COLTS looking at new routes, Scranton, PA

[Helman700]

From thetimes-tribune.com

Scranton Times-Tribune

 

 

COLTS looking at new bus routes for colleges, Commerce Boulevard

By Charles Schillinger (Staff Writer)

Published: November 18, 2009

 

The Lackawanna County Transit System should consider expanding service for businesses along Commerce Boulevard in Dickson City and for local colleges, according to first impressions from a consultant analyzing bus routes.

 

Though a full route analysis will not be complete until next year, preliminary data suggest a greater need for COLTS buses, said Lynn Colosi, a consultant with Pittsburgh-based Clear View Strategies.

 

Clear View consultants are hoping municipal officials attend a meeting Thursday to identify more locations, such as new residential developments and industrial parks. The meeting of the county's Intergovernmental Forum will be at 7 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center. Other meetings are in the works with senior citizen groups and eventually the general public, Ms. Colosi said.

 

This is the first time in almost 15 years COLTS has undertaken a major study of its bus routes. The study is expected to cost $77,000, of which all but $2,000 will be paid by the state Department of Transportation.

 

Ms. Colosi said Clear View Strategies is riding buses and talking to riders to determine which routes aren't cost effective. They are also looking at what population centers, employers and retail centers are underserved, she said.

 

As an example, Ms. Colosi said COLTS might provide bus service for students at Marywood University and the University of Scranton.

 

"The colleges have expressed a need to get those kids to retail corridors, entertainment centers and downtown Scranton," she said.

 

More routes also may be warranted on Commerce Boulevard, home to dozens of chain stores like Target and Home Depot. There is also discussion of a new 14-screen movie theater there by next August.

 

"I think that's an area where we might be able to better serve," agreed Bob Fiume, the executive director of COLTS.

 

The study should be completed by the end of March, Ms. Colosi said.

 

Contact the writer: cschillinger@timesshamrock.com