Allegheny County residents have been hit hard by COVID-19 and the ensuing economic depression.

The data included in the recently released report, "No Greater Need, No Greater Opportunity: The Time for COVID-19 Fare Relief for Low-Income Pittsburghers is Now"  shows that the majority of people riding transit during COVID-19 are riding to access essential needs like food, jobs, and healthcare. And that the people riding transit are disproportionately Black and Low-income.

Moreover, the data shows that full-fares during an economic depression are harming Black and Low-income Pittsburghers and keeping them stranded from accessing life's essentials.

Transit is essential to access food, healthcare, housing and jobs.

Other public utilities and essential services have started assistance programs to help low-income residents survive the pandemic. The Port Authority must follow their lead and implement an emergency low-income fare program now.