Beyond the Bus

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.  

CATA’s Listening Bus lets riders share feedback during their commute. Since 2023, 28 sessions across 27 routes have gathered 565 responses, leading to improvements, such as the introduction of the Language Line translation service and the year-round schedule change for Routes 23, 24 and 25. One result of rider input was the March 2024 launch of the Automatic Detour Detection feature in Transit app, which provides real-time detour updates.

Listening Bus continues in 2025. Check the schedule at the Listening Bus webpage.

Can’t attend? Submit feedback online, by calling 517-394-1000 or visiting a CATA information booth.

Related Stories:

• Listening Bus resonates with CATA riders

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.  

Creativity shines when local students are given the chance to celebrate their heritage through art. As part of its involvement in the 2025 Lansing Juneteenth Celebration and African American Parade, CATA partnered with Holly Park Academy to invite students to create art that represents Lansing’s African American history. 

The student art contest showcased incredible talent from local youth. The winning design was featured on t-shirts worn by CATA parade participants, proudly displayed as they walked alongside CATA’s 40-foot bus, wrapped in a Juneteenth-themed design. Additionally, the top entries are displayed inside buses and at the downtown CATA Transportation Center, making the students’ work a visible part of the celebration.

This initiative is a meaningful way for CATA to engage with and support the community, demonstrating its allyship and commitment to the people it serves.

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.