Community members, government officials, and nonprofit organizations came together on April 29 in downtown Pittsburgh to demand proper transit funding across Pennsylvania. The rally was organized by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Transit for All PA!, and Mobilify Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Last month, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) announced that without additional state funding, there would be significant service cuts across the region, including the elimination of over 40 bus routes, the Silver T Line, and daily service after 11 P.M, as well as reductions in paratransit services for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Transit advocates across the state have been asking state officials for a dedicated, consistent source of public transportation funding for years. The situation is becoming dire for many transit agencies in Pennsylvania as pandemic-era emergency funds run out. To find out more about how we got here, view PRT’s video on YouTube.

Proper and affordable public transit is critical for community members in the Mon Valley to access healthcare appointments, grocery stores, job and educational centers, and more. Mon Valley Initiative recently sent a letter to Pittsburgh Regional Transit and state officials that represent the Mon Valley region, emphasizing the impact that service cuts would have on program participants.

You can express your support for additional funding at www.rideprt.org/2025-funding-crisis/funding-crisis and going to the “Make Your Voice Heard” tab. An online survey is available, as well as a list of upcoming public hearings. It is also important to reach out to your state legislators, ensuring that they are aware of the importance of public transit to the region. You can find your officials by visiting www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator.