CATA’s Road Ahead

Using input from Phase I, in Phase II CATA is exploring potential improvements to fixed-route and demand-response services with a focus on better meeting the needs of residents, employees, students and visitors. This phase also examines opportunities to improve regional coordination and expand transportation options.

As part of Phase II, CATA hosted two public open houses where community members learned more about updated findings, reviewed transit concepts developed from Phase I feedback, and spoke with staff. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions and share input to help shape future service recommendations.

Open house events held:

• Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11 a.m.—1 p.m. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Rd, East Lansing
  • A pop-up event at the MSU-CATA Transportation Center/Ramp 1 on MSU's campus took place following the open house.
• Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 4 p.m.—6 p.m. Foster Community Center 200 N Foster Ave, Lansing
  • Prior to the open house, a pop-up event took place at the CATA Transportation Center in downtown Lansing. 

Additional public meetings/events will take place later in the year to discuss potential service improvements.

Public Survey

Community members were encouraged to complete the Phase II survey to share their experiences with CATA services and their specific transportation needs. The survey also asked for feedback on two proposed service concepts informed by community input from Phase I.

Ways to participate in the Phase II survey included:

• Completing the survey online.
• Requesting or downloading a paper survey and returning it to Customer Experience or mailing it to CATA.
• Sharing feedback in person at a CATA's Road Ahead event or through a Customer Experience Representative.
• Emailing feedback to info@cata.org.
• Calling 517-394-1100 to provide feedback or request survey assistance (weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

The deadline to submit the Phase II survey was Friday, June 12, at midnight.

Ride Alongs

Community members were invited to hop on one of these trips on Wednesday, June 3, to connect with the consulting team, complete a survey and share their thoughts about the future of transit in our community.

• Route 7: 9:00 a.m.–10:25 a.m.
• Route 11: 10:40 a.m.–11:35 a.m.
• Routes 15/13: 12:10 p.m.–1:05 p.m.
• Route 3: 1:40 p.m.–2:35 p.m.
• Route 9: 3:10 p.m.–4:35 p.m.

As part of Phase II, the project team continued to engage with community stakeholders to gather feedback and perspectives. A virtual stakeholder meeting took place on May 27. 

Organizations interested in participating in the process at future meetings are encouraged to contact planning@cata.org.

Throughout Phase II, CATA staff and the project team have been meeting with bus operators to share project updates and gather valuable feedback from frontline employees. These conversations help ensure operator insights and day-to-day experiences continue to inform the planning process.

Phase III includes the consultants’ proposed recommendations under a range of funding scenarios. The scenarios illustrate how CATA could best meet the public’s mobility needs and use available resources at different funding levels. The proposed recommendations are not approved service changes or implementation plans.

The service changes CATA implemented Aug. 24 as part of its fiscal 2027 budget process are separate from the final recommendations being developed through CATA’s Road Ahead. Although those changes may align with themes, data findings and community priorities identified during the study, they were developed through a separate process and do not represent the study’s final recommendations.

During this phase, CATA will continue engaging with the public, community stakeholders and operators to gather feedback and evaluate how proposed route concepts would function in practice, ensuring they are realistic, safe and effective for both roadways and transit operations.

Feedback gathered during Phase III may inform refinements before the consultants present the proposed recommendations and funding scenarios to the CATA Board of Directors at its Sept. 16 meeting. The final report will be completed and submitted in October, concluding the project.

CATA invites riders, community members and stakeholders to participate in the final phase of CATA’s Road Ahead during a virtual public open house Wednesday, Sept. 2, from noon to 1 p.m.  

Project consultants will present their proposed recommendations and funding scenarios developed through the year-long, systemwide transit service review. Participants will be able to learn about the recommendations, ask questions and provide feedback.

The virtual open house will be held via Microsoft Teams. Participants may join online using a computer or mobile device or call in by phone. Individuals who need assistance or another accommodation to participate may call CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000.  

Additional ways to participate

Following the virtual open house, a closed-captioned recording, presentation materials, proposed recommendations and an online feedback form will be posted on the project webpage. Paper copies will also be available for those who cannot access the materials online. Individuals may call CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000 to request paper copies, language assistance or other accommodations.

Community members who cannot attend the live virtual open house may provide feedback by:

• Completing the online form on the project webpage.
• Emailing info@cata.org.
• Calling CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Speaking with project consultants aboard select CATA buses or at the CATA Transportation Center on Wednesday, Sept. 9.  
  • These in-person opportunities will allow community members who could not participate in the virtual open house another way to learn about the proposed recommendations, ask questions and provide feedback. Routes, times and other details will be available before Sept. 9 on the project webpage. 

Following the study, CATA will review the consultants’ recommendations and funding scenarios internally to determine which recommendations, if any, should move forward based on available funding, resources and community needs. The final report will serve as a long-term planning resource and will not automatically result in service changes.

Any recommendations proposed for implementation would follow CATA’s standard public input process. Community members and stakeholders would have additional opportunities to review specific proposals, ask questions and provide feedback before service changes are considered for implementation.