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Port Authority of Allegheny County officials are soliciting public comments on proposals to reduce service and increase fares as part of an attempt to address a $64 million operating budget deficit in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The deficit stems from “a lack of dedicated funding for transportation at the state level,” authority officials said in a prepared statement.

“Left without adequate state funding, [the] port authority will have no choice but to slash service, increase fares and lay off employees in order to balance its budget, which it is legally obligated to do,” they said.

The impact could result in eliminating 40 of 100 current routes, as well as commuter service to many suburban areas, they said. Proposed fare increases range from 25 cents to several dollars depending on travel zones and daily, weekly or monthly passes.

A public hearing on the proposals will be held Feb. 29. The authority will accept comments through March 9.