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Pittsburgh Businesses Start Backup Plan For Possible Port Authority Strike

Web Site Informs Public Of Alternate Plans

POSTED: 5:51 pm EST November 19, 2008
UPDATED: 8:02 am EST November 20, 2008

There is a threat of a Port Authority strike, and now companies in downtown Pittsburgh are coming together for a backup plan to get more than 100,000 people to work.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership says 140,000 people work downtown and nearly half of those people use public transportation. That is why their “plan B” is critical in the event of a transit strike.

Even the people who do not use public transportation will be affected. More cars and more congestion will compensate for the absence of buses and trolleys.

Janet Maiorano is one of the 140 downtown commuters. She works for Highmark.

“Since I rely on public transportation, it’s going to affect me," said Maiorano.

Highmark is one of many businesses gearing up for a strike by offering solutions for commuting.

They suggest carpooling, even cycling, taking home a flash drive to download work at home, providing employees access to the business network at home, and adjusting employee hours to prevent downtown congestion.

The Allegheny Conference on Community Development is trying to let the public know that a Web site can help them navigate through downtown if a transit strike should occur. It's called keeppittsburghmoving.com.

The site gives information on traffic updates, carpooling, where to park and how to access downtown if you want to ride a bike.

Highmark has started in-house preparations for a transit strike.

“So I'll be working three 12-hour days,” said Maiorano. “I'll be carpooling with other representatives like myself.”

Port Authority employees in Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 will vote on Sunday to decide if they will walk off the job.


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