CATA has reduced service, eliminated fares since COVID-19. It will get millions to offset losses

The Centre Area Transportation Authority will receive more than $9 million from the coronavirus stimulus bill, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said Friday.

CATA has reduced service and stopped collecting fares amid declining ridership in response to the pandemic. “Since nearly 50 percent of CATA’s revenues come from the fare box or through contracts, prior to hearing about the stimulus funds we were very concerned about our future,” CATA public relations specialist Jacqueline Sheader said.

CATA is working to find out how the $9.52 million in grants from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration will be distributed and how it can be used, Sheader said. “With the information we have, CATA plans to use the funds to offset these losses so that we can continue to serve the community when we are able to return to our regular levels of service,” she said.

Casey, D-Pa., said in a statement that communities across the state need assistance as they respond to coronavirus.

“I am pleased that the transportation systems in our communities will receive a combined total of $1.13 billion in FTA grants to support transit operations, pay employees who are unable to work due to the pandemic and continue operating for those who rely on public transportation,” he said. “Our public transit systems are a backbone of our communities and I will continue to work to ensure they receive the resources they need during this time of national crisis.”