CATA Proposes Service Changes in Response to Driver Shortage

The Centre Area Transportation Authority is proposing service reductions it says are needed because of a driver shortage affecting transit systems nationwide.

Changes to five bus routes would go into effect on Jan. 11, pending a public hearing Nov. 9 and approval by the CATA Board on Nov. 16, according to a new release on Monday.

“Service adjustments are always frustrating, but the proposed modifications are the most responsible step we can take to ensure that CATA continues to provide safe, reliable and sustainable service,” CATA CEO Todd Horsley said in a statement. “Public transit providers across North America are experiencing significant workforce shortages. CATA’s bus drivers enable the high level of first-class transit service that the community expects. Our drivers are the best in the business, but we need more of them.”

Service adjustments are proposed for the following routes.

• AC (Atherton Connector)
– Reduce service frequency Monday through Thursday to every 45 minutes from the current 30-32 minutes;
– End service from Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m. instead of the current 10 p.m.

• CC (College Connector)
– Reduce Sunday service to every 60 minutes from the current 30 minutes.
– End Sunday service at 10 p.m. instead of the current midnight.
– End service to Lemont/Havershire/Science Park at 8 p.m.

• NV (Havershire/Martin/Vairo/Toftrees)
– End service on Sunday at 10 p.m. instead of the current midnight.

• RP (Waupelani Drive/Downtown)
– End service on Sunday at 10 p.m. instead of the current midnight.

• UP (University/Parkway Circulator)
– All service suspended.

The Nov. 9 public hearing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in Community Room 201 of the State College Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen St.

CATA staff will present the proposed service adjustments, followed by a public comment. After the comment period, attendees will be able to speak with CATA staff.

If an auxiliary aid or service is needed for a person with a disability, call (814) 238-2282 or email cata@catabus.com at least five days prior to the meeting.

Comments may also be submitted via email to comments@catabus.com or by calling the CATA Customer Service Center at (814) 238-2282 during business hours.

All comments received by noon on Monday, Nov. 16, will be considered.

“Final decisions will be based on a variety of factors, including operational needs, fiscal and workforce constraints, and public input,” CATA wrote.