HARRISBURG -- With the Port Authority of Allegheny County warning of deep service cuts ahead, Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday threatened to use federal highway money to bail out mass transit systems if lawmakers won't approve higher taxes and fees.

Rendell told a Senate panel that there's a "distinct possibility" he would again tap into federal money allocated to Pennsylvania highways, as he did to save transit in 2005. In government jargon, raiding federal highway money is called "flexing."

"I would try to flex as close as I could to what (Port Authority) would be losing," Rendell told reporters.

At stake are reduced transit routes, higher fares, or higher state taxes and worsening road conditions.

The Port Authority faces a $47 million deficit in 2011, and its officials predict they will have to reduce service by 35 percent starting Jan. 1. That would include laying off 500 employees and reducing the number of bus routes from 163 to 85.

The state needs $475 million just to fill a gap caused by the government's decision not to permit tolls on Interstate 80, but Rendell said the actual need is more than $3 billion a year. The state's transportation system has crumbling bridges and poor road conditions in many areas, he said.

But if the Legislature in an election year delays a decision about raising the gas tax or motorists' registration and license fees, Rendell said, there is a strong chance he would use federal highway funds.

Doing so would exacerbate the state's road and bridge needs, Rendell said. "You're robbing Peter to pay Paul, but that may be the only choice I'm left with."

Port Authority CEO Steve Bland blamed the agency's deficit on a 15 percent drop in state funding when the government rejected I-80 tolls, which were to be the keystone of the Act 44 transportation bill passed in 2007.

"I have to tell people, it's not a scare tactic; it's a reality," Bland said. "And if Act 44's issues are not addressed, it will be a recurring reality."

Lawmakers viewed Rendell's comments as threats from a crisis-oriented governor always looking for leverage, a governor who leaves office in January.

"He's not going to intimidate me," said Rep. Paul Clymer, R-Bucks County. "He's been playing these hardball scenarios since he's been in office."

"He's freely willing to bail out city systems while leaving rural Pennsylvania behind," said Rep. David Reed, R-Indiana. "He's proven time and time again he'll do what he wants, not what's been agreed upon by legislators from all areas of Pennsylvania."

Catherine Hardy, 59, of Highland Park rides several buses and a free shuttle from home to her job in Robinson Town Centre every day. The Port Authority would eliminate bus service to Robinson Town Centre and the Mall at Robinson if it has to make drastic cuts in January.

"We need the buses," Hardy said. "I've got to keep a job ... and it's cheaper than a taxi or a jitney."

Keith Wood, 52, of Robinson said cutting service to his area would affect not only workers in Robinson but also shoppers and workers who park in the mall lot and commute by bus to work Downtown.

About 90 communities -- from city neighborhoods to suburbs -- would be affected by the cuts, authority spokesman Jim Ritchie said. Fifty would lose transit service entirely, and 40 would face a "severe reduction" in service, he said.

"We're in a Catch-22," said Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg. "I understand why the governor wants to do this. PAT is going to have to cut tremendously. It's going to be the deepest cut in 54 years. How are people going to get to work and school• We're going to have a problem."

On the other hand, "that money is really needed for the roads and bridges," Kortz said.

But, said Sen. John Eichelberger, R-Altoona, "I don't think (Rendell) should be making decisions as he's walking out the door." Eichelberger believes the issue should be addressed after a new governor takes office in January.

Rendell "wants a quick a fix; he wants to raise money and spend it," Eichelberger said. "... We can recall lots of stories the governor has used to threaten the people of this state. I haven't seen many of them actually happen."

Additional Information:

On the table

Port Authority officials predict they will have to reduce service by 35 percent starting Jan. 1 unless the state helps fill a projected $47 million deficit in the authority's 2011 budget. Among the proposed cuts:

• The number of bus routes would drop from 163 to 85.

• About 500 bus and light-rail operators, maintenance workers, supervisors and managers would be laid off.

• Bus maintenance and storage garages at Collier and Harmar would close.

• Ridership is expected to decline by about 30,000 trips per day.

• Saturday and/or Sunday service would end on 24 routes.

• Basic fares, two-zone fares and transfers would go up by 25 cents. Weekly, monthly and annual passes would cost more.

• On light-rail trips and 18 suburban express routes that cost more per person to operate, the authority would impose a $4 'premium fare.'

The authority will hold a public hearing from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.

Source: Port Authority of Allegheny County

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---