NPR
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
News Transportation

Sunday Marks Hike in Port Authority Fares

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For a zone one ride on an Allegheny County Port Authority bus or train, the one-way fare will increase by 25¢ and zone two fares will increase by 50¢ starting July 1st. Ticket and pass prices are also due to increase on Sunday.
(Jennifer Jordan/Allegheny Front)
PAT riders can expect fare increases on the first day of the new fiscal year.

For a zone one ride on an Allegheny County Port Authority bus or train, the one-way fare will increase by 25¢ and zone two fares will increase by 50¢ starting July 1st. Ticket and pass prices are also due to increase on Sunday.

Heather Pharo, PAT spokesperson, said even though most fares are increasing, some will remain the same.

Transfers are going to continue to be $1 for a full fare,” Pharo said. “The T surcharges on the cash fares will continue to be 75¢ for full fare.”

Pharo adds that the North Shore Connector’s trip from downtown will remain free for at least three years due to a partnership with ALCOA parking and the stadiums on the North Shore.

Pharo said PAT is now selling new tickets and passes at the new rates.

If riders have old tickets, they can take those tickets to the downtown service center on Smithfield Street and exchange the old tickets for tickets at the new price and they can pay the difference in one lump sum right there at the service center,” Pharo said.

If unable to reach the service center by July 1st, riders can continue to use their old tickets through September 30th.

All they have to do is pay the difference in cash when they pay the ticket,” Pharo said. “So if you’re using an old zone one full fare ticket, you’ll hand the driver your ticket and then put 25¢ in the cash box.”

Pharo added that meetings are ongoing with the state, county, and union to avoid September’s anticipated 35% service cut that includes the elimination of 42 routes to keep the Authority's budget balanced.

A complete list of the fare changes effective Sunday can be found on the Port Authority of Allegheny County's Website.