- that's why it's called the Labor Movement. But the Allegheny Institute and the Allegheny Conference want you believe Unions are what is destroying America. They are pitting us against one another while every day their Big Business, Corporate backed Think Tank mentality tears the middle class apart.

Please stop and think the next time you hear them spew their evil venom on the hard working people of this great Commonwealth. This Country was built by hard working people, don't let them divide us any longer.

TRUE LIES

2008-08-06T23:02:00.004-04:00

Isn't it amazing how the free hand of the market takes care
of the most-vulnerable? Isn't it amazing how Private
Corporations look out for the taxpayer? Isn't it amazing
how our free press continually pushes for the corporate
control of our taxpayer services? Of course we're being a
little sarcastic in the amazing abilities of the free market
when it comes to taxpayer provided services. The sad truth
of the matter is that we're being hoodwinked by interests that
care of themselves and not of the public good. The biggest lie
that the American Public has ever been told are the virtues of
a Public Private Enterprise. Oh yea they're great if your the
private party (no risk) guaranteed money (through your taxes)
guaranteed profit (through your taxes) is the one involved.

However for the rest of us (the Taxpayers) our services will
continually be whittled away until the profit margin is all
that will remain of our endeavors. This is what the Politicians
of our transit agency (Dan Onorato)have in mind.

A public-private partnership sounds great in theory until the
facts are laid out in front of us. There is not one single
place in the U.S. where this model has worked for the benefit
of its citizenry. (Name one) The office of the County Executive
has continually used as an example the transit agency of Denver
Colorado. Upon further review the facts show what a failure it
has been for the people of the Mile High City.

Unreliable service, Higher costs to the electorate, more
congestion in the inner city and suburbs and no answers to the
traffic problem that befuddle commuters. On the other hand the
private service provider has become extremely wealthy thanks
to the taxpayers of Denver. We have to ask ourselves are we in
this together? Are we in this for Veolia? Are we in this for
our children? A sense of Community is as American as Apple Pie.
Let's reject this empowerment that our polls are imposing upon
us with their campaign contributions from outside sources who
wish to enrich themselves with OUR TAXES and show them we believe
in ourselves through an American Democracy that we the people
elect. The Alternative will undoubtedly be endless transit
cutbacks and ever growing profits for a Private Concern.

(THE COMMONS ARE FOR EVERYONE NOT THE PRIVILEGED FEW)

By Karamagi Rujumba, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

2008-07-24T00:56:00.001-04:00

Experts, officials say drink tax a fine idea

Dedicated funding streams, not property tax, are seen as best way for counties to fund mass transit

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08174/891798-85.stm

By Joe Grata, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on drink tax

2008-07-24T00:49:00.005-04:00

Getting Around: Drink tax fight keeps people away

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08202/897931-452.stm

The Drink Tax

2008-07-21T14:28:00.004-04:00

The PA legislature changed recent history on the 17th of July of 2007 when they enabled a new tax on alcoholic drinks and car rentals that would be a permanent, dedicated funding source for mass transit in Allegheny County. The long-suffering commuters and daily transit riders of southwestern Pennsylvania were finally offered a permanent funding solution for mass transit. For the first time in a generation, it looked as though the almost yearly and ever-more devastating cuts in transit might become a thing of the past.

Or so we thought.

Unfortunately, as happens all too often in today's political climate, transit riders have become the latest political football as the "solution" of the drink and car rental taxes are attacked by many different sides.
Many would agree that a fuel tax would be the most sensible way to fund mass transit in Pennsylvania. However, because of the historic strength of the highway lobby, under PA law it is unconstitutional to use a fuel tax to fund mass transit. Because of rich special interests of the groups that make up the highway lobby, PA lawmakers have had to struggle to find ways to fund transit, hence the roundabout funding through alcoholic beverages and car rentals.
Which is why we are where we are today--- the restaurant and tavern owners, as well as car rental agencies, are working with opponents of public transit in county and state government to get the drink tax thrown out.

