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 inextricably linked," he said, urging investment not only to preserve current service but to build rapid transit and regional connections.

Council President Lavelle and other members emphasized coordination with regional advocates and upcoming public hearings. Council members noted that PRT will hold public meetings on proposed cuts, and that advocacy efforts to Harrisburg were planned.

Votes at a glance

- Will of council urging at least $117,000,000 in state funding for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT): approved (voice vote). - Bill 17-28 — Professional services agreement with Fragileman, Delray, Bernsen & Loewy LLP (immigration matters), not to exceed $40,000 over 1 year: passed (roll call, 7–0). - Bill 17-13 — Agreement with University of Pittsburgh for supplemental waste operations in the open neighborhood, at no cost to the city: passed (roll call, 7–0). - Bill 17-29 — Ownership and maintenance agreement with Almono LP for six bus shelters in Hazelwood, at no cost to the city: passed (roll call, 7–0). - Bill 17-46 — Agreement with LiveBorne / Team Pittsburgh for live streaming deck hockey games at Marmaduke Park, at no cost to the city: passed (roll call, 7–0). - Bill 17-27 — Authorization for Pittsburgh Land Bank to acquire a city-owned property (Block 33 K, Lot 128219, Reefer Street) at no cost to the city: passed (roll call, 7–0). - Bill 17-85 — Communication from the Office of Management and Budget (grants office status update for week ending 04/25/2025): read, received and filed (voice vote). - Motion by Councilman Warburg to schedule a post-agenda on the Safe Passages program: approved and will be scheduled.

Council actions and context

The will of council—an expression of the body’s policy position rather than an appropriation—asks the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the governor to provide emergency and ongoing funding to avoid the PRT service reductions described in the measure. Council members urged coordinated advocacy to Harrisburg and noted a series of public hearings PRT scheduled on the proposed changes.

Several contracts and resolutions moved through council committees and received final votes during the meeting. The professional services contract (Bill 17-28) and a set of interdepartmental and external agreements (Bills 17-13, 17-29 and 17-46) were approved by roll call. The Land Bank authorization (Bill 17-27) also passed on final action.

Public comment highlighted related community infrastructure concerns. Nicole Schafer, a Highland Park resident, urged greater investment in community anchors such as the Kingsley Association, libraries and parks, warning that the Kingsley Association — which operates an indoor pool and senior programs — faces rising costs and could lose services without additional support. "If we fail to act now in the next 120 days, the city and county do not step forward with critical support, we risk losing one of the East End’s last true commons," Schafer said.

Other speakers raised homelessness and behavioral health concerns and offered community donations: Stormy Morris presented a $5,000 money order to city council to help young people, and an on-the-record speaker described gaps in mental health care for people sleeping on the streets.

What this does and does not do

The will of council does not itself provide funding; it asks state leaders to act. The contracts and settlements approved at the meeting authorize the mayor or department heads to enter specific agreements or issue warrants as described in each bill. Council members said continued advocacy and coordination with regional partners will be necessary if PRT cuts are to be prevented.

Looking ahead

Council members said they will join advocates at Harrisburg and attend PRT public hearings to press for funding. Council also announced upcoming committee meetings, an executive session on pending litigation, and a post-agenda schedule for the Safe Passages program.