CATA announces proposed service changes in State College area for fall. Here’s what to know
The Centre Area Transportation Authority has proposed several service changes for the fall.
In addition to a previously approved 25-cent increase (from $4 to $4.25) to the CATARide fare, the transit agency plans to expand the CATAGo microtransit service, update the Red Link and adjust service to Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Changes to CATAGo
In order “to provide the best service” west of State College, in Ferguson and Patton townships, and in Pine Grove Mills, CATAGo will combine the northwest and southwest zones, spokesperson Sara Romage said in emailed comments. The zones will switch from a commuter schedule to an all-day schedule to allow for consistency between all CATAGo zones, Romage said.
The northwest zone serves Park Forest and surrounding areas, while the southwest zone serves Pine Grove Mills and surrounding areas.
The CATAGo zone in Boalsburg would also be expanded to include the medical offices in Scenery Park.
New on the Red Link
Penn State adjusted Red Link service, so it will no longer continue out to Mount Nittany Medical Center and Innovation Park, Romage said. CATA expects the shorter, campus route — which would end at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park — will “have better frequency” while using the same number of buses and the same schedule.
How to get to the hospital
With the changes to the Red Link, a new service will be needed to get passengers to Mount Nittany Medical Center. The service will switch from a fixed route to CATAGo. Riders will use destination points to transfer from a fixed route stop to CATAGo. Transfers on fixed routes and CATAGo are free.
What’s next?
CATA will hold a public hearing — with an open house format — on the proposed changes from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 23 at Schlow Centre Region Library’s Downsbrough Community Room. Community members can submit comments on any of the proposed changes at the hearing, directly on CATA’s website, by emailing comments@catabus.com or calling CATA customer service at 814-238-2282 during regular business hours. Comments will be accepted until noon May 24.
The proposed changes, if approved, would take effect Aug. 17.
