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LANTA Announces Fare Hikes Starting March 1st

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. nta-announces-fare-hikes-starting-march-1st.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 12:34 GMT by WFMZ-TV
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Beginning March 1st, 2026, LANTA, the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, will implement fare increases across its entire service network. While LANTA officials frame the changes as necessary to maintain current service levels amidst rising costs, the move reflects a broader struggle faced by public transportation systems nationwide - balancing affordability with sustainability.

The approved fare adjustments, passed by the LANTA Board of Directors, will see the cost of an Adult Monthly Pass rise from $66 to $71, a roughly 7.6% increase. Single ride fares for adults will jump from $1.60 to $1.75. Reduced fares, crucial for seniors and individuals with disabilities, will increase from $33 to $35.50, and the Student Monthly Pass will also see a rise, moving from $33 to $35.50.

"We work hard to find ways to offset costs and preserve services for our riders," stated LANTA Executive Director, Jack Schramm, in a press release. "Unfortunately, without adjustments, we risk losing service. These adjustments allow us to continue to provide reliable transportation."

However, the fare hikes are occurring at a time when LANTA, like many transit agencies, is experiencing a post-pandemic rebound in ridership. LANTA currently serves over 12 million riders annually, and preliminary data indicates a continued upward trend, particularly during peak commuting hours. This raises questions about the necessity of the increases, and whether alternative funding solutions were fully explored. While officials cite increasing operational costs - specifically fuel, insurance, and labor - as primary drivers, critics point to the lack of consistent, dedicated funding from state and federal sources as a systemic problem.

Lehigh and Northampton Counties have experienced significant population growth in recent years, increasing demand on the existing transportation infrastructure. LANTA has attempted to respond with service expansions, including the introduction of microtransit options in underserved areas and increased frequency on key routes. These improvements, however, come with a price tag. The agency has also invested in upgrading its fleet with more environmentally friendly vehicles, a move lauded by environmental groups but contributing to the rising capital costs.

The fare increases are not happening in a vacuum. Neighboring transit authorities are also grappling with similar financial pressures. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which serves the Philadelphia region, underwent a similar fare adjustment in late 2025, and officials there have warned of potential service cuts if additional funding isn't secured. The situation highlights the precarious financial position of many public transit systems that rely heavily on fare revenue and limited government subsidies.

Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to address the ongoing funding challenges. Increased investment in public transit from state and federal governments, innovative financing mechanisms like congestion pricing, and exploring public-private partnerships are all potential solutions. Furthermore, a focus on increasing transit-oriented development - building housing and businesses near transit stations - can boost ridership and generate additional revenue streams.

The complete and detailed list of fare changes is available on the rideLANTA.com website. LANTA encourages riders to review the new rates and plan accordingly. The agency also maintains a customer service line for those with questions or concerns. The long-term impact of these fare increases on ridership remains to be seen, but it's a critical moment for LANTA and public transit in the Lehigh Valley, signaling a need for sustained investment and innovative solutions to ensure access to reliable and affordable transportation for all.