Carbon footprints and transit

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has developed a wealth of information to encourage greater use of public transportation. One of the 'tools' at thier website is a calculator to determine how much of a contribution to reducing one's 'carbon footprint' riding transit would make. Click here or on the green foot to try it, it's fun!

Land use in the Lehigh Valley

Land Use

One of the major findings of the Moving LANTA Forward planning process is that in the diverse and complex community called the Lehigh Valley, that use of land as designed by the 62 area municipalities has not exactly been 'transit friendly.' Nothing works against an efficient and productive transit system more than urban sprawl and looking at an aerial view of the Valley, we've sprawled big time! Over the years, many saw this as a viable economic development approach as community leaders strove to attract new businesses and residents to the area. But this has played havoc with transit planning and development.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Comprehensive Plan for the Lehigh Valley has, for decades, recommended that development be encouraged only in those areas where infrastructure - roads, utilities, transit - are already place: generally in the urbanized areas. Local developers and municipalities found that low cost farmland outside the urbanized areas too tempting to resist and thus industrial parks nearly ring the Cities. Commute and travel patterns, as a result, create nearly an impossible obstacle to the growth of public transit services.

So, the question is: Can the Genie be put back into the bottle?

The planners optimistically say "Yes" and have developed a power point presentation to be used by the Authority to educate municipal leaders as to the benefits of transit oriented design over the coming weeks and months. How convincing and acceptable this will be to municipalities eagerly looking to expand their tax base remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: if transit is NOT included in the local planning process by each municipality, the community is effectively planning transit OUT of the local transportation system. These are not decisions that LANTA or the Counties it serves makes but are made by the 62 area municipalities independently.

What do you think?

Click here for the Land Use power point presentation.

Moving LANTA Forward Public Meetings

On Monday, June 22, Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24, the Authority staff and its consultants, the Abrams-Cherwony Group of Gannett-Fleming, invited the public to listen to and view a presentation on the status of the plan for improving public transportation in the Lehigh Valley.

The planning began last year with a series of intensive public meetings and surveys and it is only fitting, that as the process nears the end, that the public have a change to look at the vision for transit in the Valley that they helped to shape. The presentation, which can be viewed by clicking here, covered all aspects of the plan but focused on the recommendations for phasing in improvements to the transit system.

As one online newspaper article noted, LANTA "sees its future as faster, more frequent and simple" to understand.

While attendance at the 6 public meetings was low – there were two meetings each held in center city locations in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton – those who attended were motivated and vocal. Many asked questions. Many also had suggestions – some specific about routes and schedules and others more general about frequencies, service area coverage and the modes of public transit they would like to see created.

Here is a sample of the questions and comments we recorded during the meetings:

I am quite pleased with the bus system. The future plans should improve services to inter-city bus terminals such as Bieber and Trans-Bridge.

Will the added service improve access? Will schedules be easier to read? Seems that the main or trunk routes might be easy to understand, but the outer loops will still be complex.

How do we sell or market transit to those who don’t want to use it?

Questions were asked about transit for seniors and people with disabilities and specific suggestions were made about expanding service to areas where there are high concentrations of elderly folks.

How does the new Bethlehem Loop fit into this plan? It is a great idea. Local businesses should work with LANTA to make sure it is a success so that we can keep it.

There should be expanded service and more frequent service. Wondered if there is a financial plan that will make this plan happen or is it just a dream?

The exhaust from buses is adding to an already poor air quality in the Valley. The Valley is a non-attainment area and is one of the worst in terms of air quality in the US. All new buses should be clean energy; older buses should be retro-fit with filters and cleaning devices.

Where will the next transit center be located?

Satellite hubs are a good idea but they should be located at current destinations such as boroughs or major commercial or employment centers where there is already demand.

Some people in the community are trying to keep young professionals in the community; can the bus service be adjusted to meet their needs for evening and weekend entertainment?

The community should get together – Industrial Park employers, merchants, everyone – and make up their minds to promote public transit use.

We need more park and ride lots to make it convenient for people to ride transit. Cooperate with PennDOT and build more parking lots.

There should be rail service to NYC and good connections to it by transit in the Valley.

