Freedom Transit to reduce shared ride service
Freedom Transit has announced a planned reduction to its Shared Ride Service program in order to “contain costs and create efficiencies while keeping the service available to as many riders as possible,” according to a news release.
This includes reductions in service hours, fewer trips to Pittsburgh and the elimination of long-distance trips during morning hours, in addition to pared-down service offerings during federal holidays, effective Oct. 1.
According to Executive Director Sheila Gombita, the agency formerly known as the Washington County Transportation Authority does not have the revenue to cover the current scope of ride share service across the region.
At the time the ride share service was introduced in 1980, its structure was well-fit for the needs of the Washington County community at the time, but those needs have since “changed dramatically,” she said.
Now, the service is unable to continue its current level of service without cuts or a significant increase to rider copay rates, Gombita said.
Under the revised program, ride share hours will run from 5 a.m. till 7 p.m. on weekdays, and from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
Ride share options to Pittsburgh will now be provided at designated times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with residents in northern Washington County able to use the service on Mondays as well, according to the release.
Shared Ride Service to and from Pittsburgh on Fridays and Saturdays will be fully eliminated.
This service will no longer be provided on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day except for trips to dialysis centers before noon starting in 2027.
Gombita said Freedom Transit will roll out a new fee schedule across the agency starting on Jan. 1, in line with ongoing cost-saving measures across the agency.
“Reducing service hours was a difficult decision. However, it will help us continue serving our community with the resources available to us,” according to the release. “Like many transit agencies across Pennsylvania, we are facing rising costs while funding has not kept pace. To keep Shared Ride service available to as many people as possible, we must make these initial changes to how the service is provided.”
Freedom Transit leadership will continue to explore long-term strategies to sustain the service going forward, according to the release.
The agency said no changes are planned for the fixed route service at this time.
Residents can find additional information on service reductions and upcoming fee changes online at freedom-transit.org/sharedrideupdates or by calling 724-223-8747.