The Port Authority Board of Directors today approved a 15 percent service reduction to begin June 17 in response to a projected $80 million deficit.

The vote on the plan, which was revised from the originally proposed 25 percent reduction, maintains some level of service to 95 weekday, 42 Saturday and 32 Sunday bus and rail routes originally proposed for elimination. The revised service plan includes an additional 10 percent service reduction on Sept. 2 if was to reduce the remaining $45 million deficit are not found.

A news release said the board deferred a decision on a revised fare structure until ridership levels under any new service plan are observed and more accurate fare revenue projections can be made.

No fare increase is in store for most riders, but there will be an increase in the the ACCESS base fare of 50 cents effective July 1.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.