These and other thoughtful and constructive questions and comments will be included in the discussions with the LANTA Board of Directors as they move forward to adopt the recommendations coming out of the study.

The future of transit looks very bright indeed. Now, the hard work begins to make this vision a reality!

LANTA Announces Public Meetings to review study findings

Come One…Come All

Moving LANTA Forward…Public Meeting Schedule

“Moving LANTA Forward” is the prime topic of discussion; reviewing LANTA’s transportation development plan along with the Land Use Planning Tool element is the purpose.

The process began with a series of intensive public meetings and surveys last year and has developed into a proposal for expanded transit services over three long-term phases. The phases are focused on simplifying the LANTA system, expanding LANTA service, and eventually implementing alternatives to basic, fixed-route service. At the meetings, presentations will be made reviewing the proposed plans which allow our community to grow and expand.

Each day the meetings be at 3:00 p.m. and then again at 7:00 p.m. We hope you will find the time to attend one of the six upcoming meetings conveniently located at:

• Monday, June 22, Lehigh County Government Center, 7th Street, Allentown

• Tuesday, June 23, Bethlehem City Hall Rotunda

• Wednesday, June 24, United Church of Christ, 27 N. 3rd St., Easton

The power point document being presented at the meetings can be found by clicking on this link.

Public Transportation is an important part of everyone’s life, whether or not you are current a rider. Keep in mind input and discussion coming from these meetings will aid LANTA’s overall plans for the future of the Valley.

Contact us:

LANTA Route and Schedule information – 610-776-RIDE

LANTA offices – 610-435-4517
E-mail: lanta@lantabus-pa.gov

Visit us online: www.lantabus.com

Advisory Committee reviews study recommendations

The “Moving LANTA Forward” Advisory Committee, 70 concerned citizens representing different walks of life throughout the Lehigh Valley, met Wednesday, May 6^th.

This was a forum to discuss LANTA’s role in the Valley from a land use perspective, how the Authority compared with transit agencies similar in size and service area across the country and what the consultants believed the community could support in terms of growth in services.

Given, through the extensive public input process followed during the planning process, the community’s desire for ‘more public transportation’ in the Valley, one of the prime challenges is implementing significant growth with the moderate growth in financial support that is anticipated at all government levels. To make this equation even more challenging, since the study was started in March, 2008, a major recession has occurred in the US and it has become clear that the growth in funding anticipated from the State of Pennsylvania is not forthcoming.

LANTA’s consultant proposed marketing strategies and land use recommendations for the groups’ consideration along with the phased plan for growth over the next 12 years.
The marketing approach dealt with ‘branding’ and image issues and how to achieve rider growth and retention given limited resources and staff.

Aspects of the land use plan – concentrated growth in urban areas and transit friendly design - require cooperation on the local, state, and federal levels. Local communities – Counties, cites, townships and boroughs – if they desire increased transit services, may have to measure their investments both in terms of land use and financial support.

The service plan presented is a 3-phased plan for the period 2010 through 2022. It was stressed that connecting land use and transit oriented design is vital for success, particularly if the Lehigh Valley wishes to transition to higher‐ridership transit modes such as express bus and light rail. The plan proposes specific goals for land use and also recommends passenger amenities – shelters and well-designed bus stops - necessary to support an enhanced, innovative and dynamic transit system.

Fred Williams, LANTA Board Chairman stated, “This is an excellent blueprint for growth. I hope we can achieve it. Key to our success will be finding out if there is sufficient interest from the public and local government to commit to such an aggressive plan. This is what the public has asked for. Now the question is, is the public willing to pay for it?”

The 3-year proposed marketing plan focuses on the 3 R’s for transit: recruitment of riders, retention of riders, and reputation of the system. Also essential to the marketing strategy are the 4 P’s: product, pricing, place and promotion. The consultant also noted that the Authority has limited human resources dedicated to the marketing effort and should consider investment in this area.

The Committee left the forum with an understanding of the possibilities as well as the awareness of the challenges that any such plan for growth presents.

As one member of the group noted, “There are some very large numbers being presented here, in terms of local commitment. Does our community have the ‘will’ to produce the revenue needed to obtain the services they say they want?”

