Bellefonte's CATA services are no more. Here's essential information about the incoming replacement.
In a significant shift for local transportation, Bellefonte Borough has partnered with the Centre County Office of Transportation to launch an on-demand, subsidized transit service. The new program, which began on July 1, 2025, replaced the Bellefonte/Benner B-Line service provided by the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), following the borough's decision to withdraw from CATA services due to financial issues[1][3].
Key features of the new program include:
- **Affordable Rides:** Bellefonte residents can enjoy a flat fare of just **$5 per ride**, while the borough covers the majority of the ridership expenses[1][3]. For trips longer than 5.9 miles, the borough will cover all but $5 of the fare, up to a maximum of 44.9 miles.
- **Reservation-based Service:** Riders must call the county transportation office to reserve a trip, with reservations required by 2 p.m. the day before travel[3]. The service operates on a shared-ride (carpool) basis.
- **Open-ended Agreement:** The agreement between Bellefonte Borough and Centre County is **open-ended**, meaning it will continue indefinitely until either party decides to terminate it, contingent on funding availability[1].
- **Additional Services:** The county provides **free transportation for residents aged 60 and older** and charges a slightly lower fare ($4.25) for individuals with disabilities or those receiving medical assistance[3].
The Centre County Commissioners unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding for the new program. The borough will cover the costs for the program using a $36,000 reserve that was once designated toward next year's CATA fees, with only $16,000 used so far for the first six months of the program[2].
Officials are monitoring the program and may consider adding vehicles or staff depending on demand[1]. The county's transit service offers door-to-door pickup and drop-off, ensuring seamless travel for residents. The transportation office is currently capable of handling the increased ridership from the borough, but is looking to hire additional "on-call positions" for staff members who can fill in for others when needed.
Residents between the ages of 19 and 59 who do not qualify for free or reduced-cost rides can take advantage of the affordable $5 fare, both ways[1]. Riders can schedule trips by calling the county's transportation office at 814-355-4731 or by using the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's "Find My Ride" website.
The Centre County Office of Transportation meetings take place at 10 a.m. every Tuesday morning, while the Bellefonte Borough meetings take place at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month, where updates on the program will be shared[2].
[1] Bellefonte Borough website [2] Centre County Commissioners website [3] Centre Daily Times
- The new on-demand transit service in Bellefonte, managed by the Centre County Office of Transportation, offers an affordable ride at just $5 per journey for residents, a significant reduction compared to financing the entire ride themselves or the previous service provided by the Centre Area Transportation Authority.
- As the transportation industry evolves, the county's service, which includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off, now serves as a central part of the local transportation system, replacing the Bellefonte/Benner B-Line service, marking a definitive shift in the management of the transportation sector.
- In the realm of finance, Bellefonte Borough covers the majority of the ridership expenses for the program, utilizing a $36,000 reserve previously allocated to next year's Centre Area Transportation Authority fees, demonstrating the borough's dedication to the development and continued operation of an efficient and cost-effective transportation system within the county rail and bus network.
