Coronavirus Hits Mass Transit Hard

PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – People who rely on mass transit are concerned because their means to get around – as well as their jobs – could be in danger if critical funding isn’t provided quickly. Workers and riders are calling on Pa. Sen. Bob Casey to help push for adequate public transportation funding. “COVID-19 has pushed public transit to the brink of extinction,” said Bill McDowell, of Pittsburghers for Public Transit. Downtown Pittsburgh is desolate, buses are seemingly empty and so is the T. As the pandemic lingers, downtown offices are empty. Every day, millions in fare and tax revenue is lost in Pennsylvania. And Yasha Zarrinkelk, of Transit for Philadelphia, said that fair hikes, layoffs and shutdowns are “on the horizon if Congress doesn’t pass the $32 billion necessary for transit.” If this public service isn’t fully funded, community leaders and advocates argue the outcomes disproportionately affect essential workers, those with disabilities and people of color. Lish Danielle, a representative for One Pennsylvania, said 60% of public transit riders are African-Americans.