Mobility News
GoBus coming to area
- Date: 01/21/2026
SANDUSKY — A statewide transportation system intends to begin serving the local area next month. GoBus, a federally funded intercity…
SHAMOKIN DAM — Transportation and childcare have emerged as two primary barriers keeping people out of the workforce in the Susquehanna River Valley, a problem business leaders say is closely linked to health outcomes in rural communities.
Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Garrett said interviews with 27 employers across multiple sectors conducted in December and early January identified transportation as a central issue affecting economic stability.
Garrett said the region consistently reports low unemployment, with at least three of the four counties typically below state and national averages, but struggles with labor force participation, which he described as “very poor” compared with state and federal levels. He said transportation and childcare are the primary factors keeping people on the sidelines.
In Union County, 1,304 households have no vehicle, representing 9.2% of all households, according to U.S. Census data.
Union County Planning and Economic Development Director Shawn McLaughlin said access becomes difficult for residents who live outside compact boroughs and lack reliable transportation.
“Union County is like pretty much any rural area in Pennsylvania,” McLaughlin said. “If you don't have a car and you don't live in town where you can walk or bike somewhere, it can be a challenge.”
He said private ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are limited in availability and can be costly due to long travel distances, making them an impractical option for many residents.