Scrap the Port Authority and start over

My thoughts on the proposed Port Authority transit fare hikes and route cuts:

Pittsburgh has the potential to become a world-class city, but without a good public transportation system it never will. How can Pittsburgh attract better businesses (and better jobs for people of all levels of means and ability) without dependable, functional public transportation?

I'm not sure that the answer lies in throwing more money at the existing Port Authority organization. This organization has been failing us for years. For example, why is there a big tunnel under the Allegheny River but no funds to hire qualified drivers and provide transportation to suburban areas (where many jobs are now)? What was the cost/benefit of renumbering the remaining bus routes with all the attendant changes (publishing new schedules, hanging new bus stop signs all over the county)? How many fare hikes and route cuts have we had over the last few years?

Instead of funding the current organization, I would rather see a study on how the Port Authority has planned, managed and spent its money over the last several years relative to how other major cities do so. I would like to see a new organization established, so that we can rebuild public transportation for Western Pennsylvania and eliminate this embarrassing, useless Port Authority organization once and for all.

PATRICIA CLARKE
Regent Square