How about throwing in a little smattering of mismanagement by the Port Authority? Their costs are astronomical, especially when it comes to union workers and their pensions. I realize the state is strapped for cash (who isn't?), so why doesn't the Port Authority pursue other means of generating revenue?
I know I have suggested the use of adjusted property value for locations located near transit service, but what about the use of tolled highways in a heavy transit corridor, or such corridors where transit service is most viable? Put a toll plaza west/south of the Ft. Pitt Tunnel. If Port Authority is smart, they could re-route all of their western bus routes serving places like Carnegie, Settlers Ridge, Robinson, etc through the West Busway. That, coupled with the tolled bridge and tunnel, could be used as an incentive to promote commuters to use the busway.
Plus, they're talking about extending the T through this corridor to the airport.
Heck, I'm sure it's better than some of the suggestions out there. I'm only trying to think outside the box for my hometown.
Oh, and I'm starting my own planning consultant business. I wouldn't mind doing a corridor study or multiple corridor studies to find out where public transit is not only needed the most but where it's most viable. I know one has long since been done in the airport corridor...