Transportation Services at Penn State University in State College, Pa., is trying to get more students, faculty and staff to ride buses this year to promote environmentally friendly practices and to help them reduce their travel costs.   The “Ride for Five” program is one initiative that promotes reduced car usage and increased bus tranportation. Under this program, organized by the university through Transportation Services, full-time university employees can trade in their parking pass for a city bus pass for just $5. This pass allows employees to ride all regular Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) bus routes.

Other initiatives from Transportation Services include the Penn State Football Express, which allows football fans to travel to and from games without driving their cars. New this year, the Express runs from four different locations.

In addition, Transportation Services has arranged for the Big Apple Express to return again this year. The service offers weekend express trips to New York City with trips on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. New routes have also been added to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.