PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – Port Authority announced they will be providing free rides on all vehicles to acknowledge the challenges riders are facing with staffing shortages and cancelled routes. In a release from Port Authority, the agency said about 180 operators and 480 total employees will be held off work beginning March 16 for violating the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. The company also said a portion of the employees are expected to return to work within two weeks but service disruptions are expected to continue. Port Authority said anyone who bought and began a 7-day or 31-day pass, whether directly through them or a third party retailer, will receive a complimentary 7-day pass. Those riders are encouraged to bring their ConnecTix to the Downtown Customer Service Center beginning on Monday.