Washington County Transit Study: FAQs

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Q: Why would we want more transit service in the area?
A: Transit service can reduce congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road. It increases mobility for people that have limited automobile access, such as the elderly, young, persons with disabilities, and low income individuals. Transit can help direct growth and support community development that promotes walking, bicycling and mixed land uses by reducing reliance on automobiles.

Q. Who conducted this study?
A. This study was sponsored by City of Washington/GG&C Bus Company; Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority; and, Washington County Transportation Authority (Washington Rides) in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT); the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC); and, Washington County Planning.

Q: How were the recommended services determined?
A. A range of service concepts were evaluated using many factors including how people will use it, revenues, costs, compatibility with community development plans and most importantly, community input.

Q: When will we have the proposed services?
A: The schedule for implementing any recommended service will depend on the funding and institutional arrangements required to put the service in place. In all likelihood, the service plan will be implemented in stages, including short term, intermediate and long term action plans.

Q: How will the proposed Washington County transit services be coordinated with other transportation plans in the area?
A: This study was being overseen by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, which coordinates transportation activities among ten counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, the study team worked with two advisory committees, which include state, Washington County and local officials, area transit agencies, PennDOT, businesses, educational institutions, and human service agencies. This allowed the study team to remain up-to-date on transportation projects in Washington County and the surrounding area.

Q: Who will provide the services?
A: The existing transit agencies and elected officials from Washington County and affected communities will determine who will manage the services. The existing transit agencies could provide the services, or possibly a new agency could be formed to manage the services.

Q: How will the services be funded?
A: Some of the funding will come from fare box revenues or funding for senior riders may be provided by the Pennsylvania lottery. Other traditional funding sources include federal and state transportation agency capital and operating grants, and support from county and municipal governments. Partnerships with private sources and non-transportation related government agencies are also possible.

Q: How will the recently-passed Act 44 legislation affect funding for transit in Pennsylvania?
A: The intent of Act 44 is to provide more predictable and significantly increased levels of funding for transit. It will also introduce increased accountability through stronger ties between funding levels and transit system performance.

Q: Why would Washington County want to do a transit study given the transit funding crisis occurring with the Port Authority of Allegheny County?
A: The demographics and travel patterns of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s population are shifting and the study allowed us to look at a more regional response to providing public transportation.