The Area Transportation Authority of North Central Pennsylvania (ATA) was founded in 1976 as the state's first regional rural transportation authority, following a coordinated effort by county planners and elected officials. Its goal was to ensure that rural communities could access public transportation funding and provide organized transit services to previously underserved areas.

ATA’s creation began in 1972 when the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (NCPRPDC) responded to Governor Milton Shapp’s request to assess regional social and economic needs. This led to the formation of a task force called the Regional Rural Transportation Advisory Committee (RRTAC), which identified significant transportation gaps across the region. The NCPRPDC proposed a demonstration project in collaboration with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to test a public transit model, leading to the establishment of North Central Transportation.

The success of this demonstration project secured further federal support, including two Section 147 grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. With ongoing planning efforts, the RRTAC recommended forming a regional transportation authority. This led to the official incorporation of ATA by the commissioners of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties on May 19, 1976.

From its inception, ATA has championed partnerships among local, state, and federal governments, securing the first Pennsylvania State Rural Operating Assistance Grant and the first Federal Rural Transit Operating Assistance Grant. This has allowed ATA to minimize local funding needs while providing affordable transportation options to the region.

ATA's mission has focused on delivering accessible and affordable transportation services while embracing technological advances. It has coordinated transportation across social service agencies, improving efficiency and service reach for residents of multiple PA counties. Despite ongoing challenges with rural transit funding, ATA remains committed to minimizing local costs and enhancing mobility for all.

For 50 years, ATA has grown and adapted to serve the transportation needs of north central Pennsylvania, actively supporting community projects and fostering economic well-being through improved mobility.