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Microtransit Improves Access And Equity In Public Transportation

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Categories: Blog

App mockup of the microtransit feature on a phoneHave you ever wondered how CATA plans its fixed-route services and chooses the location of bus stops? Generally, it is based on population density: Fixed routes are intended to make catching the bus as easy as possible for the greatest number of travelers. Obviously, not everyone lives near a bus stop, particularly in neighborhoods with lower population density, where residences are more separated.

That’s where microtransit fills the gap. By connecting people to public transportation services no matter where they live, microtransit helps overcome obstacles and makes access to public transit more equitable.

Think “Uber meets CATA” but with lower costs than those associated with hiring a ridesharing service.

And much like Uber or Lyft, CATA microtransit will operate through a smartphone app that allows riders to see and book the seamless transit connections that will get them to their destination.

Microtransit is not an entirely new concept. CATA’s advanced-reservation, curb-to-curb paratransit services and Redi-Ride services in Mason, Meridian and Delhi townships are forms of microtransit that use smaller, dedicated vehicles to help qualified riders get from place to place. But expanding how CATA utilizes microtransit to connect the community even further promises to deliver significant benefits for area residents in the near future.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.

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CATA's Listening Bus Is All Ears

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Categories: Blog

CATA wants your opinion to help continue building service that meets your needs. During “Listening Bus” sessions, CATA representatives regularly board buses to interact with customers and document their feedback.

Those unable to attend an onboard Listening Bus session, or customers utilizing any of CATA’s paratransit services who would like to provide input about their trips can do so by submitting the online feedback form or by calling a Customer Experience Representative at 517-394-1000.

Responses obtained will be considered in new route planning, the enhancement of existing services and/or the elimination of services that no longer effectively serve riders.

Someone waiting outside a CATA bus shelter

By actively engaging with passengers during their daily commute, CATA aims to establish an open and inclusive dialogue. Responses are considered in new route planning and design, service enhancements and/or reduction of services that no longer effectively serve riders.

Visit cata.org/ListeningBus for details regarding upcoming Listening Bus sessions, routes and times.

Can’t join in person? Share your input by submitting the online feedback form at cata.org/Feedback or by calling a Customer Experience Representative at 517-394-1000.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.

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Free Rides To Ingham County Parks

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Categories: Blog

Ingham County boasts a wide variety of parks with trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and sports facilities, all available for visitors to enjoy. A partnership between CATA and the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Department makes visiting these parks a little easier.

Kids swinging on a tire swing in a park

To encourage outdoor recreation and provide accessible transportation options, CATA is offering free curb-to-curb rides to Burchfield Park in Delhi Township, Lake Lansing Park South & North in Meridian Township and Hawk Island Park in the City of Lansing.

Through the provision of free rides, CATA and the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Department seeks to remove any potential transportation and parking obstacles that may otherwise prevent families, outdoor enthusiasts and people of all ages from experiencing these wonderful amenities.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this exciting initiative, get on board a CATA bus and embark on a memorable journey to explore the beautiful parks of Ingham County. Visit cata.org/InghamCountyParks for more details.

Parks and Services

Burchfield Park (Delhi Township)

Hawk Island Park (City of Lansing)

Lake Lansing Park South & North (Meridian Township)

*Spec-Tran customers must be certified in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.

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