The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) offers a variety of public transportation services, including the CATABUS. While the CATABUS Campus Service is free, a fare is required for the CATABUS Community Service routes and the CATAGO microtransit service. Students at Penn State University can access reduced-fare CATABUS services to/from campus, while students at Lansing Community College can avail of discounted fares on CATA buses serving the college.
Is the CATA bus free for students?
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Free for students | No, but there is a discounted fare for students |
Discounted fare | $0.60 |
Regular fare | $1.25 |
Location | Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties |
Membership | Lansing, East Lansing, Delhi, Lansing and Meridian townships |
What You'll Learn
CATA Campus Service is free for students
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) Bus Campus Service is free for students. This applies to the LOOP and LINK routes, which service the campus and its surrounding areas. This is a great option for students to get around the campus and local area without having to worry about transport costs.
CATA provides public transportation services in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties, including the cities of Lansing and East Lansing. With a network of fixed-route buses, CATA offers students a convenient and cost-effective way to commute. The free campus service is just one of the many benefits that CATA offers to students, making their bus services an attractive option for those looking to get around easily and affordably.
While the Campus Service is free, the CATABUS Community Service routes and the CATAGO microtransit service do require a fare for each one-way trip. CATA offers a range of payment options, including cash, tokens, transfers, and passes. Tokens can be purchased individually or in packs of 20, and passes can be bought for longer-term use, with options for one month or four-month periods.
In addition to the standard fare options, CATA also provides discounted rates for certain groups. Students, along with Medicare cardholders, seniors, and persons with disabilities, are eligible for a reduced fare on regular routes. This discounted fare is just $0.60, making it even more affordable for students to utilise CATA's services beyond the free campus routes.
The CATA Bus Campus Service being free for students is a significant advantage, offering easy access to education, social activities, and local amenities without transport costs. With CATA's comprehensive network and various fare options, students can navigate their campus and surrounding areas with convenience and flexibility.
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CATA Community Service routes are paid
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) offers a variety of public transportation services, including the CATABUS Campus Service and the CATABUS Community Service routes. While the Campus Service (encompassing the LOOP and LINK routes) is provided free of charge, the Community Service routes are paid. This means that a fare is required for each one-way trip on these routes.
The CATA Community Service routes serve a broader area beyond just the campus, connecting various locations and townships. Fares on these routes are designed to cover the operational costs and maintenance of the buses and can be paid using different methods.
CATA accepts multiple payment options for the Community Service routes, including cash, tokens, transfers, and passes. Tokens can be purchased individually or in packs, with each token valid for a single fare. Transfers are free and act as a substitute fare for continuing a one-way trip that requires multiple buses.
Additionally, CATA offers day passes and "OnePass" options for frequent riders. The day pass provides unlimited rides on all CATABUS routes and the CATAGO microtransit service for a day. Meanwhile, the "OnePass" can be purchased for varying durations, ranging from one to twelve months, offering unlimited rides during its validity.
It is important to note that CATA does provide certain discounts and exceptions to the standard fare. Students, Medicare cardholders, seniors, and persons with disabilities may be eligible for reduced fares on specific routes or through specific programs. These discounted fares aim to make public transportation more accessible to these specific groups.
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Discounted fares for students
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) offers discounted fares for students on its public transportation services. These discounts are available to eligible full-time students and are designed to make travel more affordable and accessible.
CATA, in partnership with Penn State University Transportation Services, offers a reduced-fare CATABUS service to and from campus for eligible Penn State full-time students. This program provides a more economical option for students who rely on public transportation for their daily commute. To learn more about this program, students can visit the University Parking Office or the Penn State University Transportation Services website.
Additionally, CATA provides a discounted fare of $0.60 for students in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. This reduced rate is available for travel within specific townships, including Lansing and East Lansing, offering a cost-effective solution for students travelling within these areas.
For students at Lansing Community College (LCC), CATA offers a discounted fare of $1.25 when boarding Route 3 in Delta Township. This discounted rate is half the price of the regular fare, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for students attending LCC.
CATA also offers a Youth Pass for riders under the age of 18, which provides unlimited access to all CATABUS routes at a deeply discounted price of $26.00 per month. To qualify for this youth discount, students must present a valid middle or high school identification card or a signed statement from a parent to verify their age. This option is ideal for younger students who may not yet be enrolled in a college or university.
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Penn State RIDEpass Program
The RIDEpass Program at Penn State offers University Park faculty, staff, and graduate students access to all regular CATABUS routes for $22 per month. The program aims to encourage the use of mass transit, reduce vehicle congestion on campus, and promote sustainable transportation.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the RIDEpass Program, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be employed in a standing, fixed-term I, fixed-term multi-year, or post-doctoral position at University Park, or be enrolled as a graduate, law, or medical student with University Park as the primary campus.
- Live off-campus at a residence that does not already participate in a CATABUS program.
- Reside more than 0.75 miles (walking distance) from a CATA campus service Blue Loop, White Loop, or Red Link stop.
- Live within the CATA service area.
- Not have a core Penn State parking permit or be willing to return it upon purchasing the RIDEpass. However, participants may register for a Commuter parking permit.
Application and Renewal Process
The RIDEpass application process is online, and applications are typically accepted in May for the upcoming academic year. Current pass holders must also submit a new application for the new academic year. Renewal applications are emailed to eligible participants in May.
Cost and Validity
The RIDEpass costs $22 per month, with Penn State Transportation Services covering the remaining cost of each pass. The pass is valid from June 1 to May 31, and single-semester permits are also available. Participants may apply at any time during the year and pay in full when they pick up their pass. A pro-rated rate is offered based on the number of months remaining in the program year.
Exclusions
It is important to note that the RIDEpass is not applicable to all CATA services. It does not include access to CENTRE RIDE, the Football Shuttle, charters, or any special shuttle services.
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Youth Passes for riders under 18
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) offers Youth Passes for riders under the age of 18 at a discounted price of $26.00 per month. These passes offer unlimited access to all CATABUS routes and the CATAGO microtransit service. To be eligible for the Youth Pass discount, riders must present either a valid middle or high school identification card or a signed statement from a parent verifying their age.
The Youth Pass is a great option for students who rely on public transportation to get to school, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. It provides them with the freedom and independence to travel within their community without the need for constant supervision. Additionally, the discounted price makes it affordable and cost-effective for students and their families.
For students in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties, the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) also offers discounted fares. Students can benefit from a reduced fare of $0.60 when presenting their student identification. This fare applies to the 13 fixed-route buses that serve Lansing Community College (LCC) and the curb-to-curb service available in Meridian Township.
It is important to note that the CATABUS Campus Service, including the LOOP and LINK routes, is available free of charge for all riders, regardless of age. However, a fare is required for the CATABUS Community Service routes and the CATAGO microtransit service, unless a rider has a Youth Pass or another applicable pass.
By offering Youth Passes and discounted fares, CATA ensures that students have accessible and affordable transportation options. This not only promotes independence and autonomy among young riders but also encourages the development of good public transportation habits from an early age.
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Frequently asked questions
The CATA bus offers a discounted fare for students, which is $0.60 in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. At Penn State University, eligible full-time students can access reduced-fare CATABUS services to/from campus.
You can pay for a discounted fare as a student by purchasing tokens or passes. Tokens are available at CATA's Customer Service Center and other retail locations, such as the Student Book Store and McLanahan's Student Store-Penn State Room.
Yes, the CATABUS Campus Service (LOOP and LINK routes) is free for all riders, including students.