With the debate over how to increase funding for roads, bridges and public transportation still roiling, Pennsylvania taxpayers have a new reason to question the wisdom of directing hundreds of millions of additional dollars to urban transit systems in the state. Whether that new money comes from tolling Interstate 80, or any other source, there is fresh evidence that cost controls and efficient operations are still lacking at the state's largest public transit agencies.

A recent lawsuit filed against the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) by its former chief executive officer is a reminder of what most people would view as excessive expenses — not worthy of additional public funding. In this case, the former CEOof PAT is suing over a board-ordered reduction in his $9,066-a-month pension. That pension includes a $500-a-month bonus available to employees with 25 years of service until the age of 62. Also, the former head of PAT used a "buyback" provision to have his 11 years of prior service at transit agencies in Florida and New Jersey factored into his PATpension.

In addition to receiving what most people would regard as a golden pension and lifetime health insurance, the former PAT director (who is 52 and now works for a Pittsburgh engineering firm)took a $380,213 lump-sum payment from a Deferred Retirement Option Program that he encouraged the board at that time to enact. On top of that, he pocketed $106,202 for unused vacation and sick days.

The news of this excess comes at a time when advocates for public transit systems are lamenting the constant financial struggles at PAT and SEPTA, Philadelphia's public transit system.

Even those who see public transportation as vitally important have to wonder about the management of these agencies and if there is any effort at cost control.

The CEO's lawsuit will no doubt recall stories from early 2005 when it was revealed that a few PAT bus drivers made over $90,000 a year with overtime. The agency defended the salaries, but the public saw it as a symptom of the agency's lack of control — or concern — over expenses.

New battle lines have formed on the issue. Gov. Ed Rendell promoted — and the state legislature passed — a plan for placing tolls on Interstate 80 to help fund repairs of roads and bridges in the state and also send hundreds of millions of dollars to ailing public transit agencies. In Washington, U.S.Rep. Phil English is working to prevent that from happening, arguing that tolling I-80 will hurt the economy of small towns along the interstate and be a burden on local residents who use the highway on a daily basis.

A full debate of the issue should occur in September when the state legislature gets back to work in Harrisburg. The threatened congressional blockage of the Rendell-supported funding plan by English and Rep. John Peterson, R-Venango, does add uncertainty over transportation funding in the state. But a protracted debate on the issue will be an unexpected benefit of all the hand wringing and feuding between Harrisburg and Washington.

The public deserves to hear an open and thorough discussion of the issues surrounding the state's roads, bridges and public transportation systems. As part of any agreement, there should be assurances that strict financial and operations-efficiency benchmarks will be implemented at public transit agencies as a precondition for any additional funding. There also should be consideration of a mandate for PAT and SEPTA to privatize some aspects of their operations, as has been done in a number of cities across the United States.

There simply must be more oversight and accountability before any additional money is sent to public transit agencies in the state.

Most people don't object to their tax dollars supporting bus, trolley or train service that helps low-income people get to and from work. But those same taxpayers do object to their tax dollars, or toll dollars, going to pay $9,000-a-month pensions and other excessive forms of compensation at perennially cash-strapped public transit agencies.

Any additional money for public transportation systems in Pennsylvania must comes with strings attached.