Officials of the Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) announced a plan to operate a special "Santa Shuttle" between the Pottsville terminal and local malls and shopping centers during the holiday season.

Riders will be able to park their private vehicles in designated spots at Fairlane Village Mall, Wal-Mart, and the Schuylkill Mall, then board and ride the shuttle between these points and the Pottsville terminal all day for $1.25. Fare-paying passengers on fixed-route buses will be able to get a free "Santa transfer" to the shuttle.The Santa Shuttle, specially decorated for the holiday season, will operate on a 30-minute cycle Monday through Friday from November 26 through December 23. The first departure leaves Pottsville at 9:30 a.m. and the last arrival pulls in the terminal at 6:23 p.m. with a mid-day break in service from 12:23 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.STS Marketing Coordinator, Joan Breslin also announced that the system will offer a "Dollar Day" promotion for the season. Each Friday, beginning November 26 and continuing through December 23, patrons will be able to ride any STS fixed route bus for the entire day for $1.Breslin said, "These programs are designed to build awareness of public transit, increase system ridership, and boost patronage of Schuylkill County shopping centers."The operating schedule of the Santa Shuttle as well as a more detailed explanation of the Dollar Day promotion are available by contacting STS at 800-832-3322 or by visiting www.go-sts.com.STS provides public transit services throughout Schuylkill County's 778 square-mile area.