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.” 

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. 

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.