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Yesterday, the Port Authority of Allegheny County held a public hearing on proposed service cuts and fare changes. Nearly 200 people testified at the hearing, agency officials said in a prepared statement.

“We’re here today to have our riders and other community members make their voices heard — to document the tremendous and hurtful impact these changes will have on our region if this funding crisis is not resolved,” said port authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland during the hearing, referring to the federal government's decision to reject a proposal by the state of Pennsylvania to turn Interstate 80 into a toll road.

The proposed changes are intended to balance the fiscal-year 2011 budget, which was adopted in June with a $47.1 million revenue shortfall. The agency plans to increase base fares and introduce premium pricing for light-rail service and 13 express bus routes. Service hours would be reduced by 35 percent and about 90 neighborhoods would be left without any public transit service or a significant drop in service, according to the authority.

Port authority staff will consider public comments when creating a final proposal, which is expected to be voted on by the board at the Sept. 24 meeting. Fare increases would be implemented on Jan. 1, 2011, and service cuts would take effect Jan. 9, 2011.