The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) opened the Christian Street parking lot on April 1 to assist Amtrak users starting their trip in Lancaster. The lot is located on the corner of Christian Street and McGovern Avenue across from the Amtrak station and has 53 surface spaces, including two handicapped-accessible spaces available for monthly parking with no daily parking options.

This project is the first step in expanding parking at the Lancaster Train Station. The total cost for construction was approximately $530,000 in state transportation funds. The lot is owned and was constructed by PennDOT but will be managed by SCTA.

Additionally, Pennsylvanians are reminded that Shared Ride programs are available in every county and fixed-route transportation systems statewide offer accessible transportation. Trips can include activities of daily living, but in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, residents can also use the services for assistance in getting to mass vaccination sites and any site where a vaccine is available to individuals. Free transportation to vaccinations may also be available for qualifying individuals.

Additionally, the Senior Shared Ride program enables all individuals age 65 and older to use shared-ride, curb-to-curb services and pay only a small portion of the regular shared-ride fare. Individuals with disabilities ages 18 to 64 may access transportation through the Persons with Disabilities Program.

Any interested riders in the Lancaster area should note that the Lancaster vaccination center is accepting appointments. Individuals can register for a future appointment online at http://www.vaccinatelancaster.org.

For more information on multimodal transportation at PennDOT, visit the Projects & Programs section of http://www.penndot.gov. For more information on Red Rose routes or local transportation to and from vaccination sites, visit http://www.redrosetransit.com or contact 610-406-4517 or vnixdorf@sctapa.com.