Lanta rapid transit map

Two possible rapid transit bus routes are suggested.

(Courtesy image)

Despite some failed attempts in the past, the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority is convinced Lehigh Valley commuters are ready for rapid transit service.

LANTA is hoping to tap into state and federal grants to help pay for the $14.6 million project, which would create two rapid transit routes -- one from Wal-Mart in Whitehall Township to the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII in Bethlehem and the other from Muhlenberg College in Allentown to the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. Both routes would cover much of the same real estate, allowing for even more frequent service for commuters along the corridor.

LANTA's reason for focusing on one of the busiest corridors in the Allentown and Bethlehem area is understandable. But that's small consolation for commuters from Easton eager for quick, easy and cheap public transportation to places such as the Lehigh Valley Mall, the Sands Resort Center Bethlehem, the IronPigs Stadium, the Phantoms Arena and elsewhere. And it fails to serve the needs of those in Allentown or Bethlehem who would prefer to hop on the bus for a quick trip to the Crayola Experience or other Easton destinations.

Granted, LANTA has to start somewhere -- gauging interest in this service and building upon it if travelers prove there is a need. And officials say the line could eventually be expanded to Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township, Pa., and then to Northampton Street in Easton. But Easton commuters must feel like an afterthought, especially since the new intermodal transportation center in the works would be an ideal stop for express service between Easton and its two sister cities.

Members of the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study's technical committee learned of the plan Monday and the board that oversees LANTA is expected to approve it soon.

That would be one hurdle cleared. But this plan faces numerous other hurdles, including securing the necessary grants and other funding.

Still, the largest hurdle would be changing the driving culture in this community. Despite being the third-largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley continues to be an area that is addicted to travel by private vehicle rather than public transportation.

Would that change with faster, more reliable and cheaper public transportation up and running?

This plan could be the start of answering that question.