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Turnpike to trim staff, costs as traffic falls

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By Associated Press, November 13, 2008

Last updated: Friday, November 14, 2008 10:35 AM EST

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is trying to cut its work force to help adapt to a decrease in traffic in recent months.

In a letter sent to state lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday, turnpike chief executive Joe Brimmeier says employees have until late next week to decide if they want to sign up for a “voluntary departure program.”

The commission says it hopes enough people sign up by the Nov. 20 deadline to avoid or minimize layoffs.

Traffic volume dropped by 1.6 percent for the June-September period compared to last year.

The agency is also cutting other aspects of its operating costs to address the budget problem.

The turnpike commission has 2,250 employees.