Beyond the Bus

A piece of Lansing’s history gets new life.

In the fall of 2024, CATA purchased the former Greyhound bus station at 511 S. Washington Ave. in downtown Lansing, along with two adjacent vacant lots, to expand its community reach and impact. This project will elevate CATA’s administrative operations and public services, strengthening its presence in the heart of downtown Lansing.

Located across from CATA’s Transportation Center, the facility will be transformed with modern technology and enhanced security. It will also provide flexible space for public meetings and collaboration with other organizations.

For the community, this expansion means more resources, improved access and stronger connections to the essential services people rely on daily. The facility will also provide CATA’s administrative team with a more visible, centralized base to better serve riders.

The purchase marks a pivotal moment in CATA’s journey and investment in the region. Once the gateway for travel to larger cities, the old station’s operations gradually declined by 1997. Now, CATA is breathing new life into the building, preserving its unique heritage while modernizing it for today’s public transportation needs.

Related Stories:

• CATA purchases former Greyhound property

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.  

Imagine a future where your bus ride is as clean as the air you breathe — no fumes, no emissions, just smooth, quiet rides. CATA is accelerating its drive toward sustainable public transit and making significant progress toward an all-electric future. While existing hybrid-electric buses are a step in the right direction, electrifying the fleet will further reduce carbon emissions and help achieve CATA’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. 

With support from federal grants, CATA has ordered two all-electric, 40-foot buses, which will be the first full-size buses powered entirely by electricity to roll out on area roads. The first one is slated to enter service this year, with the second joining in 2026. Both buses are purchased from U.S. manufacturers and will complement the eight other electric vehicles — four Chevy Bolts and four Chevy Equinoxes — already in the fleet.

Getting these state-of-the-art buses on the streets is more than just a new ride. It also involves building out charging infrastructure and training mechanics for maintenance. Bill Frarey, CATA’s maintenance superintendent, emphasizes the importance of transitioning to electric: “We don’t have an infinite supply of fossil fuels. We need to start looking for alternative energy in every area of our lives, not just in transportation.”

With the commitment to sustainable transit solutions, CATA is not just driving buses — it’s driving the change needed for a cleaner, greener future.

Related Stories:

• Progressing toward fleet electrification
• U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin awards CATA $1M for zero-emission bus
• Electrifying CATA’s Fleet

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.