Transdev Services, Inc. has been awarded a contract by the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) to operate its LANtaVan paratransit division.
The announcement of the five-year contract, which is effective July 1, was made by Owen P. O’Neil, LANTA’s executive director. Transdev will also handle operations for LANTA’s Carbon Transit Division. LANTA’S paratransit fleet includes 85 LANtaVan vehicles and 14 with Carbon Transit.
“While LANTA will continue to administer the service and use its Bethlehem-based call center for scheduling trips, Transdev will address all day-to-day operations to serve our riders,” O’Neil said.
In addition, Transdev will be responsible for hiring drivers and maintenance staff involved with LANtaVan and Carbon Transit services.
“Users of LANTA’s paratransit services will see no change in how they make their reservation or what they need to do to access their van,” said Tiana Williams, director, rider resources and communications, LANTA. “All phone numbers and other communications tools will be the same, and the vehicles will have the same LANtaVan or Carbon Transit markings.”
There will be no changes to services and any rider with a standing reservation does not need to make a new reservation.
“This is another outstanding opportunity for Transdev to partner with an excellent transit agency. We are excited to work with LANTA to provide safe, reliable, professional service to the Lehigh Valley communities and customers,” said Bill Spraul, Transdev’s regional vice president for the South-Central region. “We are looking forward to showcasing our technology offerings, along with our expertise and experience. Our new partnership with LANTA is another testament to our commitment to safety, service, and sustainability.”
The LANtaVan Division will be moved to its new location in Allentown, Pa., this June. The 67,000-square-foot facility, located on the historic former Mack Trucks 5-C Plant lot, will house the fleet as well as maintenance and administrative staff. The Carbon Transit fleet will continue to be housed in Nesquehoning, Carbon County.
