LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — This route through Glen Lyon isn't getting as much traffic as it used to. So this fall, Luzerne County Transportation Authority is going to try something new.
"Now we're trying to move service where the demand is and in areas where we don't really have the demand, maybe cut back service a bit. So we want to get the most best service out there possible," said LCTA Executive Director Bob Fiume.
LCTA plans to do this through microtransit.
"Microtransit is a service that's basically a demand response service provided with our vans and our riders can call or use an app or call in to make schedule an appointment at any time during the service hours," explained Fiume. "It could be the same day as they need the service, or it could be a few days ahead of time."
Glen Lyon and two industrial areas in Luzerne County will soon be operated by the flexible, on-demand transit option.
The orange zones on the maps indicate where a microtransit rider would be dropped off.
If a microtransit rider wants to travel outside of the zone, the van will take the rider to the nearest bus stop.
"If you're only traveling in that zone, it'll take you right to your destination. But if you're traveling out of the zone, so you want to go downtown Wilkes Barre, through the intermodal center, wherever, then it will take you to the fixed route bus that stops in Nanticoke," added Fiume.
Using this new service will cost the same amount as a bus ride.
The LCTA will start the microtransit rides at the end of October or early November and hopes to train passengers on the process in the coming weeks.