Allentown, PA (083123) — LANTA has renewed its partnership with the Allentown School District ASD for free rides for students throughout the year. ASD is the third largest school district in Pennsylvania, behind only Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The program is available to all students, but those under twelve years of age must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Students simply present their ASD IDs to board LANTA buses.

“LANTA is pleased to continue this partnership with ASD. Not only will it expand access for students, but it will speed up the boarding process, and reduce the logistical burden of processing the fares on the bus” said LANTA Executive Director Owen O’Neil.

For several years, LANTA and the school district had partnered to offer one-dollar fares to students, which required tickets to be purchased in advance at their school buildings. Under this agreement, students now simply present their ASD ID cards to ride with ASD providing funding directly to LANTA to cover fares.

Like many other urban districts around the country, most Allentown students live within walking distance of their home school but are also able to use public transportation to get to school faster or during inclement weather. Public transportation has also been shown to remove barriers to attendance and lateness in schools. “A fare-free system creates opportunities for more students to utilize LANTA buses and get to school each day,” O’Neil said.

“We are thankful to LANTA and their continued partnership that provides students with the assurance that there is a reliable way to get to school each day,” said Superintendent, Dr. Carol D. Birks. “Using LANTA to get to school helps our students foster independence and life skills, while removing a financial barrier. Providing free transportation ensures that all secondary students have equitable access to educational opportunities, reducing absenteeism and dropout rates.”

To aid students in their trip planning LANTA offers the free TRANSIT APP in IOS and Android which provides real-time bus arrival information.

Students and parents looking to learn how students can take LANTA buses to and from school can go to lantabus.com or call 888-253-8333.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Chuck Genna
Media Relations Coordinator
Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority
1060 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103