LANTA Partnership
Improving Transit Accessibility and Safety
A collaborative effort with the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority and the City of Bethlehem to create a functional, inviting, and accessible bus station in South Bethlehem.
The Urban Environmental Policy Workshop, a Small Cities Lab affiliate course taught by co-director Karen Beck-Pooley, is collaborating with the City of Bethlehem and the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) on a plan for one of its Express Bus Service stations on the South Side and recommendations to improve walkability between campus and the station (Fahy Bridge South).
The project aims to transform the bus stop into a more inviting and functional space. Currently, it features just a few signs indicating waiting areas. The partnership plans to add lighting, benches, shelters, trash cans, and informative signage with schedules, all designed to create a safer and more pleasant environment for users.
Despite its proximity to bustling areas like 3rd Street and the Greenway, the bus stop suffers from low foot traffic and feels isolated from the surrounding vibrancy. To address this, the team is focused on strengthening connections to the bus stop, developing strategies that will attract more visitors and eliminate the barriers that discourage people from exploring beyond 3rd Street. Proposed initiatives include murals, new crosswalks, safer walking routes, and engaging pop-up events at or near the site.
In addition, project partners are working to “market” the bus stop to students, seeking innovative ways to increase its usage through partnerships with the Office of First-Year Experience and other relevant organizations. This comprehensive approach aims to turn the bus stop into a thriving hub that better serves the community.