University Times

Pitt continues to negotiate a new contract for free rides on Port Authority of Allegheny County vehicles. The three-year contract between the parties was set to expire at the end of July, but on July 27 the Port Authority board approved a two-month contract extension with the University that allows Pittsburgh campus faculty, staff and students to continue using their Pitt ID cards to ride Port Authority vehicles.

Under terms of the extension, Port Authority officials said, Pitt will pay $323,942 per month for the period Aug. 1-Sept. 30, a 15 percent increase over the monthly payments made to the Port Authority during the final year of the contract.

Following the extension agreement, Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland stated, “We are pleased with the direction of negotiations and pleased that the University has agreed to this extension, which removes any uncertainty for faculty, staff and students who have come to rely on Port Authority services. We value the University as a partner and look forward to successfully concluding a new contract in the near future.”

The Port Authority board, which would have to approve any contract agreement, meets on Sept. 28.

Pitt spokesperson John Fedele said that Pitt does not comment on ongoing negotiations.

—Peter Hart