Don't hop on the Loop this Spring Semester - unless you have an extra nickel.

While most University students were home for the holidays, the Centre Area Transportation Authority increased fares for the Town and Campus loops to 35 cents.

The increase comes from rising costs and University neglect. In response to the University's refusal to contribute, this year the State College Borough Council will withhold a $49,000 CATA subsidy.

The University has a responsibility to provide students with inexpensive transportation, especially during the cold months. Most Loop riders are students, yet the University consistently refuses to contribute to CATA.

Despite its other monetary obligations, the University should have viewed transportation as a priority and funded CATA long ago.

CATA should also have given students a chance to voice their opinions before the fare hike. By holding a meeting when most students were out of town, CATA effectively excluded those most affected by its decision. As a result, only three residents and two reporters attended the hearing.

The University should provide affordable transportation for students, which means contributing to CATA. If it doesn't contribute in the future, services will either be eliminated or become too costly for students.