Resident urges council to promote PRT bulk‑fare program for multifamily properties and employers

Amy Zayas, a resident of the Beachview neighborhood, urged Pittsburgh City Council members on Jan. 22, 2025, to promote a newly launched Port Authority bulk fare program that allows eligible multifamily property owners, schools and employers to buy transit passes in bulk and offer them to tenants or employees.

Zayas said the program is available to multifamily property owners with 10 or more units at the same physical location and to schools and employers with at least 10 eligible employees. She said a normal monthly pass costs $97.50, while a pass purchased through the bulk fare program costs $28; landlords, employers or schools may offer passes free or pass on the cost to participants provided they do not charge more than their own purchase price.

Speaking during the public comment period, Zayas compared the program to employer transit-benefit mandates used in other cities and asked council members to encourage large employers in their districts to adopt or promote the bulk fare option. "It's so important that transit is properly funded and that we encourage people to use public transit," she said. "This is really just a win‑win for everyone and something I'm really excited about."

No formal action or vote relating to the Port Authority program was taken during the meeting. Council later agreed to schedule a post-agenda discussion on snow removal after public complaints about winter service, and council staff said a virtual committee meeting would be held later the same day.