Beyond the Bus

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.  

The days of straightening bills or hearing coins fall into the farebox are becoming less common. Contactless payment is here, and CATA riders are embracing it. Since the introduction of Mobile Pay — CATA’s first contactless payment option — riders have enjoyed its convenience.

Mobile ticketing is available through the new CATA Mobile Pay app and integrated within Transit app, offering an easy way for riders to purchase and use fare directly from their smartphones. Transit app also provides trip planning, real-time bus tracking and other tools for fixed-route riders.

And this is just the beginning. By fall 2025, CATA will install vending machines at key transit locations, including the CATA Transportation Center in downtown Lansing, Capital Area Multimodal Gateway and MSU-CATA Transportation Center at Ramp 1 in East Lansing. These machines will allow riders to buy preloaded CATA Prepaid Fare Cards that can be reloaded as needed.

Later this year, CATA will roll out even more convenience with contactless payments via credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay with ‘tap and go’ functionality. For those who prefer to pay with cash, rest assured it will always be accepted.

Visit the fares webpage for information about payment options. For mobile pay details, visit the mobile pay webpage. 

Related Stories:

• Capital Area Transportation Authority introduces mobile ticketing
• Go mobile with CATA: new fare payment options

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.  

CATA continues to collaborate with regional partners to build a strong network of interconnected public transit services. For example, the Route 3 extension along the Saginaw Highway corridor in Delta Township offers greater access to riders using CATA and EATRAN services.

The Route 3 extension, along with Spec-Tran service in the extended area and EATRAN services, resulted in a combined 133,000 annual trips, connecting residents to employment, grocery stores, medical appointments and more.

Sustaining these services is critical, which is why the Delta Township Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place a millage on the November ballot. The proposed .75 mill levy would generate approximately $1.3 million annually to support public transportation in the township.

Related Stories:

• Regional mobility ramps up with new services
• EATRAN launches Grand Ledge Connector
• EATRAN to resume Charlotte Connector, Saturday service to launch
• CATA awarded $1.6 million to expand regional transit

This content has been published in the 2025 Community Report.