Adam Smeltz

2 weeks ago | publicsource.org | Adam Smeltz

Allegheny County’s public transit network is leaning more on government support to make ends meet than before the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that could continue as Pittsburgh Regional Transit seeks more than $100 million in new backing from the state. That’s one finding of a PublicSource review of PRT finances: Subsidies and other support from government entities at least equaled 85% of operating expenses every year since 2020.

1 month ago | statecollege.com | Adam Smeltz

Facing an uncertain future, the Benner Township Water Authority board is asking Pennsylvania American Water Co. to consider buying the nearly 300-customer municipal water system, StateCollege.com has learned. But any bid from the private-sector company would face an uphill battle with the three-member township Board of Supervisors, which would vote on any sale. Two supervisors said they would oppose an acquisition by Pennsylvania American, the largest investor-owned utility in the state.

Mar 28, 2025 | statecollege.com | Adam Smeltz

Evan Hansen lies. The high school senior lies to his classmates, his friends, his mother, even dream girl Zoe Murphy. Before long, his lies rocket across the internet, propelled by social media and internalized by peers forever tapping their screens. But for as much as “Dear Evan Hansen” is said to light up our hyperconnected zeitgeist, the Tony Award-winning musical drop-kicks audiences more into age-old questions:When is it OK to wring the truth inside-out? And do the ends ever justify deceit?

Mar 20, 2025 | publicsource.org | Adam Smeltz |Rich Lord

Pittsburgh Regional Transit riders would see widespread service reductions and modest fare increases under a proposal introduced at a meeting of its board committees on Thursday. Those changes could take effect if the agency doesn’t secure additional state funding. It has asked for $117 million more in state funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The full board will vote next week on whether to advance the proposal to a public comment period that would last through June.

Mar 17, 2025 | publicsource.org | Adam Smeltz |Rich Lord

Bus and T service could see the biggest cuts in 25 years. In 2007, service was reduced by 18%. Fares could increase. PRT last updated prices in 2022, setting a $2.75 flat fare for ConnectCard users. PRT is asking the state to hike its funding by $117 million — versus the governor’s proposed $40 million boost — and more in later years to avoid cuts and potentially being “out of business” in a few years.