The focus of the study will be on developing changes that provide better service to existing riders, attract new riders, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. All changes will be designed not only to be implemented within existing budget levels, but also to provide a foundation for future system expansion in the case that additional funding becomes available.

The project team is charged with:

1. Developing and implementing a public involvement plan
2. Developing and implementing a plan to collect the data that will be necessary to understand past and existing service
3. Conducting a peer review of other cities’ transit systems to determine if there are operational practices and/or route structures that could be adapted by Port Authority to improve its service and operational efficiency
4. Describing current and projected rider and non-rider demographics and travel trends to help Port Authority better understand un-served and under-served areas in Allegheny County, along with potential opportunities for new transit markets in the region
5. Identifying alternative transit service models involving both options for transit routes and vehicle types
6. Developing, analyzing and evaluating ways that Port Authority could most effectively provide service within available financial resources
7. Recommending the best service option
8. Recommending potential corridors for future consideration of major capital investments such as new rail or rapid bus transit lines
9. Preparing recommended transit service plans for 2009 and 2012
10. Recommending tools for continued service planning and development