Beyond the Bus

CATA continues to equip its employees with additional safety training to ensure the protection of operators, riders and the public.

The Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT) offered by the national Health & Safety Institute is a program focused on teaching proactive awareness, and how to react and protect oneself and others in the event of an active-violence situation. It also includes CPR, choking response and AED training certification.

Taught by certified instructors, the goal of this training is to ensure that all employees have the awareness and tools they need to keep themselves and customers safe in an emergency. No matter their role, CATA staff — operators, mechanics and administrative employees — will be able to use this training to recognize when an emergency is occurring and how to safely respond to the situation. Over 80 percent of CATA employees have already been trained. The remainder of the workforce should complete the mandatory course by the end of summer 2023.

AVERT Tac Pacs are aboard every CATA bus and at CATA facilities in addition to standard first-aid kits. A Tac Pac contains specialized first aid equipment to help stop bleeding associated with severe injuries.

As CATA continues to evaluate opportunities to protect the community and employees, the AVERT program offers another tool in CATA’s toolbox for providing emergency response.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.

CATA understands that life is full of unexpected stops and starts. That's why CATA introduced wait-stop trips for Spec-Tran riders in 2023. With this new program, riders are now able to make brief stops during their scheduled trips. Need to drop off or pick up a child from school or day care before heading to work? Want to grab groceries on your way back home? No problem. Wait-stop trips allow riders to seamlessly incorporate these stops while staying on the same Spec-Tran vehicle. It's all about providing flexibility and convenience.

Booking A Wait-Stop Trip:

To schedule a wait-stop trip on Spec-Tran, simply call CATA’s Paratransit Department at 517-394-2282 (CATA). Please note that same-day service is not available, and next-day ride requests must be received by 5 p.m.

Best Practices for a Successful Wait-Stop Trip:

To make the most of your wait-stop experience, CATA recommends the following:

🚀 Select the most efficient entrance or exit for a seamless experience.

📞 Make arrangements in advance, such as calling stores or restaurants to ensure items are ready for pickup.

🗣️ Inform establishments that you are using Spec-Tran and let them know about the limited wait time.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.

Since its founding in 1972, CATA has prioritized technology as a solution to improve customer experience and safety. Always, the emphasis is on ease of use, reliability and accessibility.

Upcoming Projects

MyRideCATA app expansion to include Redi-Ride ridership – Fall 2023

CATA is upgrading the MyRideCATA app to now include Redi-Ride ridership and in the future, all paratransit services. Users will now be able to use the app to get transportation to a fixed bus route or anywhere within the area within Meridian Township, Delta Township and Mason.

Radio network upgrades to join the Michigan Public Safety Communications System – 2023

Joining a handful of other bus authorities around Michigan, CATA will be upgrading their bus radio network and joining the Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) radio network. This upgrade will enable better communication with first responders, and a wider area of operation as the MPSCS radio network covers all of Michigan.

Contactless payment options to add “tap and go” functionality – Fall 2024

Last summer, CATA began the process of upgrading all fareboxes across the fleet. With that transition complete, CATA is focused on the contactless payment prototyping phase, integrating ‘tap and go’ functionality which is similar to a ‘tap’ credit card feature. Once implemented, CATA ride cards will be more readily available for purchase through major retailers, vending machines and a new app on riders’ phones.

Cameras on all buses and vehicles – Winter 2024

To best protect riders and operators, CATA is in the process of adding cameras to all buses and vehicles. Right now, only TransDev vehicles that are used for paratransit services have cameras aboard. This customer and operator safety initiative runs on the idea that people are less likely to engage in dangerous activity with cameras recording, ensuring a safer ride for all.

These technology enhancements will continue to move CATA in the right direction to improve the overall experience for all CATA riders and operators.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.