CATA is expanding its Free Summer Youth Pass program to a year-round benefit.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Sept. 1, 2026 — The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) Board of Directors voted yesterday 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 total, averaging 130 trips per month.
The introduction of a year-round Free Youth Pass creates greater opportunities for the youth in our 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 had the Free Summer Youth Pass will need to get a new Free Youth Pass starting today. Anyone who has already purchased a Youth Pass for September 2026 should contact CATA customer service for a refund.
About CATA
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation services throughout the Centre Region, connecting people to employment, education, healthcare, and community resources while supporting regional mobility and sustainability.