Port Authority's 2022 fares include 25-cent hike for pre-paid riders, flexible pass policy

Beginning Jan. 1, the Port Authority of Allegheny County will raise the single-trip fare for prepaid riders and ConnectCard users by 25 cents, to $2.75.

Other changes in the new year will provide those same riders a three-hour window for unlimited free transfers while allowing greater flexibility for pass holders.

Weekly and monthly passes, which are not increasing in price, will expire seven and 31 days from the day they’re first used, instead of at the end of each week or month.

“These changes give our riders more flexibility with their time and money,” said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman. “No longer will we penalize riders because our routes don’t align with where they’re going, or because they don’t work a traditional Monday-through-Friday schedule.”

There will be no change in the fare for riders who pay with cash. They’ll continue to pay $2.75 for a one-way ride.

The authority has been charging ConnectCard users a $1 fee for transfers. Waiving that fee is projected to cost the authority about $1 million annually, but it’s also expected to help low-income riders.

The authority initially proposed the fare changes last March, following an analysis by Four Nines Technologies. Three public hearings were held and rider feedback was reviewed before the changes were approved in June.

“These changes reflect a major turning point for our agency and for our region, and we’re continuing to work on even more changes that will provide greater benefits to our passengers while continuing to allow us to move Allegheny County forward,” said Kelleman.

Those who have questions about the new fare structure can visit portauthority.org, reach out via Twitter @pghtransitcare, or call 412-442-2000.