Transit agency outlines Katigo microtransit expansions; Harris supervisors ask about cost and local ridership

Laurie Miller, identified in the transcript as the director of business development and community engagement at CADA, presented a service-update for the center region’s transit service at the April 8 meeting and highlighted planned changes that will affect Harris Township.

Miller said planners aim to correct route timings, improve on‑time performance and expand Katigo microtransit service (including a pilot direct connection to Schlow Library and improved fixed-route linkages). She reported an average daily Katigo ridership of 42.2 from the local area and a passenger rating of 4.8 out of 5, and said driver shortages continue to constrain service levels. "We're currently hosting one-on-ones with our community," Miller said, adding the agency will solicit local feedback before finalizing fall 2024–25 changes.

Supervisors raised concerns about the township’s cost relative to service received. One supervisor noted municipalities pay a population-based share of a roughly $700,000 local match and asked for end-of-year accounting of cost versus service. Board members asked whether Penn State contributes to the local match; Miller replied Penn State does provide contractual matches and had previously presented budget charts to the board. Questions also focused on historic ridership before the Katigo change, and Miller said she did not have historic numbers immediately but would follow up.

Why it matters: Harris Township pays a share of regional transit costs and several supervisors said they want clearer information on local returns — ridership, service hours and cost allocation — before committing to future budget levels.

What’s next: Miller said staff will investigate specific coverage boundaries, provide follow-up ridership history, and the transit agency expects a new app (late summer) that will better integrate microtransit and fixed-route connections.