Ali Doyle

The Planning and Stakeholders Relations Committee meeting included key discussions regarding the PRTX University line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The update covered construction progress, noting that Phase One is complete and Phase Two is approximately 30% complete. A significant focus was evaluating fare payment options, leading to the recommendation of all-door boarding (pay-as-you-board) using cards or phones at middle/back doors to expedite boarding, while maintaining front-door payment for cash or accessibility needs. The risk of fare evasion associated with this method was acknowledged, along with plans for increased auditing and the potential to revert to front-door only boarding if evasion becomes problematic. The presentation also included an overview of fare evasion statistics from bus and light rail systems in comparison to other cities. A second presentation provided an overview of the State of Good Repair program, detailing a backlog of approximately $2 billion in infrastructure needs, with $1.8 billion unfunded, particularly concerning aging light rail vehicles, facilities, and bridges.

The Planning and Stakeholders Relations Committee meeting included a presentation on proposed February 2026 service changes, which involved minor routing adjustments for Route 55 due to road construction, formalizing current detours for several routes including the waterfront area, and updates related to the closure of a contraflow lane on Fifth Avenue. Numerous running time changes were discussed across various routes (e.g., Route 1, 6, 8, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28x, 31, 58, 61 series, 67, 69, 71 series, 75, 77, 79, 82, 86, 87, 88, P1, P3, P10, P12, P16, P17, P67, P68, P78, Silver Line). Frequency changes were detailed for Route 6 and Route 15 to improve scheduling efficiency and reduce bus bunching, particularly on Sundays. Variant changes included adding new outbound trips for the P3 and aligning the P68 Saturday service with Sunday routing due to facility closure. Finally, trip time adjustments were made across many routes to improve scheduling efficiency. A separate presentation detailed updates on the Public Art Program, including the completion of the Art Action Plan, establishment of a vision statement, launch of a website, and the award of a $240,000 Hines Endowments grant to support collection conservation and program development goals.

The meeting addressed operational adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that real-time capacity data aided in managing social distancing. Normal service was reinstated or closer to normal on four routes during the initial phase due to less decline in ridership on routes like the Carrick route (Route 51). As service moved to the Yellow Level, reduced service was maintained as ridership remained flat or declined, and university closures impacted the Oakland corridor. Light rail ridership dropped by approximately 90% at the pandemic's start. During the Green Phase, fare collection resumed with the Connect Card or cash at the front door, while service levels remained consistent with the Yellow Phase. Ridership data indicated bus ridership recovered to about 70% of normal levels, while rail ridership remained significantly low (about 80% below normal). Access service saw about 75% declines in ridership but continued essential medical transport, implementing masks and daily disinfection. Discussions included participation in the Reopen PGH initiative, coordinating downtown signage for social distancing, and planning for station and parking improvements at Wilkinsburg and Carnegie Stations. A Federal Transit Administration grant of nearly $700,000 was received to support transit-oriented community staff, focused on the East Busway/BRT corridor. Service development updates included placing the bus stop consolidation project on hold, but staff completed over 480 work orders for signage and infrastructure improvements. The shelter replacement project's Phase 3 is on track for late September/October, targeting 33 to 35 shelters. A major focus for the next fiscal year is implementing seven-day service for local and coverage routes, contingent upon updated service standards adoption in July.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a moment of silence to honor several retirees and the recently passed board solicitor, Joel Lennon. The Chief Executive Officer provided an update on the transition to a zero-emission vehicle fleet, emphasizing the goal of eliminating emissions by 2045 while noting the logistical complexities of a gradual shift, including investigating hydrogen fuel cell buses. The Performance Oversight Committee recommended the award of bids totaling $3,520,637.70 and sought authorization to extend agreements for Technical and Clerical Temporary Support Services for one additional year. The Planning and Stakeholder Relations Committee reported on the zero-emission vehicle rollout plan, noting current electric bus inventory and future procurement schedules. They also discussed updates from the Allegheny County Transit Council regarding transit amenities and bylaw amendments. The Finance Committee sought authorization to enter a three-year agreement, not to exceed $3,000,000, with Brinks USA for armored car and cash management services. Financial results for July and August 2022 were presented, showing July operating income under budget and August operating income over budget. The Technology Committee recommended awarding a contract for ISDN-PRI Telecom Services totaling $302,000 and approved an amendment to upgrade software with a total cost not to exceed $3,229,106. A resolution honoring the life and service of the late board solicitor, Joel Lennon, was adopted, including the formal renaming of a conference room to the Joel Landon Memorial Conference Room. The session concluded with public comments.

The executive officer's report included a moment of silence for former and active employees who had passed away. The primary focus of the meeting involved the board considering the adoption of the annual budget, which necessitates a balanced budget before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1st. This adoption is a required preliminary step, with the intent to amend the budget later contingent upon funding clarification from the legislature. Public comments addressed the severe potential harm of proposed service cuts, urged delay in implementation, and highlighted personal reliance on transit services. Commenters also raised significant concerns regarding service change communication, noting issues with temporary stop signage, the unavailability of real-time service disruption information outside of social media platforms, and confusion surrounding new downtown routing adjustments. The Performance and Oversight Committee reviewed and recommended the award of six procurement items totaling $4,088,588.38. Additionally, the committee recommended exercising the second option year with AON Risk Services Central Incorporated for property and casualty risk management services, extending the term to September 30, 2026, and increasing the total authorized amount to $475,000.