Research Triangle Park, N.C. - Triangle Transit Authority (TTA), along with the Capital Area Transit (CAT), Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA), and Orange (County) Public Transportation (OPT), is pleased to introduce the regional pass. The pass is purchased on a monthly basis and can be used to board buses operated by the sponsoring agencies and Chapel Hill Transit.

"The regional pass is the first step in achieving our goal of creating seamless regional transportation, which affords convenience to our customers," said John Claflin, TTA general manager.

The August pass goes on sale July 23, and it can be purchased in the Research Triangle Park at the TTA Bus Transfer Center or from DATA, CAT or OPT. The pass can be used for unlimited trips on all systems for the month it was issued. Passes cost $48 per month. But those who qualify for the elderly or disabled discount can purchase the pass for $24. Daily riders will save about $15 per month by using the pass.

"We hope it will encourage more riders to take advantage of transit and the areas we serve," said Laurie Barrett, director of TTA bus operations.

For more information on the regional pass, please call (919) 549-9999 ext. 1 or visit www.rideTTA.org.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. In addition to its regional bus services and commuter resources, TTA plans to implement a 35-mile regional rail system with 16 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The regional rail transit system is expected to be operational in late 2007 or early 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919)549-9999.