STATE COLLEGE — The Centre Area Transportation Authority Board of Directors recently voted to extend the Free Summer Youth Pass program to a year-round benefit.
Historically, CATA has offered a free Summer Youth Pass for school-aged riders who were not otherwise eligible for free fares. Ridership data presented to the board showed a significant increase in youth trips during the free months. During the first three free months of summer 2026 (May–July), youth riders took 2,891 trips using the Free Summer Youth Pass, averaging 964 trips per month. In comparison, during the preceding paid period from September 2025 through April 2026, youth riders took 1,039 trips in total, averaging 130 trips per month.
The introduction of a year-round Free Youth Pass creates greater opportunities for the youth in the community to access after-school activities, jobs, libraries, parks, and other resources across the region.
“We saw a strong utilization of the Free Summer Youth Pass program,” said Todd Horsley, CATA CEO, “and we’re excited to extend it into a year-round benefit that will make it easier for our local youth to access the opportunities and resources our community offers.”
The Free Youth Pass offers unlimited access to all CATABUS and CATAGO! routes for kids and teens in high school and younger.
Contact CATA Customer Service to learn how to get your Free Youth Pass.
Youth who have the Free Summer Youth Pass will need to get a new Free Youth Pass. Anyone who has already purchased a Youth Pass for September 2026 should contact CATA customer service for a refund.
