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Michigan’s 1st agency licensed as community safe place

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Categories: Blog

Girl on the ground with her head on her knees. Behind her is a yellow street sign that reads "SAFE PLACE."CATA's fleet and facilities are certified as "safe places" through the National Safe Place program, making CATA the first licensed agency partner in Michigan. This initiative contributes to the safety and well-being of vulnerable community members.

Operational in 40 states, the National Safe Place program provides immediate assistance to youths who face homelessness, abuse or exploitation. Through partnerships with community social services, CATA will extend this support to anyone in crisis.

If individuals are in danger or need assistance, they can notify a CATA employee. A supervisor will promptly meet them, assess the situation and connect them with appropriate resources or, if necessary, law enforcement. Signage detailing the program will be displayed in all CATA vehicles and facilities.

CATA's adoption of the National Safe Place program underscores its commitment to community safety and support for vulnerable individuals. This initiative complements existing efforts to address safety concerns and combat human trafficking through the See Say app, enabling users to anonymously report incidents.

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This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.  

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Upgrades planned for CATA’s Transportation Center

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Categories: Blog

A Route 1 bus in front of the CATA transportation center.CATA's Transportation Center, located in downtown Lansing, opened to the public in 1997. More than a quarter-century later, it's no surprise the facility needs updates and improvements.

In recent years, the facility underwent several renovations including the addition of a dedicated resource room, conversion to energy efficient LED lighting and upgrades to the heating and cooling systems.

Soon, riders can expect to see a number of additional enhancements at the CTC. Replacement of the original roof, upgrading concrete driveways and approaches, remodeling restrooms and utilizing new technology to improve security are among the planned changes.

When renovations are completed, the CTC will serve as a regional transfer hub for not only CATA but EATRAN, Clinton Area Transit System, microtransit solutions, transportation network companies and intercity bus services.

This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.  

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Regional mobility ramps up with new services

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Categories: Blog

In 2022, CATA’s chief executive officer also became executive director of the Eaton County Transportation Authority. Shared management was a monumental step toward deepening the ongoing partnership between the two transit providers and launching a new era of regional mobility across the Capital region. Since then, the transit partnership has rolled out exciting new services that make it easier than ever for CATA and EATRAN riders to get a seamless ride to their favorite destinations across county lines.

A group of people standing in front of a CATA spec-tran vehicle holding a ribbon. A woman with ceremonial scissors is poised to cut the ribbon.A recent online survey found that Eaton County residents support improved public transit services — and the CATA-EATRAN partnership is doing just that. A new and improved Charlotte Connector returned to service in January, allowing Charlotte residents to catch a ride to key employment and shopping destinations in Delta Township and beyond. The new Charlotte Connector offers improved routing and expanded service hours, and — in an unprecedented move — Saturday service. Four months later, EATRAN launched the Grand Ledge Connector.

The Charlotte Connector created a blueprint for regional mobility. Considerable thought, planning, research and collaboration were required to bring this concept to life in Eaton County. The EATRAN team delivered a mobility solution that includes the voice of riders and residents.

Combined with CATA’s Route 3 extension, which debuted in May 2023 and added 30 new bus stops, both EATRAN Connectors support a network that integrates riders in Charlotte and Grand Ledge to the entire CATA system. Need to get to the Lansing airport? How about an MSU football game? Got a new job at the Amazon Fulfillment Center? You can count on EATRAN and CATA to get you there.

Watch for even more service enhancements as the region’s public transit partnership continues to bear fruit for residents across the region.

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This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.  

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