Beyond the Bus

Ready to explore the great outdoors? CATA connects you to the trails you love with its Transit to Trails initiative, made possible by a generous grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Shared Streets and Spaces program. This summer, four bus stops near the Lansing River Trail will be upgraded with bus shelters and modern amenities, including bike racks, bicycle repair stations, USB charging ports and solar-powered lights.

Start your adventure from these bus stops and explore nearby parks and trails. CATA makes your transition from Transit to Trails even easier, giving you the tools you need to enjoy nature’s scenic routes. Find out more at the Transit to Trails webpage.

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.  

At CATA, serving the community isn’t just a job — it’s a passion. Whether it’s joining cultural celebrations, marching in parades or participating in hands-on activities, CATA employees are there, making connections and showing up for the community. This involvement goes beyond just the workday and reflects CATA’s core commitment to being more than just a transit agency.

Throughout each year, CATA employees bring energy and enthusiasm to some of the region’s most exciting and meaningful events, not only to represent the organization but as residents and professionals in the area. From the inspiring messages at the MLK Jr. Commission’s “A Day of Celebration” to the joyful spirit at the Pride Festival and the vibrant celebrations of Juneteenth, CATA is there. Each event is a chance for CATA to connect with the community, celebrate diversity and promote unity, all while supporting local traditions.

But CATA’s involvement goes beyond attending events. Employees also roll up their sleeves to volunteer at places like the Greater Lansing Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. They take part in 5K runs and walks for various causes, host booths at resource fairs and provide valuable service information to anyone who needs it. This hands-on approach shows CATA’s genuine commitment to improving the lives of people in the community.

Looking ahead, CATA’s leadership and staff are excited to keep giving back to the community. Through volunteerism and participation, CATA will remain a dedicated partner, demonstrating that public service is more than just a bus ride — it’s about making a lasting impact.

Giving back

CATA knows how important it is to get where you need to go — whether it’s for work, a doctor’s appointment or to get groceries.

By removing barriers, such as financial burdens, CATA is making sure that everyone can access the services they need.

In Fiscal 2024:

• 36,000 bus passes donated
• 60 organizations assisted

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.  

When most people think of CATA, they picture large buses picking up passengers at designated stops. But did you know CATA also offers several advance-reservation, curb-to-curb services using smaller buses and minivans? These options provide greater convenience, especially for those who need extra assistance getting around.

One such service is Spec-Tran, CATA’s ADA-complementary paratransit service for those unable to use the fixed-route system. To use Spec-Tran, individuals must be certified through the Disability Network Capital Area. Wait-stop trips — introduced in 2023 — allow Spec-Tran riders to make brief stops during their trips without switching vehicles, offering flexibility for errands.

CATA also provides several other curb-to-curb services, including CATA Rural Service, Lot Link, Night Owl and Redi- Ride. These services help riders travel to destinations near bus routes, within townships or on MSU’s campus.

For more details or to schedule a ride, visit the paratransit webpage or call 517-394-2282.When most people think of CATA, they picture large buses picking up passengers at designated stops. But did you know CATA also offers several advance-reservation, curb-to-curb services using smaller buses and minivans? These options provide greater convenience, especially for those who need extra assistance getting around.

One such service is Spec-Tran, CATA’s ADA-complementary paratransit service for those unable to use the fixed-route system. To use Spec-Tran, individuals must be certified through the Disability Network Capital Area. Wait-stop trips — introduced in 2023 — allow Spec-Tran riders to make brief stops during their trips without switching vehicles, offering flexibility for errands.

CATA also provides several other curb-to-curb services, including CATA Rural Service, Lot Link, Night Owl and Redi- Ride. These services help riders travel to destinations near bus routes, within townships or on MSU’s campus.

For more details or to schedule a ride, visit the paratransit webpage or call 517-394-2282.

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.