Beyond the Bus

Collaboration and innovative ideas are part of what makes our team so special – especially when they’re least expected. 

Nick Zickefoose, a customer experience representative at CATA, saw a need in the community and set out to fulfill it. 

Using Teamwork and Customer Feedback to Turn an Idea into Reality

A CATA rider contacted Nick suggesting a new bus stop on Route 9 in front of Atlas Meds Pharmacy. “He told me about how a lot of elderly and disabled customers use that particular pharmacy, but they had to walk from the current Route 9 stops to get there – which isn’t always easy for someone depending on their situation,” Nick said. Before a new stop was in place, the walk to Atlas Meds Pharmacy was several blocks. 

“The addition of this stop made sense from a number of angles,” said Kai Christiansen, the CATA Service Planning and Scheduling Manager. 

Kai received an email from Nick with the new bus stop suggestion. “I didn’t want to just let [the] request go unheard as it sounded like it had the potential to help a lot of people,” Nick said. “I remembered being told early in my time at CATA about Kai Christiansen over in planning and he’s incredibly good with these sorts of things.”

Kai was pleasantly surprised when Nick reached out to him and immediately got to work. “The quality of the information which Nick provided to me made my work easy,” Kai said. He noted it was "clear and actionable, making this process very straightforward.”

How a New Bus Stop is Created

The creation of a new CATA bus stop involves communication with stakeholders and configuration to meet customer, property owner and municipal needs. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance is also important. 

Once the stop has been designed, the building can begin. A contractor is methodically chosen, geolocation is added and a stop number is assigned.

The process to create a new bus stop involves CATA’s planning, facilities and procurement departments. It wouldn’t be possible without a strong and passionate team.

“It is always rewarding to be able to help facilitate the needs of our customers and create transportation solutions that make sense,” Kai said. 

The new stop on Route 9 is now up and running on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in front of Atlas Meds Pharmacy.

CATA’s priority continues to be meeting the mobility needs of our region. This priority is made possible in part through our dynamic, collaborative workforce. 

To learn more about Nick Zickefoose and the collaborative efforts of his department, click here.

While this fall may look different than in years past, there are still plenty of great things to do in the Lansing area while following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.. From farmers markets to corn mazes, there is something for the whole family. Check out this list of our top places to explore in Lansing this fall.

1. Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Uncle John’s Cider Mill is a must-have on your fall bucket list. With delicious cider and donuts, local food trucks, games and activities, this spot is perfect for all ages. Click here to see all of Uncle John’s upcoming events as well as their updated health and safety regulations. 

2. Potter Park Zoo

Calling all animal lovers! Potter Park Zoo has reopened with new safety and sanitation standards. The Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo and Wonderland of Lights events are perfect for a night out this fall. Check out Potter Park Zoo’s full list of upcoming events  here.

3. Fenner Nature Center

Nothing says fall like taking in the sights and smells of nature. Fenner Nature Center is the perfect place to escape for the day and enjoy the beauty of fall in Michigan. For rainy days, check out their fall coloring pages to print off and color at home! Click here to see the full list of Fenner Nature Center’s Events, including the Annual Apple Butter Festival in October.

4. Farmers Markets

Fresh produce, homemade goods and supporting local businesses – what more could you ask for? Head to one of the many farmers markets around Lansing this fall to create the farm-to-table experience in your own home. You can even explore your adventurous side with cuisines from all over the world! Check out this list of Farmers Markets to see which is closest to you. 

5. Local Restaurants

Looking for a new go-to dinner spot? Many of our favorite local restaurants are open for business again with new health and safety standards. Take a look at some of the local spots we’ve highlighted on our social media. Or view a full list of Greater Lansing Restaurants here.

The novel coronavirus has brought a lot of changes this year.

CATA has taken part in the nationwide #SoundTheHorn campaign, learned how to make face masks, and even spread the word on how to virtually access local libraries. On a larger scale, we shut down our facilities for months to slow the spread of COVID-19, temporarily suspended bus fares, adopted free curb-to-curb service and only recently returned to our fixed-route system with safety protocols in place.

While some adaptations were easy, others proved more difficult such as limited accessibility to our friends, family and summer events. We have learned how to connect virtually, substituting our normal interactions with ones from miles apart. 

This year, the annual Come Clean Duathlon, like many other local races, is taking on the virtual approach. 

Here are just a few reasons why this virtual race is going to be a great experience.

1. It's connecting you with a cause.

Hosted by CATA's Clean Commute Options program, we designed this race to be a way to encourage people to get out, enjoy the fresh air and learn about clean commuting. With the current state of our climate and the challenges it faces, it is more important than ever that we all do our part! We promote alternative ways to travel such as biking, walking (or running!), riding the bus and car/vanpooling to help keep emissions down and our air clean. 

In addition to promoting clean air, this year we are giving back to the members of our local community that have given so much to to us. We will hold a raffle with big ticket items purchased from Playmakers, Pizza House and Creative Wellness. We will also be raffling off gift cards from local restaurants.

You will automatically receive a raffle ticket with registration. For each person you refer to our race, you can also earn a bonus raffle entry and $5 back from your registration fee.

2. The swag couldn't be sweeter, unless it was candy. 

Looking for an awesome takeaway to show off your commitment to the in environment, as well as the completion of this awesome athletic endeavor? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you will receive when you register for this event:

• Medals for all finishers
• Awesome race shirt
• Custom race bib
• Come Clean Duathlon face mask
• Raffle prizes from local businesses
• Digitally remastered race photos that we ask you to take and submit

3. Location, location, location.

One of the most incredible parts of a virtual race is the freedom to complete it at your own pace, in your own time, and in whatever place you choose. Do you prefer to run by the water? Through the country? In the comfort of your own home? Find your racetrack wherever you feel safe and comfortable (and can easily maintain social distancing guidelines!).

4. You can run, bike and run far away from the quarantine blues.

Looking for something to get you out of your tired old routine? Here is your perfect excuse to get outside and be part of an event, while still maintaining all safety and social distancing regulations. Here is your chance to be a part of something bigger! Get your kids, family members and friends involved.  For each person you refer to the 2020 Come Clean Duathlon, you can earn a bonus raffle entry and $5 back from your registration fee.

Ready to register? Visit comecleanduathlon.org now before our 150 spots fill up.