South Carolina-based Clemson University is collaborating with the local transit system, Clemson Area Transit (CAT), on route changes and cuts in service due to escalating fuel costs and reduced subsidy.

CAT provides fare-free bus service to the Clemson community, with about 90 percent of its 1.5 million to 1.6 million annual ridership attributed to university students, faculty and staff.

For the 2007-08 school year, Clemson University’s contribution to CAT was approximately $1.65 million. For 2008-09, however, the university will trim its contribution by about $550,000, or 33 percent, to $1.1 million.

Geary Robinson, the university’s director of parking services, said the $550,000 is needed to maintain and repair campus parking lots. The $1.1 million that will be provided to CAT comes from a student transit fee, he added.

Robinson said the university hopes to minimize the impact of the CAT service cuts, which could be as much as 11,000 hours over the course of the year, by working closely with transit officials and Clemson student leaders.

“Additionally, as we move toward a comprehensive transportation demand management program, we will be evaluating all modes of transport, such as carpools, vanpools, bike and walking paths, alternative means of transportation, transit and on-campus parking,” Robinson said. “We are moving toward providing a pedestrian-friendly campus, while at the same time maintaining a high level of transit services.”