Pittsburgh, PA — September 26, 2025 — Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) issues this statement following today’s Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) vote to reverse proposed service cuts and maintain current fare levels:
“I first want to thank everyone who took the time to share your personal story about why public transit matters. Whether you spent valuable time waiting to testify at a PRT hearing, attended a rally, or contacted your legislator, your voice made a difference in this fight.
Today’s vote to preserve services and maintain current fare rates is only possible because of your advocacy. But this is a temporary fix. It is not a long-term, sustainable solution to our region’s—or Pennsylvania’s—public transit problems.
We still need Harrisburg to enact Governor Shapiro’s transit funding proposal, which the House has passed, and the Transit for All PA! legislative package that I am sponsoring with Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) in the Senate and Rep. Aerion Abney (D-19) and Rep. Jessica Benham (D-36) in the House. For public transit to succeed, we must create sustainable funding models that support systems in all 67 counties across the state.
Since I joined the PRT Board earlier this year, we have been in crisis mode as we have worked to stop PRT from entering a death spiral. Following today’s vote, I am looking forward to working strategically to build better public transit for all, and for advocating for what my constituents say they need.
That includes restoring services to parts of my Senate District back to 2019 levels. Too much of my district has been cut off from transit due to service cuts in previous years. It also includes improving the user experience for all PRT passengers—creating safe, accessible bus shelters and stops that meet the needs of all riders.
I am also focused on increasing public participation in PRT Board Meetings and our processes. This is the time for us to regroup and build the case that transit matters for all Pennsylvanians. Our work is not done, but I look forward to amplifying your voices here in Allegheny County and in Harrisburg.
Finally, I look forward to strengthening the relationships between PRT and our region’s large employers and their employees. Public transit is an incredible economic driver, getting people to work every day. Our employers are a critical ally in the fight to restore services, and I look forward to engaging with them to bring Transit for All Pennsylvanians!”
###