Jennifer Liptak

The committee discussed a resolution for a contribution and cooperation agreement with VisitPITTSBURGH regarding funding for transit services during the upcoming NFL Draft. Additionally, staff provided an update on the Bus Line Refresh initiative, which aims to improve service quality, reliability, and network connections through various engagement events. A report on January ridership data was also presented, highlighting performance metrics for both bus and light-rail services.

The Board meeting included reports from the CEO on agency efforts during a severe winter storm, and reports from various committees. Key agenda items included the authorization of procurement bids, settlement of a public liability claim, amendments to an agreement for drug and alcohol compliance services, authorization of compensation market study services, and the establishment of an agreement for non-destructive testing services for steel rail. Additionally, the Board approved extensions and amendments for ancillary construction services and construction management contracts, adopted a collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 29, authorized grant applications for 2026, accepted the FY 2025 Audit Report, and approved software and technology consulting services. Public comments were heard regarding transit justice, bus line redesign concerns, service reliability, schedule accuracy, and the need for increased transparency in service adjustments.

The board meeting focused on several key operational and financial matters. The Chief Executive Officer provided updates on preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft, emphasizing the transportation plan and capacity enhancements. Resolutions were approved for the adoption of the 2026 public transportation agency safety plan, the establishment of a pool of firms for external investigative services, and the authorization of a construction contract for the Panhandle Bridge Rehabilitation Project. Additionally, the board approved an agreement with Visit Pittsburgh for draft-related transit services, received updates on bus line service refreshes, ridership performance, pass programs, and authorized a license renewal for IT maintenance and support services.

The committee meeting included a project update on the Dormmont Junction transit-oriented development, specifically focusing on the selection of Penrose LLC as the development partner and the move toward an exclusive negotiation agreement to advance mixed-use community planning. Additionally, the committee received a performance update regarding bus and rail ridership trends, including year-over-year growth and improvements in on-time performance following schedule adjustments and infrastructure repairs.

The committee reviewed and recommended the authorization of several procurement items totaling $2,155,460.80. Other key actions included authorizing a $199,000 settlement for a public liability claim, extending an agreement for Drug and Alcohol Compliance Program Services while adding mobile oral fluid testing, and extending a compensation market study services agreement with The Segal Company (Eastern States), Inc. Additionally, the committee recommended a new three-year agreement with Smith-Emery Laboratories, Inc. for non-destructive steel rail testing services, authorized the extension of six construction contracts for ancillary services with an increased amount for Arcon Contracting, Inc., and approved one-year term extensions for seven firms providing construction and program management contract services.