I want a 3 hour lunch break!

Below is the scheduled list of meetings to discuss Port Authority's new bus schedule. Almost every location is scheduled for a 6PM-8PM meeting. One location on this list is scheduled for 11AM - 2PM, downtown and city. This is on a Tuesday! Why does Port Authority expect people who live downtown or in the city to 1) not work during the day or 2) be able to take a 3-hour lunch break on a Tuesday? Sounds to me like they just really don't care about the opinions of those who live in the city. What other possible conclusion can be drawn from this? I'm trying to ignore the fact that asking for public opinion a year after a project starts is a slap in the face to start with.

Western communities -- June 17, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carnegie Borough Building, 1 Veterans Way.

Allegheny Valley and eastern suburbs -- June 23, 6 to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium at Community College of Allegheny County's Boyce campus, Monroeville.

Downtown and city -- June 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Downtown YWCA, 305 Wood St.

North Hills -- June 24, 6 to 8 p.m. at the West View Fire Department banquet hall, 398 Perry Highway.

South Hills -- June 25, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bethel Park Fire Hall, 5213 Brightwood Road.

Mon Valley -- June 26, 6 to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium at Community College of Allegheny County's South campus, West Mifflin.

(reference: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08144/884202-85.stm)

In other news, Let's go Pens!

Dear Port Authority,

I want to take your bus, but it just doesn't make sense for me financially. I do not commute to the city every day, but I live in the city and I want to use the bus to go to events.

For me and my husband to take your bus to and from one of the events you have a full-page advertisement for in the City Paper, it will cost us over $10. Even including wear and tear on my car, and the ever-increasing price of gas, my estimate is at less than $5 for the ride to Lawrenceville or downtown, not to mention that it's definitely more convenient to drive.

How about instead of wasting so much money on advertising, you give me an incentive to take the bus? How about Friday night date nights with a 2 for 1 special on the bus? How about an off-peak discount? How about a discount for taking the bus to one of your advertised events? How about bus rides cost $1 on a Saturday night when the bars close to discourage drunk driving? I've noticed that's not the most popular time to ride the bus.

Right now, it's just stupid for me to pay more to be inconvenienced by public transportation, and if that's the case, it makes me feel stupid for helping fund your advertisements. I'm willing to go slightly out of my way to benefit the environment, but to pay more than double isn't justifiable. I wish that would change.

Sincerely,
me