CATA rates could be higher this summer. Here’s what you need to know
For the first time since 2017, CATA riders could be paying higher bus fare.
The Centre Area Transportation Authority is proposing an increase in bus fare — raising the base fee from $2 to $2.20 with a matching percentage increase for all passes. The raise, if approved, will also apply to CATAGo — an on-demand ride service that launched in January.
The board of directors will host a virtual public hearing at 5:30 p.m. May 26 to discuss the rate increase, which could take effect this summer. The meeting will be open to the public via WebEx; participants are required to preregister.
CATA waived bus fares in April, following a decline in ridership amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Public relations specialist Jacqueline Sheader said the authority was “very concerned” about its future because nearly 50% of revenue comes from fare collection and contracts.
Last month, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced that CATA will receive more than $9 million from the coronavirus stimulus bill to help offset losses.
Sheader said the authority does not know when fare rates will be implemented again.
Several service changes for 10 routes are being considered, including A, B, C, F, G, HM, K, NV, S and VN. The board could also eliminate all services on Christmas Eve day.
More details on the proposed fare and service changes will be made available Monday on CATA’s website. Questions or comments may be sent to Christoper Jordan, director of service planning and community engagement, at cjordan@catabus.com.
This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 1:49 PM.
