Pittsburgh City Council urges $117 million state aid to avert deep transit cuts; approves series of contracts and settlements

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh City Council on April 29 unanimously approved a will of council urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Josh Shapiro to increase funding for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) by at least $117,000,000 in the 2026 fiscal year to prevent proposed service reductions and fare increases.

Councilwoman Warwick introduced the measure, saying the city must act with regional partners to preserve transit service. "This transit crisis is one of those moments where, as the various bodies of government, we need to come together, and work together," Warwick said during debate, adding that cuts would hurt riders’ access to jobs, medical care and schools.

The measure cites PRT estimates included in Warwick’s reading of the will of council: as proposed, fixed-route service cuts would reach up to 35%, paratransit cuts 62% with fares up roughly 20%, the elimination of 41 bus routes and major reductions on 34 others, and the end of late-night service after 11 p.m. The will of council also notes PRT serves about 120,000 daily riders, contributes about $1,000,000,000 to the state economy and keeps roughly 39,000 cars off the road.

Councilman Mosley, among other members who spoke in support, framed transit as an economic and housing issue. "Transit and housing are…