Port Authority Year Round-Up

This month's rider report has a message from Steve Bland, CEO of Port Authority.
As the year comes to an end, he wants to remind us of this year's progress:

1) Significant progress toward the North Shore Connector
2) On the verge of implementing the TDP (Transit Development Plan)
3) Smart Cards have been tested and should be implemented next year.

Next year should be an exciting one for Port Authority and Pittsburgh.

Also of note, Port Authority has made public its application for TIGER funds to quickly fund and implement the planned Rapid Bus Program in the TDP. Cross your fingers.

3 TDP Final Draft Takeaways

Over the past year or so, Port Authority did an amazing thing. They hired consultants, performed an extensive study, held meetings to get feedback on the results of that study, and today is the day we've all been waiting for. Today is the day that the results and timeline get revealed. Well almost. There's one more hearing, but beginning in March 2010, changes will be implemented.

3 Most Important Takeaways - plus 1 Bonus Personal Item

1. The base fare is not increasing. A one-zone fare will remain $2 for the foreseeable future. Steve Bland didn't want to force commuters to carry coins. Perhaps this issue will be revisited next year when smartcards are in use?

2. Port Authority is inevitably embracing Bus Rapid Transit lines with no vision for how a potential light rail line between Oakland and Downtown would ever fit in. But maybe that's just realistic and practical?

3. The 28X Airport Flyer will no longer include the obligatory stop at the Ikea/Robinson megaplex.

Bonus Takeaway: There is no silver line. Port Authority dangled the Silver Line in front of me, then snatched it away. It's depressing for me and for Richard. But that's life.