Friday, March 29, 2024

CATA thanks U, promotes rides

By TYLER SIPE
The State news

On Monday the Capital Area Transportation Authority will begin a weeklong promotion thanking MSU student riders for their loyalty.

Dubbed, “Ride Until the Cows Come Home,” the promotion will be giving away more than 1,000 coupons for free food and entertainment at participating area businesses.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m, CATA employees will be giving out free hot chocolate at the bus shelters at Shaw and Farm lanes.

Pat Gilbert, director of marketing at CATA, said the promotion is an effort to attract more riders and create awareness of an alternative mode of transportation.

“We just wanted to thank people for riding the bus,” Gilbert said. “We want students to know that CATA is a viable option as the weather gets cold.”

English freshman Paul Krauss said the cold winter has pushed him to buy the $40 semester bus pass.

“I’m dependent on CATA as long as there is below-zero temperatures and three feet of snow on the ground,” Krauss said.

Krauss said he was content with the bus service.

“It gets me from point X to point Z. In my experience, the bus drivers have been ecstatic to be driving. At the other extreme, some bus drivers have a chip on their shoulder.”

Katie Kelly, an eight-year CATA veteran who drives the Campus Cruiser bus, said despite campus obstacles, such as many pedestrians and traffic congestion, Kelly said she prefers driving on campus.

“I love driving on campus. The students are so polite, with the exception of finals week,” Kelly said.

CATA holds 17 daily routes that serve the MSU campus and extend to area communities. The 17 routes had approximately 397,500 riders in November of 2000.

“I hope everyone appreciates the ‘loyal riders’ promotion,” Kelly said. “It is our way of showing how much we appreciate our riders.”

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