There is more than a little irony in the public outcry of the opposition to the new funding streams. These interest groups say that they are being unfairly targeted while never acknowleging that the tavern and car rental agencies have long been the true winners of extravagant public subsidies. Consider who has benefited from the building of the airports, stadiums, all-purpose arenas and convention centers while the taxpayers of Allegheny County always get stuck with the bill. The very same business men who demand to internalize profits, externalize debts (to taxpayers) and allow the citizens of Allegheny county to foot the bill for their benefit.

The restaurant association asserts themselves as if they are an economic generator with their low paying service sector jobs, when the truth of the matter is that they exist because of the region that surrounds their businesses and in a large part because of the ability of their workforce and their customers to get around that region!

The restaurant owners will argue that business will be lost to counties surrounding Allegheny. As if the municipalities around us will jump up with open arms and shout YES PLEASE VISIT OUR COMMUNITIES AND CONSUME SOME ALCHOHOL! Can we also conclude that these same towns and counties will want to pay for the social cost of alcohol consumption?

The mass transit system in Pennsylvania has been in financial crisis for over fifteen years. Every fiscal year, lawmakers and bureaucrats have made inadequate bandaid solutions without ever addressing the real reason behind the decades of cuts in transit service. One could argue that public transit in western PA (like mass transit systems all over the country) is being starved toward privatization.

The riding public should understand: Public Transit Cannot Generate Profits. Public mass transit is exactly that: a public service. Even with a highly maximized ridership, fares alone could never pay for a high quality transit system. Pittsburghers over a certain age should recall the reason the Port Authority was created in the first place—because the private transit systems could not stay in business.

Allegheny County is blessed to have a transit system that is annually ranked in the top 15 North American transit systems. We now have the oppurtunity to become among the very best in North America. Dedicated funding could allow the Port Authority to address the ever-lengthening delays in commuter travels. Consider this: the Port Authority of Allegheny County, for all the criticism it endures, still saves commuters $33.8 million in fuel costs, 1.8 million in hours saved traveling and pumps over $350 million dollars into the regional economy.

Mass transit is the solution to our dependence on middle-eastern oil.
It's better for our environment.
It can help the most vulnerable in our society to be independent.
When businesses seek to relocate, accesability of mass transit is one of the first attributes they look for in a locale. Our transit system is a regional jewel that we can be proud of.

It's time we as a society understand that the restaurant association and the other organized interests in the business community exist because of us. We don't exist for Kevin Joyce. You can't put the cart before the horse.

County Government the facts are before you: Stand and be the leaders you were elected to be. Vote for maintaining our mass transit system, our regional asset or vote for special interests and social irresponsibility.

Mass transit is and has always been the answer to growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania and no matter what big money interests may go into the campaign to argue against the public good, the truth will always win out.

Let's stop the bickering and begin to fund a service as essential to a vibrant city as a Police and Fire dept. Transit is something we seem to take for granted just as we do a breath of air-- we'll never miss it until it's gone. The public good is at stake and we await your decision.

Welcome Aboard

2008-07-06T18:00:00.001-04:00

We have set up this blog to make sure that the taxpayers of Allegheny County are being given the full story with regard to the current stalled contract negotiations between ATU Local 85 and the Port Authority.

As proud rank and file members of Local 85, we are disgusted at the way our leaders are being attacked and misrepresented by the Port Authority's PR machine.

We also intend to share some of the forward thinking transit reform ideas that members of Local 85 have developed over the last several years. The organized workers at the Port Authority are perhaps our county's strongest advocates for a strong and innovative local transit system. We understand this transit system better than anyone, yet the Port Authority and the local newspapers continually marginalize our voices.

We believe that Port Authority management should be working hand-in-hand with local 85's elected leaders and its members designing ways to improve and expand public transit during this time of fuel price crisis.

Instead they are using our current contract negotiations as a way to continue to spin public opinion, while using fear tactics on the riding public so they can back door into deeply misguided service cuts and fare increases once again.