Local and state legislative staff meet with CATA to learn how on‑demand rural transit supports mobility in the region.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) joined transit agencies across Pennsylvania on Thursday, July 16, to celebrate Rural Transit Day by hosting local legislators for a look inside the organization.
Rep. Paul Takac, Mihaly Sogor from Sen. Langerholc’s office, Loren Glossner from Sen. Dush’s office, Jennifer Brungard from Rep. Benninghoff’s office, and Warren Obenski, Ferguson Township Manager, visited CATA to learn more about the agency’s work. They were joined by CATA staff, including CEO Todd Horsley, COO Derek Sherman, Director of Finance Bruce Donovan and Director of Business Development and Community Engagement Lori Miller.
The visit began with a brief presentation outlining CATA’s role as a small urban transit system that also services rural areas. Staff emphasized how services like CATAGO! support seniors, workers, and individuals who may otherwise have limited access to healthcare, employment, education, and other essential services.
Following the presentation, Sogor, Glossner and Brungard toured CATA’s facility and participated in a CATAGO! ride‑along, giving them a firsthand look at how the region’s geography and population patterns make flexible, on‑demand service an effective solution for replacing low‑performing fixed‑route service.
CATAGO! is an on‑demand microtransit service operating in areas such as Boalsburg, Houserville and Lemont. The service offers a cost‑effective alternative to low‑ridership fixed‑route service and expands public transit access into rural parts of CATA’s service area.
“CATA provides robust, frequent bus service in and around State College and Penn State," said Todd Horsley, CEO of CATA. “In the less densely populated parts of our service area, CATAGO! gives residents a reliable way to get to work, critical appointments and everyday needs. We appreciate our legislative partners coming out to see how CATAGO! supports both residents and the local economy.”
CATA is proud to take part in Rural Transit Day and values the continued collaboration between local and state officials to support transportation access for residents in our region and across rural Pennsylvania.
For more information about CATA services, including CATABUS, CATAGO!, CATATRANSIT, and CATACOMMUTE, visit catabus.com.
About Rural Transit Day
Rural Transit Day is an annual statewide initiative recognizing the vital role public transportation plays in connecting rural communities. Observed each year on July 16, the day highlights how transit services support residents in remote areas by providing access to healthcare, employment, shopping and other essential destinations.
The observance was established by the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) to celebrate the agencies, staff and passengers who make rural transit possible. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA) helps promote Rural Transit Day and the importance of continued investment in transportation services that support the state’s rural communities.
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.