Port Authority management has taken an unprecedented step by establishing a special Web site to update the public about contract negotiations with Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union.

It's an unusual site as well, inasmuch as there's a special tab titled "Rumor of the Day" that's designed "to help you distinguish fact from fiction."

"We established the site to communicate facts about the negotiations, to keep the public informed in a timely manner and to dispel any rumors that may be floating around," authority spokeswoman Judi McNeil said.

The Web site, www. pghtransitinfo.com, went "live" yesterday morning.

It also describes this purpose: "If the union elects to strike, [we] will link you to alternative transit providers and parking lots. You'll get tips for getting to work, school, shopping, medical appointments and recreation."

Ms. McNeil noted that in case of a job action, people will be advised that neighboring transit systems such as Beaver County, Westmoreland County and Mid-Mon Valley are permitted to stop and pick up riders in Allegheny County.

The Web site helps validate what management and union officials have been saying publicly and privately: that the current labor situation is tense and contentious and both sides may be farther apart than ever from reaching possible settlement. Health care costs, pensions and other benefits that the authority said will soon consume more of the budget than wages constitute the major issues facing the two sides.

The contract with 2,400 bus-trolley operators and other hourly workers who belong to Local 85 expired at midnight Monday, but they remain on the job and are supposed to continue doing so through a state-mandated fact-finding process.

The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board is expected to appoint a neutral third-party fact-finder at its July 15 meeting. The fact-finder has 45 days to hear arguments and receive information from both sides and then issue a report recommending a tentative settlement.

If either side rejects the proposal, negotiations usually resume under heightened involvement by state mediators, and possibly a federal mediator.

At the same time -- about mid-September -- the union has the right to strike, something that last happened in 1992, when Local 85 members walked out for 28 days before courts intervened.

Pghtransitinfo.com includes "Port Authority Stances," a question-and-answer section, archived news and a "Contact Us" link.

This was Wednesday's "Rumor of the Day:"

"Rumor: All public transportation will stop at 12:01 a.m. on July 1.

"Truth: We have requested that the State Labor Relations Board appoint a fact-finder. Work stoppage is not permitted during fact-finding."