Contactless Payment
Contactless payment offers a "tap and go" form of fare payment at the time of boarding. Simply tap your card, phone or smartwatch on the validator when you board. You can also use mobile apps to buy tickets and scan them when you ride.
Tap to Pay
Tap your credit card, debit card, smartphone or smartwatch on the validator or tablet when you board. Wait for the beep and green light, then board the bus. Tap to pay works on most CATA services but are not available on Shopping Bus or CATA Rydz.
Discounted fares are not available with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Mobile Apps
CATA offers two mobile apps: CATA Mobile Pay and Transit. Download either app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Buy tickets and passes on your phone. When you board, open your ticket and scan the barcode on the validator or tablet. Wait for the beep, then board.
Mobile apps work on all services except Shopping Bus and CATA Rydz.
You can get discounted fares if you qualify. To set up a discount, visit a CATA rep at the CATA Transportation Center, Multimodal Gateway or Administrative Offices
Prepaid Fare Card
Prepaid Fare Cards let you add money and tap to pay. Buy them at any CATA office, including the CATA Transportation Center, Multimodal Gateway and Administrative Offices. Add up to $100 at CATA locations or stores like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Meijer and Target. You can also use CATA vending machines once they are set up.
To use your card, tap it on the validator or tablet when you board. Wait for the beep. The validator does not show how much was taken off. Check your balance online through the customer portal, at a CATA location or at vending machines.
The cards work on all services except Shopping Bus and CATA Rydz. The money on your card does not expire. You can get discounted fares if you link your card to an account that qualifies.
Discounted Fares with Contactless Payment
Discounted fares are available through mobile apps and prepaid cards when they are linked to an eligible account. Seniors 62 and older, Medicare cardholders, riders with disabilities and eligible students can get discounted fares.
To set up discounted fare access, visit a CATA Customer Experience Representative at one of these locations:
- CATA Transportation Center, 420 S. Grand Ave., downtown Lansing
- Capital Area Multimodal Gateway, 1240 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing
- CATA Administrative Offices, 4615 Tranter St., Lansing
Bring valid ID or documents that show you qualify.
Questions About Contactless Payment?
If you have questions about contactless payment, need help with a mobile app or want to learn more about discounted fares, a CATA Customer Experience Representative.
- Phone: 517-394-1000
- Email: info@cata.org
- Hours: Weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CATA reps are also available in person at the CATA Transportation Center, Multimodal Gateway and Administrative Offices during business hours.