Mustio-Supported Legislation to Replace Port Authority Monopoly with Free Market Competition Goes to Governor
HARRISBURG – State Representative Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) announced today that legislation to promote mass transit competition throughout Allegheny County by transferring regulation of private companies and other regional transit operators to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has been sent to governor’s desk for his signature
“With rising gasoline prices and several problematic Port Authority contract negotiations during recent years, we need to ensure that people have as many mass transit options as possible,” Mustio said. “This legislation paves the way for outside private companies and regional transit systems to fill the void that has occurred due to the Port Authority’s route cuts.”
House Bill 10 will allow private companies or other regional transit systems to be able to deliver transportation services in Allegheny County upon receiving PUC approval, while still allowing the Port Authority of Allegheny County to provide services. Under current state law, the Port Authority has the exclusive rights over transit within the county.
“The most important step the Port Authority or any other profit-making entity can take to improve its overall bottom line is to listen to its customers,” said Mustio. “Further enabling consumer choice throughout Allegheny County will fully activate the free market to provide extra incentive for the Port Authority to cut costs and operate more efficiently.”
Currently, outside transit companies must apply to the Port Authority for permission to offer routes within the county. Once signed into law, House Bill 10 will permit private companies or other regional transit systems to be able to deliver transportation services by eliminating the additional obstacle of requesting permission from the Port Authority.
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Contact: Ty McCauslin
tmccausl@pahousegop.com
717.772.9979