Port Authority dreaming big
Good public transportation is about much more than providing transit from point A to point B. Affordable transit options and well-planned routes make cities accessible to all and shape the development of a city as homes and car parks cluster around access points and hubs.
In Pittsburgh, Port Authority is dreaming big. The agency has been developing the next wave of public transport with feedback from the public and recently announced a portion of its quarter-century plan, NEXTransit. Those plans include a transit corridor to Cranberry from the North Side, an extension of light rail and expanded service to the airport, among other projects.
Shortly after the unveiling, however, Port Authority noted that its most expensive individual project might be far more mundane: replacing 35-year-old light rail cars. A decision must be made soon.
While Pittsburghers are justifiably excited about new transportation corridors and possibilities, maintenance must not take a back seat to expanding the system. After all, what is the point of building out the light rail system if there aren’t safe, dependable cars to ride in?
The cars, many of which date back to the rail system’s opening in the 1980s, last about 35 years and take five to eight years to deliver once ordered. Port Authority has taken pains to take care of the cars and is currently completing maintenance to extend the lives of the rail cars, but even with that repair, the cars will be at the end of the line by the time new cars could be built.
Replacing the rail cars would cost between $400 million and $500 million. For scale, the authority approved a $485.7 million budget in 2020. The price tag is undeniably hefty.
But kicking the can down the road could ultimately lead to derailment of the system, and the agency is right to consider this investment now rather than waiting until the cars are breaking down.
Being forward-thinking and progressive with transportation is important, especially as Pittsburgh continues to garner national attention for its livability. Investing in better transit will undoubtedly help nudge some companies and families toward making the decision to move to the Steel City. Nevertheless, expansion must not be done at the expense of maintenance.