Public hearings have begun for a proposal that would implement a flat fare system on the Port Authority of Allegheny County transit system.
According to Ed Blazina, the Port Authority of Allegheny County is considering a proposal that would shift the system to a flat rate: "a $2.50 fare for all riders who use the prepaid Connectcard instead of the current system that charges $2.50 for shorter trips and $3.75 for longer trips. Cash customers would pay $2.75."
The Port Authority held its first public hearing on the proposal this week, but encountered very little opposition to the idea. According to Blazina, "The lower fare would benefit about 26 percent of all riders. The authority expects to make up the loss of about $4.4 million in the first year over a two- or three-year period through increased ridership and lower costs."
One group that would not benefit financially: Downtown riders who now ride for free.
For additional background, Melissa Daniels reported earlier this week on the how the Port Authority is pitching the fare proposal as an improvement in user experience.
FULL STORY: Few complaints voiced over Port Authority's flat fare proposal

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)