Funding transit right

The state share should be direct, not via turnpike

In a bizarre example of how the state funds essential public services, the Port Authority of Allegheny County has to rely on the Turnpike Commission for a large chunk of its budget. Now that funding is in doubt, due to a federal lawsuit challenging the use of highway tolls for public transit.

In March two national automobile and truck driver associations filed suit, asserting that it is illegal for the Turnpike Commission to use its funds for anything other than turnpike maintenance. They seek a refund of nearly $6 billion that the commission has collected in the past 11 years and that it has turned over to transit systems around the state.

As reported by the Post-Gazette’s Ed Blazina, payments from the turnpike began under former Gov. Ed Rendell when the tolling of Interstate 80 was anticipated. However, federal officials turned down the proposal to establish tolls on I-80, and payments had to come from other highways.

The suit comes at a particularly inopportune time for our local Port Authority. It is rebounding from years of funding reductions and reduced service to the community. New CEO Katharine Eagan Kelleman has proposed a budget of $441 million for her agency for the coming year. Her suggested budget increase of 5 percent is needed to create a leading transit system and to support the region’s economic development.

The bottom line is that public transit needs its own dedicated funding stream at the state level and should not have to depend on the Turnpike Commission or any other agency.

For too long, transit has been a political football that is supported by some legislators, mostly from urban areas, and threatened by others who don’t see the economic benefits to the entire state. All citizens who want to see job growth and prosperity in Pennsylvania should also support transit, a basic public service.