Pa.'s LANTA Partners with Masabi to Launch Next-Gen Fare Collection System
Among the highlighted features of ValleyRide is the concept of fare-capping, which enables riders to save on daily or monthly passes without having to pay higher upfront costs.
To take full advantage of the ValleyRide savings, LANTA riders will be advised to consistently use either the SmartCard or online-based account.
Photo: LANTA
Allentown, Pa.’s Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) announced next Spring it will take another major step in fulfilling its Moving LANTA Forward long-range plan with the introduction of ValleyRide — LANTA’s newly branded modern fare collection system in partnership with Masabi.
“With ValleyRide we are introducing a more efficient, user-friendly experience for both riders and bus operators,” said Executive Director Owen O’Neil. “By simplifying the fare collection process, we can reduce boarding times and improve overall efficiency, making the daily commute faster and more convenient.”
Ad Loading...
Features of the New System
Among the highlighted features of ValleyRide is the concept of fare-capping, which enables riders to save on daily or monthly passes without having to pay higher upfront costs.
As soon as riders take the predetermined number of trips, their ValleyRide account will automatically reduce the cost to the lowest available for the time period.
ValleyRide will also provide riders with the choice of either using a smart card or online-based account to pay fares with a smart phone.
In addition, LANTA will still accept cash payment on buses, but those payments will not be associated with a smart card or a ValleyRide Account. ValleyRide smart cards and online accounts work much like those used by fast food and other industries, including automatic or manual refilling.
Working with Ridership
To take full advantage of the ValleyRide savings, riders will be advised to consistently use either the smart card or online-based account.
Ad Loading...
The smartcards will be available online, as well as select locations through the Lehigh Valley.
Among other major elements of the Moving LANTA Forward initiative completed in recent years has been the introduction of the Green Line and Blue Line Enhanced Bus Service (EBS) routes.
EBS is LANTA’s bus rapid transit type service providing higher frequencies and shorter travel times between the major destinations of the Lehigh Valley.
Traditionally, bus lane enforcement has relied on manual processes carried out by transit police or parking enforcement officers. While it may be effective in certain municipalities, this approach is resource-intensive and very difficult to sustain.
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.
The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.
To accomplish this work, the MBTA announced that four phases of temporary evening service changes will begin on February 28 and continue through April.