Route 22 extension to KU operates Monday through Friday
By Astra Zerbe
KU has announced a new Berks Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) bus route that will serve students and Kutztown residents traveling to and from the Reading area. The new connection to Kutztown has been added to the existing Route 22/Lyon Station/East Penn-Deka Line, which operates Monday through Friday.
Photo Credit: Dr. Downing
The BARTA bus stop is located in front of the KU Graduate Center, with a drop-off service at the BARTA Transportation Center in Reading. Ticket prices range from $1.80 for a one-way ticket to $45 for a monthly pass. The previous OurBus route, a private bus company that operates throughout the northeastern United States and Canada, cost $10 one way, making the new BARTA line a less expensive option.
The addition establishes a fixed public transit route to the Kutztown area. Officials expressed that the change did not add any time to the preexisting route or require any additional cost or funding.
BARTA, a regional and public transportation entity founded in 1973 by Reading and Berks County, is overseen by the South Central Transit Authority (SCTA).
“This added service is a small start, with hopes to add more service in the future,” said Greg Downing, executive director of SCTA
KU Executive Director of Communications Bryan Salvadore said the new stop will expand access for the university community.
“This new stop represents an important step in expanding transportation options for our students, faculty, staff and visitors, while also strengthening KU’s connection to the greater Berks County region,” Salvadore said. “This is an initiative our administration has been pursuing for several years with BARTA, and we are thankful to see it come to fruition.”
For more information on the route, including schedules, pricing and passes, visit BARTA website.