PITTSBURGH -- Projecting a huge deficit, the Port Authority of Allegheny County announced plans for a massive cutback in bus and trolley service on Wednesday.

The transit service is on track to lose $80 million or more, and it must tighten its financial belt by altering routes, laying off hundreds of employees and removing some buses from the streets, according to CEO Steve Bland.

"The question isn't whether a lot of service is good or bad," Bland said. "The fundamental question is: What can this region afford in terms of size and makeup of its public transportation system?"

WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Bob Mayo said the plan includes cutting 213 daily weekday routes down to 92. Many routes will be eliminated, while many more will serve fewer stops. A complete list is posted at www.portauthority.org.

In addition, two proposals for raising bus and trolley fares are on the table.

One plan would eliminate zones and charge all riders $2, no matter how far they're traveling, with free transfers for two hours. The other possibility is to keep the current zone structure and hike the base fare from $1.75 to $2.50.

"We do not expect, nor are we requesting any additional funding, whether from Harrisburg or the county to close this gap," said Bland.

ACCESS service for seniors and the disabled will remain unchanged, the Port Authority said.

County Chief Executive Dan Onorato described the proposed cuts as "a right-sizing of the Port Authority," which he said is necessary before the county can lobby the state for dedicated transit funding.

"What we were used to for the last two decades will no longer be the same," Onorato said. "It's going to be a new authority. It's going to be reduced service, but it will be service that we can afford."

Before the cuts or the fare hikes come, the Port Authority will hold eight hearings so the public can comment.

"I expect everyone at the eight public hearings to be brought to tears by the people who come and share their stories," said Bland. "Unfortunately, we do have to deal with this."

"I was not going to play a game of chicken and do nothing," said Onorato. "And then in 12 months, shut the doors of the Port Authority because there'd be no money."

The Port Authority has been on the brink of major budget slashing before.

One year ago, Gov. Ed Rendell's last minute diversion of more than $31 million in transportation funds headed off major service cuts, but that was a one-time deal.

Two years ago, the Port Authority proposed eliminating all night and weekend service, but the plan was abandoned.

In the current proposal, some night and weekend service will not be eliminated.

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