CATA awarded $1.6 million to expand regional transit
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Categories: General
LANSING, Mich. – The Capital Area Transportation Authority will receive $1,664,000 for continued regional coordination of transit, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
“MDOT is pleased to fund CATA’s Enhance Lansing Equity via Creative Transit Solutions project,” said Jean Ruestman, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation administrator. We are very excited to partner with CATA to advance regional transit in an equitable manner.”
CATA Board Chair Nathan Triplett added, “Mobility innovation, highlighted by on-demand microtransit programs, can expand service into previously underserved urban and rural areas that lack transportation alternatives. Microtransit pilot programs allow us the opportunity to experiment with new service models and invite feedback as we evaluate their viability.”
Microtransit programs are commonly described as an on-demand public transportation service that allows riders to request trips and pay for fares using an app. They complement fixed-route and regular ADA-required demand-response service, resulting in more flexible operations in hard-to-serve or hard-to-access areas.
“We are aware of the demand for innovative transit services that connect people to jobs, education, health care and other resources in the tri-county region,” said CATA Chief Executive Officer Bradley T. Funkhouser. “An intermodal microtransit program will provide residents in Lansing’s urbanized area access to public transit services, seven days a week. Combined with recent regional programs like the Route 3 extension and EATRAN Connector, our goal, in launching a microtransit pilot, is to improve transit connections between counties, increase ridership, promote community partnership as well as regional business- and economic-development opportunities, and reduce single-occupancy vehicle travel and associated air pollution in communities near high-volume corridors.”
About CATA: Formed in 1972, the Capital Area Transportation Authority was twice voted the No. 1 transit system in America. CATA’s mission is to meet the mobility needs of our region by providing innovative solutions in partnership with the communities we serve. Our services are provided in accordance with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.
POINT OF CONTACT: Lolo Robison – lrobison@cata.org/517-896-1873