Port Authority of Allegheny County is launching a campaign to find out how riders and residents would simplify its fare system.
The "Where to Next" campaign will run through summer and help the transit agency develop a recommendation this fall on how to improve its fare system.
"We want to simplify the fare-payment process for transit riders and we want the community to participate by sharing possible changes that would be most meaningful to them," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. "This will be the first major improvement of our transit fare system in years."
Individuals will have multiple opportunities to participate, including an online survey, a web-based "community discussion" site and ultimately a public hearing later in the year.
The authority also will have the survey available at local summer events. Participants have an opportunity to win free tickets to Opus One shows at Brillobox, Mr. Smalls Theater or Club Cafe.
"We've talked about improving fare products and our fare policy for years but now we're doing it," said Port Authority CEO Ellen McLean. "We want to engage our riders and residents through the summer to gather as much input on this as possible."
The authority anticipates any improvements, which first would be considered by its board of directors, would be implemented in phases.
