Public transit remains a central issue for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, as leaders discuss how to ensure continued service without increasing taxes or cutting critical infrastructure funding. Pennsylvania State Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny) has highlighted the importance of reliable buses, trains, and inclines for the local community, emphasizing their role in connecting people to work, education, healthcare, and family.
Robinson described his efforts to secure a $40 million allocation for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), matching the agency’s request and aligning with plans supported by House Democrats and Gov. Josh Shapiro. The funding will be sourced from the existing $2.4 billion balance in the Public Transportation Trust Fund rather than new taxes.
He addressed concerns about statewide budget negotiations, stating: “The commonwealth’s entire budget is being held hostage not by Pittsburgh’s needs, but by SEPTA’s mismanagement in Philadelphia.” He further criticized state leaders for prioritizing additional funds for Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), referencing a transfer in November 2024 when “$153 million in highway capital funds into mass transit — and sent every penny to SEPTA,” while noting that “Pittsburgh got nothing.”
Robinson contrasted PRT’s management with that of SEPTA: “PRT is a well-run system. Is it in need of more funding? Absolutely. But it’s not in crisis like SEPTA.” He argued that PRT remains stable due to prudent oversight rather than political decisions.
The senator noted widespread concern among riders and workers over potential service reductions of up to 35% and possible fare increases if new funding was not secured. He said: “For months, I’ve been hearing from riders, transit workers and community members about the possibility of deep service cuts and fare hikes if we didn’t act.”
Robinson reiterated his approach: “From day one, my approach has been simple: listen to the people who ride the buses and trains, push for accountability and deliver solutions that work right now.”
He called the new $40 million investment an important advance but emphasized ongoing needs for stable long-term transit funding that does not shift costs onto riders or undermine infrastructure.
“This $40 million is a big step forward, but we still need a long-term, stable plan to fund transit without shifting the cost onto riders or letting our infrastructure fall behind,” Robinson stated.
The article was originally featured in the Tribune Review’s Aug. 21, 2025 edition.
