News

LANSING, Mich. – The Eaton County Transportation Authority will bring back a new-and-improved Connector service Jan. 15, 2024. The new service will operate 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and – in an unprecedented move – Saturday service will be available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The new Connector will offer improved routing and expanded service hours.

Riders will notice changes in routing and boarding locations. Buses will serve stops at the new courthouse on Independence Boulevard in Charlotte; the old courthouse on Bostwick Street in Charlotte; and Walmart on Marketplace Boulevard in Delta Township. The 30-minute route will travel along I-69 and I-96 between the two cities. Commuters will be able to connect to CATA’s Route 3 on Marketplace Boulevard for continued eastbound travel in Delta Township or to downtown Lansing. Visit cata.org for Route 3 fare and service information.

Eaton County Commissioner and EATRAN Board Chair Terrance Augustine said, “The return of the Connector is the culmination of a shared and strategic vision for coordinated public transit in our region. It represents collaboration between many partners who understand and support the concept of regional mobility. We are working on and look forward to launching additional Connector services in the very near future. This truly is only the beginning.”

Scheduled departure times will be posted at bus stops. If arranged 24 hours in advance, Connector buses will deviate up to three-quarters of a mile from the established route for pickups beyond designated bus stops. Call 517-543-4087 to schedule a ride or visit eatran.com for details.

“As we continue to align the region’s transit agencies, our vision for more efficient, boundary-free transportation options is becoming a reality,” said EATRAN Executive Director Bradley T. Funkhouser. “The reintroduction of the EATRAN Connector will result in 14 additional hours of service each week – yet another example of our ongoing commitment to regional mobility.”

ABOUT EATRAN

EATRAN provides safe and affordable transportation to ensure that all riders, especially people with disabilities and mobility challenges, have access to services and resources that allow them to pursue a lifestyle of their choosing and promote quality of life. Our community embraces its own uniqueness,

appreciates the contributions of all Eaton County residents and recognizes that our region deserves the very best transportation services possible.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lolo Robison Public
Information Officer
lrobison@cata.org
Mobile: 517-896-1873