It was time to replace the old fareboxes on CATA fixed-route buses. Along with the new fareboxes come new CATA passes, IDs and transfers. Each features a magnetic strip. The farebox reads the strip so it knows what kind of pass you have and checks to see if it is valid. Even though the farebox is changing, one thing always remains the same — CATA’s commitment to providing you the finest service possible — wherever life takes you.
Use this feature for:
Good for future fares if you pay too much. While drivers cannot make change, the new farebox issues a CATACash Card for the difference between what you owe and what you deposit in the farebox. For example, if you pay a $1 fare with a $5 bill, the farebox will issue a CATACash Card for $4. The next four times you ride CATA, dunk the card in the slot as shown above. The farebox will deduct one dollar each time you use it, and print the dollar value remaining on your card and return it to you. CATACash Cards are good only on CATA fixed-route buses. The card cannot be redeemed for cash and is not valid on CATA Rural or Spec-Tran services. The new farebox accepts $1, $5 and $10 bills.
As always, ask the driver for a transfer when you board the bus. The farebox will print a transfer card for you to take. At that point, you will have up to 2 hours to make 2 free transfers. (The expiration time is printed on your transfer card.) Simply insert the card in the farebox slot shown above within that 2-hour time period when boarding. Transfers are not good for return trips.
Good for 10 one-way trips on all CATA fixed-routes. Purchase Adult, Student or Value 10-Ride Cards from locations selling CATA passes. Each time you ride, insert the card in the farebox slot and one ride is deducted. The farebox will print the number of rides left on the card so you always know how many trips you have remaining.
Use this feature for:
When you board a bus, have your pass ready and simply swipe it through the farebox as shown above. The first time you use a 31-Day Pass, remember to first dunk it in the slot on the top left of the farebox with the front of the pass facing you, to activate it. From that point on, the card is swiped when boarding. The farebox will print the dates the pass is valid so you will know when it is time to purchase a new one. First time you use it, dunk the pass to activate as shown.
CATA offers two discounted fare ID cards. Use the swipe & pay feature for:
All students (youth and adult) grades 6 and above. A valid college identification card is accepted in place of a CATA Student ID.
(for seniors 62 and older and persons with disabilities)
When you board a bus, have your CATA ID card ready and simply swipe it through the farebox as shown at left. Your Student ID or CATAClub card tells the farebox you are entitled to the discounted fare of 50 cents. Deposit your cash fare in the farebox slot shown above and you are on your way!
Your pass, card, transfer, or ID must be in good condition to be read by the farebox. The farebox may not accept damaged cards or passes. Therefore:
- Do not bend your pass, card, transfer or ID
- Keep them away from heat
- Don’t leave them in the sun
- Carry your pass in a passholder (free passholders are available where you buy your pass)
- Do not get them wet
All passes, cards, transfers and IDs are non-transferable and non-refundable. Misuse of any CATA pass may result in your pass being deactivated.
Same low fares and pass prices!
Note: Fareboxes do not accept Canadian coins.
Regular Cash Fare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1
Discounted Cash Fares . . . . . . . . . . . 50¢
• Students with valid CATA or college student ID card (ID not required for grades 5 and under)
• Seniors (62 years and older with valid CATAClub, ADA or Medicare card)
• Persons with Disabilities (with valid CATAClub, ADA or Medicare card)Children under 42". . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE
Package of 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50
31-Day Pass
Replaces the CATA monthly pass. It lets you ride all CATA fixed-routes as often as you like for 31 consecutive days, starting the first day you use it — no matter when you buy it.
Adult Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30
Student Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14
Value Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14
The Value Pass is for seniors age 62 and older and persons with disabilities.
10-Ride Card
Good for 10 one-way trips on all CATA fixed-routes.
Adult Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50
Student Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5
Value Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5
The Value Card is for seniors age 62 and older and persons with disabilities.Student Semester Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45
Lets you ride anywhere on CATA fixed-routes, as often as you like, for an entire semester.
MSU Commuter Lot Pass
Per Semester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.50
Both Semesters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27.50
Good only on Route 32 for service between MSU Commuter Lot 89 and central campus during the fall and spring semesters.
CATA Transportation Center (CTC)
420 South Grand Avenue, Lansing
Weekdays 7am–7pm Weekends 9am–5pmCATA Administrative Offices
4615 Tranter Street, Lansing
Weekdays 8am–5pm.
Call 394-1000 for the location nearest you.
For those who qualify, the following allow customers to ride at the discounted cash fare of 50¢:
Available through student’s school office.
Call 394-1000 to apply.