This site supports the regionalization of public transportation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This discussion between Luzerne County, Lackawanna County and Hazleton has been ongoing for over 10 years. Once again as of today, June 28, 2023 it has been tabled by all three entities. Here we will discuss some of the history, players and conflicts of regionalization. Check back often as we build on this discussion.
The Players:
Luzerne County Transportation Authority LCTA
Luzerne County Council
County of Lackawanna Transit System COLTS
Lackawanna County Commissioners
Hazleton Public Transit
Hazleton City Council
PennDOT
Federal Transit Administration FTA
Local, State, Federal politicians
Transit Consolidation Report Luzerne & Lackawanna County
Below is the Transit Consolidation Report completed by PENNDOT in February 29, 2012. This began the over 10 year journey of public transit regionalization in Northeastern PA. Since then PennDOT has been trying to facilitate the process between the players.
November 2011
Hazleton City Council voted to approve consolidating the Hazleton Public Transit System with LCTA. The LCTA board also approved the merger in December of 2011. In April of 2012 Hazleton City Council voted to rescind the approval. Times Leader Article.
The Ghost Riders, June 2014
The LCTA Executive Director and Operations Manager were indicted following a PennDOT audit from 2013. it found that from 2007 to 2011, inflated senior ridership figures cost taxpayers $3.16 million in government reimbursements the LCTA was not entitled to. WNEP Article Here.
June 2014 PennDOT to do another study on cost savings of public transit in NEPA.
Author: Bill Wadell
Published: 4:25 PM EDT June 30, 2014
Updated: 8:06 PM EDT June 30, 2014
WILKES-BARRE — Would a public transportation mega-merger be a good thing?
PennDOT says it’s starting a study on the possible consolidation of bus, plane, and future train travel in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
A letter from the state secretary of transportation spells out the proposal.
PennDOT is working to figure out how much money could be saved and what new services would be possible if Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties merged public transit. FULL ARTICLE