District signs transit services agreement; state to reimburse full cost after ridership jump

The Allentown School District finance committee approved a transit services agreement with the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority for the 2025–26 school year after officials told the committee student ridership increased 64 percent.

Dr. Whartonby presented the agreement and noted the district would initially pay approximately $373,687 for service. He told the committee the district expects the full amount to be reimbursed by the state under student transportation funding rules. "The ridership went up 64% in the last year," Dr. Whartonby said, adding the ridership increase supports increased access and reductions in chronic absenteeism.

Committee members asked whether students could ride during the summer with a school ID; staff confirmed they may. The committee approved moving the agreement forward; the full board will consider final contract authorization and execution.