Ridership is down for Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), but officials said at a meeting yesterday that service is still running smoothly.

CATA officials discussed progress since the beginning of the semester and the state money for capital projects they should receive by the end of October.

CATA director of services Eric Bernier reported that although ridership is down since the start of the semester, time performance has been better than in past years.

"This has a pronounced positive effect for all riders," Bernier said.

He said buses were temporarily added at the beginning of the semester because that is when ridership is at its highest.

CATA officials said the decreased cost of most on-campus parking has affected its number of riders.

"We have not received nearly as many complaints this year as last," said Hugh Mose, general manager for CATA. "Things are going very smoothly."

Some Penn State students still have complaints -- as well as compliments -- on CATA's service this semester.

Lisa Rivers (junior-political science) said the CATA service this year has been "OK" and can't understand why bus drivers don't stop when they see someone who needs to get on the bus.

"People will knock on the door and they'll just drive away," she said. "That is pretty ignorant."

Erica Cobb (senior-biobehavioral health) said CATA's new names for the former Campus and Town Loops are confusing.

"The Loop runs all the time, but the other busses outside of town don't run enough," she added.

Phil Wallace (junior-electrical engineering) said he is glad buses run late at night.

"It's nice because you don't have to drive and run the risk of getting arrested," he said. "I think the bus system is doing just fine this year so far."

The officials also discussed the grant expected from the state.

Mose said there is a "good chance" that CATA will receive the $3.6 million and use it for a bus terminal next to Schlow Memorial Library, 100 E. Beaver Ave. CATA has discussed building a bus stop with restrooms and other amenities at the "highly visible location."

Judith Minor, CATA director of administration, said design work is already underway.

"We can't continue with any other plans until we know for sure if we will be receiving the grant," she said.

Mose said CATA would find out by the end of October if the money will be allocated, but still won't receive the money until later.