Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is facing a devastating funding shortfall that could result in service cuts impacting over 100,000 daily riders, including some of the region’s most vulnerable populations. If the state legislature fails to address the funding gap by the start of the next fiscal year, July 1, PRT has warned that more than 40 fixed-route bus lines could be eliminated or significantly reduced. Among the hardest hit would be routes serving people with disabilities (particularly those who rely on the ADA-mandated ACCESS paratransit service), and thousands of K-12 students who depend on public buses to get to school safely and on time. This is not just a matter of inconvenience: it’s a matter of equity, access, and quality of life.
Sustainable Pittsburgh supports robust, sustained investment in PRT and calls for funding that prioritizes the long-term vitality of public transit, rather than reducing it. Public transit is essential. When properly funded, it connects people to jobs, healthcare, schools, grocery stores, and cultural destinations. This is foundational to a livable region and a functioning democracy. Cutting service will not only isolate communities—it will deepen inequity and harm the regional economy.
Public transportation is a proven engine for economic prosperity. Each dollar invested in public transit generates approximately $4 in economic returns. For local businesses, especially in underserved communities, transit brings workers and customers alike. For job seekers, especially those without cars, it is a lifeline. For the region as a whole, a well-functioning transit system reduces traffic congestion, lowers household transportation costs, and improves air quality. These are all critical factors in making our region attractive to employers, investors, and new residents.
Further investments in, and especially the greening of, mass transit are also some of our most powerful climate solutions. A single full bus can remove dozens of cars from the road, drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. In a time of increasing climate-related challenges, reducing funding for public transit is a step backward. Public transportation must be seen not just as a service to maintain, but as a cornerstone of a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.
With Pittsburgh preparing to host national and global audiences for the United States’ semi-quincentennial celebrations (“America 250”) and the NFL Draft, both in 2026, it presents a valuable opportunity to showcase a city that is connected, inclusive, and forward-looking. Reliable transit will play an important role in creating a positive experience for visitors and highlighting Pittsburgh’s potential on a world stage.
Sustainable Pittsburgh encourages state and regional leaders to not only preserve existing transit services but to invest in their expansion, ensuring that our communities, economy, and environment thrive together.
What You Can Do
Submit public comments to PRT on how transit reductions impact your community and speak at an upcoming public hearing.
- Thursday, June 12: 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM; David Lawrence Convention Center; Room 302-204
You can also complete PRT’s survey online or visit in-person at the Downtown Customer Service Center, 623 Smithfield Street.
You can mail your comments to:
Pittsburgh Regional Transit
ATTN: Funding Crisis
345 Sixth Ave, 3rd floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Lastly, you can contact your state representative and senator and let them know how important transit is to you and those you serve.
Upcoming Event
Join Sustainable Pittsburgh on June 5 for a dynamic webinar focused on the future of public transportation in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and the broader 10-county southwestern Pennsylvania region. As our region faces the threat of significant transit cuts, the need for a fully funded and equitable transit system has never been more urgent. This session will dive into the challenges at hand, including the impact on our communities, and explore how we can avoid a future of reduced access and mobility. Learn more and register today here.