Zrinski Wants Bus Service in Slate Belt To Continue

As most of you know, I'm an old fart. I live in an apartment building specially set up for old farts and younger disabled people with limited incomes. I like it. My next door neighbor (he passed away a few weeks ago) was a retired garbage man who spent 40 years on the back of the trucks. Another was a drummer for famous singers like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. One fellow - a giant of a man - provided security for celebrities in California before going blind. I could go on and on, and maybe one day I will tell their stories. One thing that most of us appreciate is the LANTA bus. There is a stop right outside the building. At one time, it was served by two separate routes. (217 & 216). Now it's just one (216), and that will no longer serve Nazareth at the end of June. There will still be service from another route, but it will be far more limited. This will affect several residents who rely on LANTA. It will also impact several other Nazareth residents whom I have seen on the bus from time  

I realize this is a "poor person" issue. I often hop on a bus, especially when riding my bike so I can pretend I went farther than I actually did. I've seen the people who rely on buses to get to jobs at restaurants, Walmart and local industrial parks. One Spanish lady - she does not speak a word of English or pretends not to when I'm on the bus - always has a piece of fruit for me. 

Although Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing for $292 million in mass transit funding statewide, his quest faces an uncertain fate in the Republican held state senate. LANTA is planning to reduce service by 20%. This should have little impact if you live in downtown Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton. But the farther you are from the urban core, the more difficult it will be to get around. It will be especially tough for Slate Belt residents. They are often little more than an afterthought among elected officials, so I was surprised to see a press release from NorCo Controller and Exec candidate Tara Zrinski about bus service to the slate belt (Route 217), which will be reduced at the end of the month.

Her news release states that Route 217 is being eliminated, but my understanding is that service is just being reduced. Here's what she says:

As the Democratic nominee for Northampton County Executive, and as a former county councilmember and current county controller, I am deeply concerned about the proposed elimination of Route 217 and other essential bus services in the Slate Belt region.

While I do not reside in the Slate Belt, I understand that public transportation is a lifeline for many Northampton County communities. Route 217 connects residents to jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, and vital services. Surveys show that the vast majority of riders—about three-quarters—have no other transportation option. Eliminating this route would strand those without access to a car—especially in rural areas where alternatives are scarce.

It is especially important to recognize that many individuals in recovery from addiction rely on these bus routes to reach recovery centers, counseling sessions, and support group meetings. Reliable transportation is essential for successful recovery; without it, missed appointments can disrupt progress and increase the risk of relapse. 

Seniors, low income individuals/families and the disabled are all especially vulnerable to these proposed cuts. Reductions in fixed-route and paratransit services will limit their ability to reach medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities, leading to increased isolation and diminished quality of life. The planned 25% fare increase on the Shared Ride for Seniors program and restricted service days and hours will further compound these challenges.

Removing Route 217 would undermine the hard-won progress of many in our community.

Northampton County has consistently advocated for equitable bus route allocation, ensuring that all residents—regardless of location—have access to essential services. To take these routes away now would undermine years of progress and jeopardize the well-being of those in recovery from opioid addiction and other substance use disorders.

Where can LANTA get the money?

LANTA’s funding challenges are real. The transit authority has relied on federal COVID relief funds, but those have now run out. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget includes a $6.6 million increase in state operating funds for LANTA, which could help avoid devastating service cuts. Additionally, the Governor has proposed increasing the transit share of the state sales tax, which could provide LANTA with millions more annually if approved by the legislature. Federal grants, such as those from the Federal Transit Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also remain important funding sources.

I urge LANTA and state leaders to prioritize these funding solutions and to preserve essential services for all communities. Northampton County is a growing community and, as part of the Lehigh Valley our services are essential to that economic growth. Public transportation is not just about mobility—it’s about access, opportunity, and dignity. We must not let funding shortfalls harm our most vulnerable residents.