The Centre Area Transportation Authority evening R-route (Waupelani Drive) bus service is a disgrace.

As a 10-year veteran of commuting on public transportation I must express my disgust at CATA’s inability to effectively deal with and react to the ridership needs along the R route during the evening commute home.

One day last week was absolutely the worst. Two-thirds of the riders patiently waiting for the 5:15 bus at College Avenue and Allen Street were shut out due to over-crowding.

I have been riding this route daily for more than two years and, even during the summer under the reduced service schedule, the 5:15 R is consistently standing-room only by the time it departs College and Allen.

I’ve watched the number of riders increase steadily over the past month and yet CATA does nothing to alleviate the congestion. Several times the outbound Atherton Street stop between College and Beaver avenues is skipped because there is no room for more passengers.

It’s not only disrespectful to the patrons living in the southwest borough, it must also be humiliating to the driver who must bully the passengers as she tries to shoehorn them into every available crevice on the bus.

I cannot believe CATA dispatch and administration are oblivious to this issue. Shame on them for their inflexibility and inability to make adjustments.

CATA: Crappy Alternative to Automobiles if you’re eager to get home at the end of the day anywhere along the R route.

Jeremy Wright

State College