Frequent Bus Service in Easton Up for Discussion: City Seeks Public Input Regarding Transit Plan
Easton Announces Plans for Enhanced Public Transit System
In a bid to support the growing city, Mayor Sal Panto Jr. has expressed his support for increased investment in public transit. This announcement comes after two years of collaboration between the mayor's office, public-works staff, economic-development staff, and the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA).
The proposed plan envisions shuttle buses running approximately every 10 minutes between Easton's neighborhoods and downtown. City Councilman Frank Pintabone stated that this expanded service would allow riders to travel more easily between neighborhoods and downtown, alleviating congestion and reducing the need for parking.
Pintabone clarified that this plan will not eliminate LANTA's current bus routes. Instead, it aims to improve the intracity bus system, connecting areas such as South Side, College Hill, West Ward, and Downtown Easton more efficiently. The goal is to create a system where riders would not need to rely on schedules, and instead have confidence in quick bus arrivals.
The first three years of the bus service program will be jointly funded by the city and LANTA, with the cost estimated to be in the 'low six figures.' The city will be responsible for 15% of the cost each year, as per Councilman Pintabone.
Owen O'Neill, LANTA's executive director, emphasized the importance of frequent bus service for daily trips. He reiterated that the goal is to have buses running every 10 minutes or less, so that people do not need to consult schedules.
To accommodate the population increase in Downtown Easton and address parking and traffic congestion concerns, plans involve expanding and improving the intracity bus system in partnership with LANTA. LANTA is currently working to complete the survey questions, which will be released in two to three weeks.
Residents will have opportunities to give feedback at public meetings and through online surveys. The city will announce the dates for these public meetings soon. The survey will be available on social media and the city's website.
Mayor Panto stated that public transit is the future, and he encourages everyone to participate in the process and share their thoughts on the proposed plan. With this enhanced public transit system, Easton is taking a significant step towards a more connected and sustainable city.
Read also:
- Railway line in Bavaria threatened by unstable slope - extensive construction site at risk
- Wind Farm Controversy on the Boundary of Laois and Kilkenny
- Puerto Rico's Climate Lawfare Campaign experiences another setback with the dismissal of its deals.
- Delaware's contentious offshore wind project faces uncertainty as the Trump administration reverses course on clean energy initiatives.
