PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - The Port Authority is launching a drive to keep some riders off its buses and trains.
The digital sign on the front of the bus reads, stay home.
The idea is to keep riders not headed to essential destinations off mass transit so there’s room for physical distancing for those who must venture out.
“We want our customers to know we’re here for them if they truly need us, but need to save room for those trips that are absolutely essential,” said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman.
The authority says some routes have been busy even with an overall 80 percent drop in ridership.
Service has been cut 25 percent.
Kelleman fears more service cuts if too many employees get sick.
"We have an obligation to make sure our employees remain safe and healthy," Kelleman said. "But we need to balance that with ensuring that we're able to connect the residents of Allegheny County to essential services during this difficult time."
Port Authority is eligible for $141.75 million in federal aid that was made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on March 27.
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