We can no longer bail out public transit

Regarding "Port Authority Could Face ‘Damaging' Service Cuts" (May 28): The $50.6 million deficit is an absurd figure, considering the authority is supposed to be self-contained.

Why should the taxpayers make up the difference in what is obviously a poorly managed program? If ridership is down, reduce the routes or raise the fares, but definitely don't ask that the taxpayers' hard-earned money be contributed to the Port Authority's own mistakes.

Then to blame the budget deficit on the federal government's refusal to allow I-80 to become a toll road is yet another example of declining financial responsibility. How many times in the past has both the Port Authority and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority relied on taxes to help alleviate their deficits? If people are not using mass transit, then reduce the routes, even if it means laying off drivers and, as it was written, eliminate a division.

Our taxes will most likely increase to help the burden of repairing/rebuilding the infrastructure within this commonwealth, which is necessary, but to expect an increase in taxes to pay for the mismanaged ideas of this authority is ridiculous.

This commonwealth has been assisting both transit authorities for many years now, and it is very apparent, people simply are not using mass transit as they once did. So instead of asking or expecting a constant bailout from taxes, reduce the entire program, across the board, and increase as needed.

PAUL MOSCHETTA

Penn Hills