Beyond the Bus

CATA is making strides toward its goal of fleet electrification and achieving net-zero emissions. The expansion of its hybrid fleet has been a successful first step, and the next phase of the plan is to transition entirely to electric vehicles. CATA is collaborating with manufacturers to introduce electric buses by 2025, aiming for a fully electric fleet by 2035.

“We’re excited about our progress,” said CATA Director of Planning and Development Dustin Hagfors. “While supply chain delays pose challenges, we remain committed to our timeline.”

This initiative also recently earned CATA gold status from the American Public Transportation Association, recognizing the Authority's ambitious commitments, as well as a $1 million funding award from U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin.

An investment in charging infrastructure and staff training will result in an efficient fleet integration. CATA will continue to deliver reliable service while introducing electric buses. The only noticeable difference will be a quieter ride.

“We want the community to know we’re doing our due diligence,” added Hagfors. “Our goal is for this technology to be seamless, because we don’t want to disrupt someone’s ability to get to work just to get an electric bus on the road.”

The Authority’s dedication to sustainability is evident. In addition to electric vehicles, CATA implemented recycling programs for vehicle parts to lessen upkeep waste and furnished new bus shelters with solar panels.

This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.  

Driven by its commitment to provide a safe experience for customers, employees and the public, CATA is expanding the use of onboard cameras.

This summer, a pilot program will launch with nine vehicles slated for camera installation, including 60-foot buses, 40-foot buses and cutaway buses for Spec-Tran, Redi- Ride and Connector services. Cameras will be strategically placed inside and outside the vehicles, providing comprehensive coverage. The goal is to deter any potential misconduct that could compromise safety aboard or around CATA vehicles.

For some CATA customers, onboard cameras are not a new security feature. In April 2018, cameras were installed on all small buses and minivans operated by CATA's contractor, Transdev, which have been well-received.

While the timeline for the expanded initiative's trial remains open-ended, CATA will evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing cameras across its entire fleet in the future.

This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.  

CATA continues its commitment to improve customer experience by introducing new ways to pay for a ride. After upgrading fareboxes in the spring of 2022, CATA is now focused on contactless payment options, which will be rolled out in two phases:

Phase I - Mobile Pay App (Fall 2024)

CATA will launch a new payment app. CATA Mobile Pay will be the first of the new contactless payment options, allowing riders to pay for bus rides directly from their smartphones. Mobile pay features will also be integrated in the Transit app.

Phase II - Smart Cards, Contactless Credit Cards and Stored Values in App (Winter 2024)

Riders will have access to smart cards and the ability to use their contactless-enabled credit cards with 'tap and go' functionality. Stored values will also be an option for easier fare payment.

CATA aims to offer payment options that cater to all riders' preferences. For those who prefer existing payment methods, rest assured that cash and traditional passes will still be accepted and available for purchase. Smart cards, offering a new way to pay, will be available at major local retailers, vending machines and through the new mobile pay app.

This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.