University Times

Sides optimistic about Pitt, PAT agreement

University and Port Au-thority Transit officials remain optimistic a deal will be reached allowing Pitt I.D. holders to continue to ride buses and light-rail vehicles free of charge throughout Allegheny County.

The current agreement expires July 31. Bob Harkins, director of Pitt's Parking, Transportation and Services, said he expects an agreement soon. "I would say we have an agreement in principle. We've agreed on fees and length of the contract, and now we're ironing out some contract language." He declined to be more specific.

Bob Grove, Port Authority media relations representative, said: "All I can say is we're very close to an agreement and we're very optimistic. The negotiations are going well. We just can't comment at this point."

Grove said the Port Authority Board of Trustees next meets July 23, and he expects the contract to be on the board's agenda for approval.