UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Park faculty, staff and graduate students can now apply for the 2025-26 RIDEpass program.
RIDEpass provides access to all CATABUS routes at a discounted monthly rate, with Transportation Services covering a portion of the cost to encourage mass transit use, reduce campus traffic congestion and support sustainable transportation.
New Fee for 2025-26:
- $23/month (previously $22)
Eligibility requirements (Unchanged from 2024-25):
- Must be employed in a standing, fixed-term I, fixed-term multi-year, or post-doctoral position at University Park, OR be enrolled as a graduate, law, or medical student with University Park as the primary campus.
- Must live off campus in a residence that does not already participate in a CATABUS program.
- Must live at least 0.75 miles (walking distance) from a Blue Loop, White Loop, or Red Link stop. → Unsure if your address qualifies? Check online.
- Must reside within the CATA service area.
- Cannot have a core Penn State parking permit (or must return it when purchasing a RIDEpass). A Commuter parking permit is allowed.
How to apply
All participants — including current RIDEpass members — must complete a new online application.
Upon successful application submission, participants will receive a confirmation email with pickup instructions.
Pass pickup details
- Current RIDEpass members: Pickup begins Thursday, May 29
- New RIDEpass members: Pickup begins Monday, June 2
- All 2024-25 passes expire May 31. Current pass holders must return their expired pass when collecting the new one.
- Pass pickup will take place at the Transportation Services at 1 Eisenhower Parking Deck, open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Questions:
- Program eligibility: Email ridepass@psu.edu
- General RIDEpass inquiries: Call 814-865-1436