You think its bad for PAT now, it's about to get A LOT WORSE! (Pittsburgh: maps, job)

[BrianTH]

I've come to think that at least on some subconscious level, a lot of rural RealAmerican types are aware they are being subsidized by wealthier urbanites, and it is their insecurity about that situation that can make them so vicious in protecting their favored status.

[BrianTH]

Pretty celebratory article:

$40 million in Pa. transit funding delivered - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

[pman]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

I've come to think that at least on some subconscious level, a lot of rural RealAmerican types are aware they are being subsidized by wealthier urbanites, and it is their insecurity about that situation that can make them so vicious in protecting their favored status.

it's part of federalization. they saw urban as wealthy. in reality, even non-wealthy urbanites are subsidizing rural transportation. it's why pre-Depression and post depression transportation is so different.

[trotter_rej]

There seem to be a lot of vague promises and contingencies in this "long term solution." For example, $1.5 million of the county's contribution is from a drink tax surplus. What happens next year if there is no surplus? There's also no word on a plan to rescind last year's 15% service cuts or to continue implementation of the TDP. That said, it sure beats the alternative.

[Blackbeauty212]

Originally Posted by trotter_rej

There seem to be a lot of vague promises and contingencies in this "long term solution." For example, $1.5 million of the county's contribution is from a drink tax surplus. What happens next year if there is no surplus? There's also no word on a plan to rescind last year's 15% service cuts or to continue implementation of the TDP. That said, it sure beats the alternative.

I think you'll have announcement of the restoration of the 15% cuts once dedicated funding is in place, I'm going to cut them a break on that one. No sense in restoring service just slash it again next year if Gov Do Nothing doesn't follow through on his word also as Brian has pointed out we may play the "Yearly kick the can game" for several more years to come.....

[rr61]

I love it that the drink tax is contributing to this. How appropriate that those who drink too much might be able find a way home by bus. I'll drink to an increase in the drink tax!

[pman]

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty212

I think you'll have announcement of the restoration of the 15% cuts once dedicated funding is in place, I'm going to cut them a break on that one. No sense in restoring service just slash it again next year if Gov Do Nothing doesn't follow through on his word also as Brian has pointed out we may play the "Yearly kick the can game" for several more years to come.....

it would be an opportune time to restructure rather than restore IMO.

[AaronPGH]

Increase the drink tax and bring back the UV Loop!

[UKyank]

Yes, keep increasing taxes on alcohol to fund transportation, great idea

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by trotter_rej

There seem to be a lot of vague promises and contingencies in this "long term solution." For example, $1.5 million of the county's contribution is from a drink tax surplus. What happens next year if there is no surplus?

I think it is a good bet the drink tax won't start taking in less money--that sector seems to be growing robustly in Allegheny County, which is why it beat the original budget expectations.

Generally, I am not really worried about Allegheny County being able to maintain this level of funding. The state, on the other hand, is putting together a clearly-temporary frankenstein approach, but everyone is more or less being honest about the fact the state needs to get a comprehensive transportation funding fix in order to secure this level of funding going forward.