Moving LANTA Forward has tangibles

LANTA’s regional development plan Advisory Committee met February 4th to review service alternatives. Three phases are proposed for expanding public transit in the Valley:

Phase 1- Improving the Core System.

The first proposed phase of the regional transit development plan focuses on simplifying our route structures and making a number of key improvements. These suggestions call for more north/south routes, running multiple routes on the busiest corridors, added weekend and evening service, and buses operating on trunk routes every 10-15 minutes in the peak.

This phase could include an improved limited stop express service, like the current Silver Line and a ride request, curb-to-curb service within limited areas. This reservation service could become a model to expand access in the suburbs.

Phase 2 – Expanded suburban service.

A suburban connection network would have suburban satellite hubs and connections between to include Park-n-Ride facilities and LVIP I. This service could include flexible ‘off-route’ services along corridors between hubs that could change daily based on passenger reservations. The map above is an example of what a map of where suburban hubs could be placed.

Phase 3 - Bus rapid Transit.

The ‘latest thing’ in public transit, Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT, means limited stop service along major corridors. BRT would require capital improvements such passenger amenities and new technology for fares and passenger information.

With the three phases completed, LANTA could be running an additional 225,000 revenue hours per year!!

With the establishment of effective BRT services, there is the potential for higher modes of transit including light rail.

Phase 4 – Rail Modes Planning

Phase 4 of the recommendations deals with Commuter and Light Rail. Current population densities in the Valley do not call for either type of rail in the near future. Down the road, however, LANTA will need to 1) be part of any planning process 2) be prepared to adjust service to rail stations and 3) preserve rights-of-way for future rail path purposes.

While there are discussions about service into New Jersey and coming up from Philadelphia, these are not on the drawing board as yet. However, LANTA should be involved in the discussions and prepared to respond should plans be developed for implementing commuter and/or light rail.

Advisory Committee looks to Move LANTA Forward

The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) is in the process of developing a new regional plan for transit. The Board held a workshop meeting on October 14 and the third meeting of the Regional Development Plan Advisory Committee took place on October 22. At both meetings, the Authority’s consultants provided a glimpse at the potential future of transportation in the Valley.

Prior to the presentation, LANTA held a series of public meetings, surveyed bus riders and residents of the Lehigh valley, studied demographics, reviewed similar-sized transportation systems throughout the country and obtained input from LANTA staff, drivers, and Board members. In addition, a special survey of community leaders was conducted and, of course, input was gathered through the Regional Plan Advisory Committee meetings.

Based on what LANTA has heard the community is seeking, the Abrams-Cherwony Group consultants, presented the Advisory Committee with a proposal for a phased set of improvements that could guide how LANTA services grow.

It was stressed that the plans presented are potential alternatives and that LANTA needs to evaluate them further. But the proposals set forth are exciting.
Following a complete evaluation of alternatives and costs, the Authority will host additional Advisory Committee and public meetings to gain input on the plan.

The goal of this process is for the LANTA Board to approve an official plan by March, 2009.

Transit Alternatives: A wide range of service improvements

The transit alternatives presented by the Abrams-Cherwony Group include a three-phased program beginning with “improving user friendliness,” “reducing complexity” and increased frequency on designated trunk routes, consultant Owen O’Neal said during the presentation.

Phase I of the project suggests providing mobility for people “to move throughout the region quickly and in an efficient way,” O’Neal said. The alternative essentially would realign bus routes to maximize trip frequency.

The phase centers on “connecting major [traffic] generating routes,” and, in a response to public input, suggests the creation of cross-town services. For example, routes running North and South on Cedar Crest Boulevard and Seventeenth Street without operating to the central business district, O’Neal said were examples of cross-town services.

“We’re making sure the level of service is meeting the changing environment,” O’Neal said, adding that bus service may focus on passengers who commute to work and retail areas, such as the casino underway in Bethlehem and the major retail developments being built in Easton and Allentown.

In the presentation, O’Neal said that Phase I would mean LANTA buses could provide “feeder services” to other long-distance commuter bus services.

