CATA changes routes around Nittany Mall

By KRISTA FLEDDERMAN
Collegian Staff Writer

Centre Area Transportation Authority Centre Line bus passengers are now seeing a different side of the Nittany Mall.

Because of construction and congestion at the mall, Centre Line has adjusted its route to accommodate passengers and the changes. Now riders will find only one stop at the center of the mall on its Benner Pike side instead of two separate stops on the College Avenue side of the mall.

The change, which became effective Jan. 11, will better serve "M" route travelers, said Lisa Clapper, CATA Centre Line marketing coordinator.

"The new route will be less confusing (for passengers) and less congested for the buses to travel," she said.

And, because the mall information desk is located close to the new stop, this change will accommodate first-time visitors to the mall, Clapper said.

Drivers also will have an easier time getting around construction because of the new CATA stop, said Jennifer Dowling, Nittany Mall marketing director. The new route has allowed for more travel space and less congestion on the College Avenue side of the mall.

"Now the buses have a specific pull-off on the Benner Pike side and it's not so congested," she added.

Stephen Crownover, operations supervisor for CATA, said the "M" route is one of the most frequently traveled by CATA passengers. About 4,500 to 5,500 passengers ride the route daily, and 7,700 to 7,800 travel daily on the entire CATA Centre Line.

"The change in the route is more efficient, more convenient and less treacherous for the buses to get through," he said.

Students seem to be in agreement with the CATA Centre Line on the efficiency of the new "M" route.

"It should be easier to catch the bus," said Matt Fleeger (sophomore-electrical engineering) as he waited on College Avenue to catch the "M" bus. "There is really no need for two stops because the mall isn't that big."

• Nittany Mall area undergoing development