New fee structure for Port Authority goes into effect after the new year

ALLEGHENY — A new fee structure for the Allegheny County Port Authority will go into effect in 2022.

Free transfers and rolling passes highlight the new fare structure.

Beginning Jan. 1, all Port Authority riders will pay $2.75. Those who use a ConnectCard or other pre-purchased fare product will receive unlimited transfers for up to three hours.

Additionally, weekly and monthly passes, which are not increasing in price, will expire seven and 31 days from the day they’re first used instead of at the end of each week or month. There are no changes for riders who pay with cash.

“These changes give our riders more flexibility with their time and money,” said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman. “No longer will we penalize riders because our routes don’t align with where they’re going or because they don’t work a traditional Monday-through-Friday schedule.”

An analysis of the changes suggests that eliminating paid transfers will especially help low-income riders and families. Making transfers free will cost the Authority approximately $1 million a year.

“These changes reflect a major turning point for our agency and for our region, and we’re continuing to work on even more changes that will provide greater benefits to our passengers while continuing to allow us to move Allegheny County forward.”

Port Authority proposed the fare changes in March following an analysis conducted by Four Nines Technologies. After listening to rider feedback and hosting three public hearings, the Authority’s Board approved the changes in June.

Riders with questions about the fare change are encouraged to contact Port Authority Customer Service by calling 412-442-2000, on Twitter @pghtransitcare or via chat at www.portauthority.org.

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