It is unfortunate to read that CATA is planning to raise fares and roll back off-campus service. This is a step in the wrong direction for CATA, Penn State and State College. Raising fares and decreasing service will cause a decrease in the number of riders and hurt CATA.

With decreased CATA service the overcrowding problems in and around the campus will continue to worsen and downtown rental rates will skyrocket as students struggle to live close to campus. Penn State must recognize its need for a thriving CATA and act accordingly by raising parking rates in the commuter lot. By making the bus more affordable that driving, students will be more likely to ride and that translates to increased revenue for CATA. The decrease in commuters will also alleviate the over-crowding problems on the Link and Loop routes, as well as traffic congestion in and around the campus. By supporting CATA and helping to increase ridership, Penn State is also making an environmentally conscious choice.

The borough should help CATA in increasing ridership through subsidies enabling CATA to maintain its current fares. Penn State and State College have much to gain from a healthy transit authority and I urge them to take the necessary steps to support CATA in becoming one.