CATA introduces new digital fare provider

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) has announced a new digital fare provider, Token Transit.

Beginning Thursday, July 31, CATA users will be able to use this new digital fare system on CATABUS, CATAGO!, and CATARIDE vehicles. Riders can purchase their fare on the Token Transit app and scan the QR code on their phone with the validator on the vehicle for a fast and convenient boarding experience.

This change will not affect the Blue Loop, White Loop, and Red Link campus transit routes operated by CATA.

RIDEPASS IMPACTS

With CATA's launch of Token Transit, Penn State Transportation Services will be making changes to its RIDEpass program, which provides eligible University Park faculty, staff, and graduate students with access to all regular CATABUS routes for a discounted rate:

• Physical cards will be discontinued, and RIDEpass will be issued as a digital pass through Token Transit.
• RIDEpass sales will shift from semester and annual passes to monthly passes that must be purchased or claimed each month. Faculty and staff will still be able to have their pass fee payroll deducted.

To complete the transition to Token Transit, physical RIDEpass cards will no longer be issued after Friday, July 18, and RIDEpass applications will not be accepted from 5 p.m. Friday, July 18 through 9 a.m. Monday, July 28. Faculty, staff, and graduate students approved for RIDEpass who have not purchased their RIDEpass by Friday, July 18 will be unable to purchase RIDEpass until Monday, July 28 and will not be able to use it until Friday, Aug. 1.

Current RIDEpass holders will continue to use their physical RIDEpass card through Thursday, July 31. Instructions on how to claim their new digital RIDEpass through Token Transit will be emailed to all current RIDEpass participants.

For questions about Token Transit, email [email protected].

For questions about RIDEpass, email [email protected].