SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — K-12 students in the Savannah-Chatham area can continue taking free rides on CAT buses, but college and university students will need to start paying the standard fee again.
The Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) Board of Directors has approved an extension of the Student Zero-Fare Pilot Program for K-12 students through Feb. 28, 2025, effective immediately. The pilot program has been in action since January 2024.
The extension follows an agreement between CAT and SCCPSS. The school system will contribute up to $4,000 for February with the intention of developing a long-term agreement.
College and university students will no longer be eligible for free rides and will be required to pay the standard fare to access CAT’s Fixed-Route and Paratransit services. A CAT representative said that they are discussing partnership options with colleges and universities.
“Our commitment to connecting students to educational opportunities remains strong,” Chair of the CAT Board of Directors Deidrick Cody said. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with SCCPSS and expanding discussions with local colleges to ensure transit remains accessible and equitable for all students.”