CATA Corner

CATA CORNER: Best warm-weather destinations

As the memory of winter fades and temperatures rise, Penn State students and locals alike are usually ready to get out of their homes and enjoy all that Centre County has to offer. Whether they're looking to spend a night out on the town, go for a swim or simply read a good book, there are plenty of activities in or near State College to keep anyone entertained during the warmer months.

Fortunately, many of the region’s top summer attractions can be reached via the Centre County Transportation Authority’s bus system. Most bus routes originate in the downtown, making it easy for students and others nearby to hop on a bus and visit their favorite summer spots.

For those unfamiliar with downtown State College, there’s a huge variety of dining and nightlife...

CATA CORNER: All About CATAGO! Microtransit Service

Earlier this year the Centre Area Transportation Authority began operation of “CATATGO!”, an on-demand transportation service that serves parts of Centre County, including Bellefonte, Pleasant Gap and some of State College.

After downloading the smartphone app, riders can choose their pick-up and drop-off locations within the service area, request a ride, and simply wait to be picked up.

For those using ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, this may sound very familiar. However, priced at just two dollars per ride, the CATA service is usually significantly cheaper. Some riders’ fare is even more affordable: those with disabilities or those with a valid U.S. Medicare Card ride for only...

CATA CORNER: Shopping & more on North Atherton Street

Atherton Street in the Borough of State College is a major thoroughfare that many stores and restaurants call home.

Many of these businesses are centered on North Atherton Street, which extends about four miles from Penn State's campus before its conjunction with Interstate 99.

In these four miles, grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, banks and more can be found. While many are within walking distance to campus, local CATA buses are readily available to make the trip convenient for visitors and locals who may not have access to a car.

If you’ve never ridden a CATA bus, the process is simple. Our earlier blog post on that topic can be found here.

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CATA Corner: Restaurants, galleries & more in Boalsburg

Just a short drive from Penn State's campus lies the quaint village of Boalsburg, known to many as the birthplace of Memorial Day. As you stroll through the town square you’ll be transported to another time, when the pace of life was slower and neighbors always took the time to say hello. Located a few miles south of State College, the village is easily accessible by car or bus.

The B/Boalsburg bus is an efficient way to make it from campus to this historic village, with lots of options for fun and entertainment along the way.

You can catch the B/Boalsburg bus at various stops downtown and on campus: along Curtin Road, Burrowes Road, East Beaver Avenue or University Drive. This route runs weekdays only, with buses running four to five times per day. Another option – albeit with less stops in and around Boalsburg – would...

CATA Corner: Public transportation in Centre County

The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), familiar to many students and locals, is a great way to get around campus, town and beyond. This joint municipal authority serves six municipalities surrounding State College, and delivers safe and reliable bus transportation to the thousands of people who call this area home.

While some of our rural county can only be accessed by vehicle, CATA serves a large portion of the local population, including the nearby communities of Stormstown, Toftrees, Woodycrest, Houserville, Bellefonte, Pleasant Gap, Lemont, Boalsburg and Pine Grove Mills. CATA service in these areas provides a vital link to the county’s economic hubs of ...