Gov. Josh Shapiro quickly approved Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s request Friday to use $106.7 million in funds earmarked for capital projects to pay operating costs and avoid massive service cuts and layoffs for at least two years.
PRT had submitted its request Thursday, and less than 24 hours later the governor recommended the state Department of Transportation approve the shift of funds. Earlier this week, Shapiro approved $394 million for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, PRT’s counterpart in five counties around Philadelphia.
The transit agencies and the Democratic governor reluctantly agreed to repurpose capital funds because the state Legislature — especially Senate Republicans — has refused to pass a substantial increase in the state subsidy for public transit. The state still has not approved a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1
The agencies say they are facing a financial crisis after running out of millions in emergency federal funds awarded during the pandemic. SEPTA had begun the first of two rounds of service cuts early last month, and PRT had scheduled 35% service cuts, 38% layoffs of management and union employees and ending service at 11 p.m.
“I want to thank PennDOT for its quick review and acceptance of our request. This approval gives us the breathing room we need to protect our riders and keep our region moving,” PRT CEO Katharine Eagan Kelleman said in a news release. “Even though this short-term fix isn’t what we were working toward, we will continue seeking a long-term solution that transit agencies across Pennsylvania need.”
The agency plans to use the capital funds and a combination of local, federal and reserve funds to cover a $100 million deficit in this year’s budget and next year’s shortfall.
Although the agency is still deciding which capital projects will be delayed, it said none of them will be safety-critical work.
The agency’s board of directors is expected to pass a budget amendment to reflect the changes when it meets Sept. 26.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.