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

[Debbie1125]

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty212

Move over Detroit.....The Burgh's about to feel your pain!

And Boston is the same way. They are facing significant cuts in transit. States that provide funding for mass transit are really shooting themselves in the foot with proposed cuts in cities like Philly, Pittsburgh, Boston, etc.

These cities attract tourists and that means revenue for the state coffers. Also look where a majority of the casinos are in Pennsylvania. Those also generate revenue for the entire state including the rural, less populated areas.

You would think the idiots in Harrisburg would have the same mindset. But then again.......they're politicians. Maybe they should spend some time waiting on a corner for a bus and have to let it pass because it's packed.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by Goinback2011

I think I'm the only poster on this thread who actually rides a bus in Pittsburgh.

Let me tell you: they suck.

They're unreliable, unpleasant, and given all that, expensive. They should be paying me to ride the freaking bus, that's how unpleasant they are.

What's likely to happen if the bus system shrinks is - some companies located downtown will relocate to the suburbs. Most won't though, especially the really large employers unless their industries experience a long downturn.

I take the bus sometimes, and they're horrible. Uncomfortable, loud, crowded (51), dirty, smelly, overpriced, and dudes always want to start fights. I can't tell you how close people are to throwing blows at literally nothing. Oh and fights do happen quite often.

I'm a big fan of public transit, but the reality is that the buses (or at least my route) are a nightmare through and through. No one wants to talk about that part though.

[BrianTH]

I've never seen a physical altercation on any of the buses I have ridden in Pittsburgh.

Provided I can get a seat, I prefer the experience on the bus to driving, mostly because I can either stare out the window or nap. I can't read or play games without getting motion sickness, but many other people do that sort of thing.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

I've never seen a physical altercation on any of the buses I have ridden in Pittsburgh.

I'm almost certain it has to do with my route and the angry people it attracts. Riding the bus to Manchester is quiet and pleasant. But taking the 51? It's World War III in there all the time.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Aqua Teen Carl

I'm almost certain it has to do with my route and the angry people it attracts. Riding the bus to Manchester is quiet and pleasant. But taking the 51? It's World War III in there all the time.

Maybe they should have anger management consultants staff the stops along certain routes.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Maybe they should have anger management consultants staff the stops along certain routes.

Telling the bus driver "thank you, have a nice night!" gets a reaction of both confusion and utter appreciation that someone acknowledged them in a positive manner. It's the little things.

[wpipkins]

Originally Posted by Goinback2011

I think I'm the only poster on this thread who actually rides a bus in Pittsburgh.

Let me tell you: they suck.

They're unreliable, unpleasant, and given all that, expensive. They should be paying me to ride the freaking bus, that's how unpleasant they are.

What's likely to happen if the bus system shrinks is - some companies located downtown will relocate to the suburbs. Most won't though, especially the really large employers unless their industries experience a long downturn.

I use the P1 and P2 M-F (east busway). Its fast and convenient. Otherwise, I would have to take the Parkway East to the Greenburg Pike exit. That would be horrible!

[Mr. Mon]

Originally Posted by Impala26

How perfectly ironic given Corbett's (lack of) action in this matter...

It's pretty much "Suck it anyone downstream of Neville in the Ohio Valley" as well... and White Oak, and North Versailles, and Oakmont... *sigh*

I'll be really really sad to see my 58-Greenfield bus go

I guess it's time to actually TAKE Curtis' advice and just start riding my bike everywhere... oh wait, this city sucks at treating streets in the winter too.

I'm hoping that the Governor is not really ignoring the issue, but is doing the only thing possible to reform the Port Authority, which is to let it go under. Even if we have a fix, the legacy and daily operational costs at PAT are completely unsustainable. Yes, management should have never signed those sweetheart labor deals with the union to start with, but they did, and it's killing transit in Pittsburgh.

I am VERY pro public transit and agree that we need expanded and more efficient service in Pittsburgh. However, I realize that continuing to throw money at the current system and patchwork fixes are not long term solutions. Hopefully, Harrisburg is working with PAT management to dismantle the current agreements and reorganize.

Again, I'm hoping that is Corbett's game here, but I'm probably just delusional.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Mr. Mon

Again, I'm hoping that is Corbett's game here, but I'm probably just delusional.

I don't know if I would say "delusional," but your hope is almost surely unfounded.

As we have noted repeatedly in these discussions, state law prohibits PAT from cutting vested benefits pursuant to its prior contracts. Therefore, if Corbett wanted to help PAT cut its legacy benefit costs, an absolutely necessary first step would be changing state law to allow such cuts.

So, the only way your hope would be plausible is if Corbett was currently pushing for such changes to state law. Unfortunately, I am aware of no such efforts on his part.

Therefore, your hope is unfounded. I wish it wasn't, but that is an unavoidable conclusion.

[squarian]

Originally Posted by Mr. Mon

I'm hoping that the Governor is not really ignoring the issue, but is doing the only thing possible to reform the Port Authority, which is to let it go under.

I suspect this is like giving the Cunard Line credit for planning the iceberg which sank the White Star Line's Titanic: ingenious if true, but hardly creditable.