What does the LCTA CONNECTS van look like?
Where will LCTA have Microtransit service?
Microtransit is an on-demand public transportation that will be available in three ‘zones’ in Luzerne County:
1) CenterPoint / Grimes / Pittston zone
2) Hanover Industrial Park zone
3) Nanticoke / Glen Lyon zone
Why should I use it?
Microtransit is flexible! It allows you to book a trip when YOU need it.
LCTA CONNECTS is similar to other ride-share services where customers can use a smartphone app or call LCTA to request a ride to and from anywhere they wish to travel within the service zone boundaries.
The app will be available in the Google Play Store and Apple Store, but it is not available for download yet. The phone number to book rides will be 570-763-7373.
How does it work?
Following a ride request, you will receive an estimated pick-up time, track rides in real-time, and receive an alert upon arrival.
Because this is a ride-share, you will likely be on the van with other passengers going in the same general direction as you are traveling. You may make other stops on the way to your destination.
Is Microtransit considered public transportation?
Yes!
LCTA CONNECTS offers the convenience of connecting with other fixed routes. Microtransit service is supplementing — not replacing — fixed route bus service.
LCTA CONNECTS provides equivalent or better service than current fixed routes in our three Microtransit zones. Because smaller vans are used in Microtransit, LCTA will be able to reach locations that fixed route buses cannot serve, such as more rural areas within a zone and businesses within Industrial Parks.
How much does a ride cost?
LCTA CONNECTS is only $1.75 per one-way trip and is FREE for seniors with a registered Free Fare ID card. Passengers who use a Reduced Fare card will still pay .85.
You will be able to pay use your SmartPay card, pay cash, or use a multi-ride pass.
If you are transferring to a fixed route bus, the transfer is free within an hour of use.
When can I book a ride?
You can book a ride the same day, or up to 48 hours in advance of when you need a ride!
Is LCTA CONNNECTS ADA-accessible?
Yes. Like all LCTA vehicles, LCTA CONNECTS vans are ADA-accessible transit vans.
Where are the Microtransit Zones?
Below are the three Microtransit Zones, shaded in orange.
What fixed routes connect with each zone?
1) The CenterPoint / Grimes / Pittston Zone will connect with multiple fixed routes: #11 Pittston/Kingston/Plymouth (Route 11 East / West Connector), #16 Old Forge via River Road, #17 Scranton / Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, #19 Pittston Geisinger Healthplex / CenterPoint, #20 Pittston/Hilldale.
Currently, the #19 fixed route bus services only about one-third of the CenterPoint Industrial Park. LCTA CONNECTS will be able to service the entire park, including Geisinger HealthPlex. This is a benefit to employers in the the park because they will be able to recruit employees with more accessible (and affordable) transportation.
Service in this zone will provide connections to Dupont, Avoca, West Pittston, and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
2) The Hanover Industrial Zone will connect with the following fixed routes: #13 Hanover Industrial Park, #14 Nanticoke / LCCC via Sans Souci Parkway, and #15 LCCC / Nanticoke via Main St.
Businesses in Hanover Industrial Park – like CenterPoint – will benefit from this new service because LCTA CONNECTS is an additional option for employees to get to work. Additionally, more areas of the Park will be served.
Service in this zone will provide connections to Warrior Run, Sugar Notch, Ashley, Lynnwood, and Korn Krest.
3) The Nanticoke / Glen Lyon Zone will connect with #14 Nanticoke / LCCC via Sans Souci Parkway and #15 LCCC / Nanticoke via Main St.
Service in this zone will provide connections to Nanticoke, Sheatown, Wanamie, and Glen Lyon.
What are the hours of service for LCTA CONNECTS?
CenterPoint-Grimes-Pittston Zone:
Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.*
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
*Route #19, which serves CenterPoint now, will run until 9:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Hanover Industrial Park Zone:
Monday through Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.*
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
*Route #13 Hanover Industrial Park (formerly #13 Ashley) will run until 10:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Nanticoke-Glen Lyon Zone:
Monday through Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.*
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
*The improved Route #14, which serves Nanticoke, will have service until 10:45 p.m. on weekdays.
Why else should employers and HR Departments be excited about LCTA CONNECTS?
There are commuter tax benefits! The limit for 2024 is $315 per month. Bus service is a qualified commuting expense. Benefits can come in the form of employer subsidies or pre-tax deduction. A subsidy is an employer-paid benefit. A pre-tax deduction is an employee-paid payroll deduction.
A subsidy saves the employer on payroll taxes and the employee on having to pay additional taxes on higher income. Employers can save up to 7.65% in payroll costs each year!