Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
Section 6.212 - Powers and duties(a) The Transportation Funding and Reform Commission (Commission) shall conduct or cause to be conducted an operational audit of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, the Port Authority of Allegheny County and other transit agencies receiving funding from the Commonwealth as it deems appropriate. The audits must determine if opportunities exist to implement cost efficiencies, revenue enhancements and service improvements that would be in the best interest of the users of these systems and of the Commonwealth and its citizens. The audits must include an assessment of employee roles, responsibilities and compensation.(b) The Commission shall study and make recommendations regarding appropriate levels of funding and sources of funding for transportation in this Commonwealth for the coming years, for transit and for roads and bridges, and for operating costs and capital investments. Regardless of what levels of funding are recommended, the Commission shall assess the need for adjustment to the methods by which funding is provided, the appropriate mix of State and local funding, and the structure of State funding programs.(c) The Commission shall assess the structure of this Commonwealth's transit agencies and assess whether changes to their underlying structure can improve service, reduce costs and increase efficiency. This review shall include board structure and responsibilities and options for changes to asset ownership and operations, including competitive contracting.(d) The Commission shall assess the relationship of growth and development patterns and policies to this Commonwealth's transportation systems, particularly fixed rail systems. In metropolitan areas around the United States, policies are being put in place to encourage development patterns that are easily served by transit and lead to fewer car trips and less congestion, and the Commission shall assess the opportunity to implement similar policies in this Commonwealth.(e) In addition to the items enumerated in subsections (a)-(d), the Commission may investigate other related matters as it deems appropriate.(f) Public agencies receiving transportation funding from the Commonwealth shall, to the greatest extent possible, assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities and make available to the Commission records and information as are needed by the Commission to fulfill its responsibilities.