RVT Begins Clinton County Public Transportation; Free Through March 10
LOCK HAVEN – Two years in the making, Clinton County’s first public transportation in a generation is now up and running. Today was the first day of service for Williamsport-based River Valley Transit, the agency charged with implementing the new bus routes. The blue, grey and red natural gas-powered RVT buses are serving the Lock Haven area from the Clinton/Lycoming County line to the WalMart off Hogan Boulevard in Bald Eagle Township.
The occasion was marked with a noon-time stop for a ribbon-cutting at a prime service location, the Clinton Plaza/STEP Community Center off Walnut St. Dignitaries and project supporters then hopped on the bus for a run to Lock Haven’s hill section. They were joined on the bus by a handful of men who were the first to use RVT as their means of transportation.
Rides through the remainder of February and through March 10 will be free of charge. The bus schedule will be available in the RVT “Clinton County Guide” carried on the buses./
The first trip began at 5:45 a.m. as a natural gas-powered RVT bus left the Lycoming Mall Drive east of Williamsport. The first trip was part of the RVT’s “Clinton County Express,” daily early morning and late afternoon buses throughout the Lock Haven area. These are in addition to a “Clinton County Connector” bus going throughout the Lock Haven area from later in the morning to mid-afternoon.
Express bus stops in Clinton County are at the UPMC/Bald Eagle Court in Wayne Township; Main and Church Streets, Clinton Plaza/STEP Community Center, Lock Haven University, First Quality Lock Haven, Lock Haven Hospital in Lock Haven; and WalMart in Bald Eagle Township. These are in addition to regularly scheduled stops between the Lycoming Mall and Jersey Shore in Lycoming County.
Connector route stops are at UPMC/Bald Eagle Court, Wayne Township; Clinton Plaza/STEP Community Center, Lock Haven University at Fairview Street, First Quality Lock Haven, Lock Haven Hospital, Clinton County “Piper” Building in Lock Haven; and WalMart in Bald Eagle Township.
Passengers will be able to get on and off the buses at locations in-between the designated stop areas. The service operates six days a week, no Sunday or holiday service. After March 10 a fare will be charged, from as little as $2.25 for a one-day pass to $41 for a 31-day pass. Senior citizens and children under the age of five years may ride free. The several year trial run is being largely underwritten by a state PennDOT grant, along with financial assistance from local government and private sector sponsors.
