Absent additional state funding, PRT proposed cutting 35% of fixed-route service, significantly reducing paratransit service, and raising fares by 9% beginning in February 2026. Photo: PRTIn an attempt to prevent drastic service cuts and fare increases for two years, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) sought PennDOT's approval to use capital assistance funds to support operating expenses. If approved, the move would shift up to $106.7 million in capital funds and allow PRT to use the money to plug a projected $100 million operating budget deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. "This is not an ideal solution, but it is our best option to protect our riders by avoiding catastrophic service cuts and fare increases," said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. PRT’s Budget ShortfallAbsent additional state funding, PRT proposed cutting 35% of fixed-route service, significantly reducing paratransit service, and raising fares by 9% beginning in February 2026.