Phase II of the suggested transit alternatives calls for a “higher level of service to an expanded area,” O’Neal said.

Suburban hubs, or “rings around the core” LANTA service area, may emerge in areas “depending on expansion and growth,” O’Neal said. The hubs, suggested for areas such as Emmaus, Nazareth and Coopersburg, would connect to the central bus district along higher frequency routes. The phase may even call for “hub-to-hub, peripheral connections,” according to O’Neal.

The third phase of the alternative calls for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This type of system has buses operating along high-traffic corridors resulting in shorter trip times and more direct service.

There has been “a lot of talk and discussion” about commuter rail service, Walter Cherwony, of the Abrams-Cherwony Group said. If deemed appropriate, existing tracks west of Philipsburg and north of Shelly could be preserved for future commuter rail options. If a commuter rail service were to be implemented, LANTA could provide a feeder bus service to rail stations, Cherwony said.

“Nothing is specific,” O’Neal said of the three-phase timeline, and added that the phases “are not mutually exclusive,” which means that parts of Phase I and Phase II could be completed simultaneously. “Full completion depends on local desire” and sufficient fund resources he said.

Transportation and Land Use: Inextricably Linked

As part of the Regional Development Plan, LANTA is beginning the process of studying land use strategies needed to support potential transit alternatives. The consulting firm of Gannett-Fleming, represented by Susan Gibbon, presented the Board and the Advisory Committee with information on how land use effects transportation.

“LANTA does not control land use or highway infrastructure,” Gibbon said. Land use is determined at a municipal level, while transportation infrastructure – roads and highways - are determined by the state, Gibbon said.

“Land use and transportation are inextricably linked,” Gibbon said, adding that land use policies could improve transit operations and could increase ridership as well as the frequency and destination of trips.

Gibbon suggested that LANTA work closely with local municipalities to determine land use and to keep transit in mind while doing so, Gibbon said. The consultant said that a variety of housing in urban development areas, redeveloping abandoned properties, as well as zoning ordinances and municipal codes could all be used to create a more transit-friendly area.

For a basic transit system, there are a few requirements, Gibbon said. The surrounding areas must have medium population density, “walkability” – which includes things like sidewalks and areas that are safe for pedestrians – a connected roadway network and areas concentrated with residential and employment centers.

Traditional towns and urban areas, like Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are “easy to serve with transit,” Gibbon said. They have continuous sidewalks, are densely populated, and have a good mix of residential, retail and employment buildings.

Modern suburban and rural developments are difficult to serve with transit since they lack sidewalks, have buildings set back far from the street, have low population density and road configurations that are difficult to serve with transit, Gibbon said. “Buses cannot serve cul-de-sacs,” she said.

Gibbon provided the committee with land use strategies that could advance the three phases of the Regional Development Plan.

In Phase I, Gibbon’s suggested focusing on zoning and ordinances to promote transit in both traditional and new neighborhoods.

A few possible changes to promote transit include distinctive bus-stop signs and poles, bus shelters and routing information in both urban and suburban areas. Gibbon called new bus-stop signs and shelters a “pretty low investment” for providing thorough “information and functionality.”

Phase II of the development plan intends to bring a “higher level of service to an expanded service area” and may include transit hubs in historic centers and typical suburban employment centers.

The population of the Lehigh Valley is not high enough along the main transit routes for higher modes of transit to be warranted or successful as suggested in Phase III of the plan, Gibbon said. However, steps could be taken to make it more likely. If new developments focused on being transit-friendly, Gibbon said, the increase in population density could create the right conditions for higher modes of transit, like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or light rail.

To implement land use strategies beneficial to transit, Gibbon mentioned that LANTA could assume an active role in promoting appropriate land use planning and development decisions throughout the Lehigh Valley, Gibbon said.

Getting involved with local municipalities and their development proposals and plan approval processes are two more steps toward improving LANTA’s ability to use the land.

The Next Step

After the Authority and the Board evaluates the alternatives and costs completely, LANTA will hold additional committee and public meetings to receive further input on the plan. It is LANTA’s goal to have a Regional Development Plan approved by March 2009.

October 30, 2008