Beyond the Bus

How often do you wish for an extra day? 

In 2020, that wish has been granted. February 29 is your day to do something you’ve always wanted to do. And best of all, it’s a Saturday! Here are some fun ways to enjoy your Leap Day Lansing-style:

1. Eat Izzo-themed ice cream while watching MSU basketball.

Cheer on the Spartans against Maryland with a large scoop of Izzo’s Malted Madness – with hot fudge and sprinkles, of course. Take routes 24, 25 or 36 to check out other themed flavors at the MSU Dairy Store, all made at the university with Michigan ingredients! For homemade perfection, you’ve got to check this place out. 

2. Smell the bacon.

Kermit the Frog, a Christmas tree, a sombrero and clogs – what do all of these things have in common? They’re mounted on the walls of Golden Harvest, one of the most eclectic and identifiable food spots in Lansing. This restaurant’s amazing breakfasts and unique decor have drawn crowds since 1951. Hop on Route 14 to this Old Town gem.

To support Golden Harvest’s restoration initiative, visit http://bit.ly/SaveGolden.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Potter Park Zoo (@potterparkzoo) on Feb 4, 2020 at 5:01pm PST

3. Join the stampede.

Have you heard about Potter Park Zoo’s baby rhino, Jaali? He is the first black rhino to be born at the Potter Park Zoo! This milestone was recognized worldwide, as black rhinos are a critically endangered species. While Jaali won’t be out in public until spring, the zoo is still an amazing place to be in the winter. We’re talking less crowds, and plenty of animals – jump on route 8! 

Check zoo hours here.

4. Contest your ‘stache.

Do you have a rad mustache or beard you’ve always wanted to show off? Here’s your chance. On Leap Day, Old Town is hosting Brrs, Beards, and Brews: A Lumberjack Festival, complete with a facial hair competition. For all those with bare faces, the festival also offers a Feats of Strength contest, food and activities. Routes 14 or 16 will take you to this event!

5. Join a cause.

Have you always wanted to get involved in your community, but never had the time to get started? Today is your day! There are so many opportunities in the Lansing area to get involved in a good cause, from helping people to animals to the environment.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Cosmos Wood-Fired (@thecosmospizza) on Jan 6, 2020 at 12:36pm PST

6. Kick it back. 

Whether you take time with family and friends, or focus on self care, give yourself permission to relax and enjoy this day! Find a local yoga studio to focus on yourself or indulge in a slice and turn on the game. Remember this is your day – your EXTRA day – to do what you’d like.

How will you be spending your Leap Day this year?

Last month, CATA employees fulfilled Christmas wishes for 37 children and their families as part of the Operation Santa program.

Now our Christmas decor is in storage, the radio stations are done playing “Jingle Bells”, and we've traded in our ugly Christmas sweaters for daily business attire. But the spirit of giving lives on.

The children and families we helped through Operation Santa gifted us their kind words, drawings and gratitude. We received thank you cards from many of them, which are proudly displayed at our headquarters.

We appreciate their sweet gesture, and we’re grateful to all the people who’ve cultivated Operation Santa into a CATA tradition.

Thank you to our employees, friends and families who make this program a success year after year. As our Marketing Manager Pam Latka said, “It’s fun to think that we are keeping these kids’ Christmas dreams alive.”

That’s what it’s all about.

It’s a new year, full of new opportunities to serve our riders and the community.

As we begin this new year -- and new decade -- we want to continue to connect, learn and grow with all of you. With expanding features like USB charging ports on our Nova buses and solar lights at bus stops, we are always striving for improvement. These improvements are made possible through community partnerships and constructive feedback. 

Our partnership with the Capital Area District Libraries could bring Wi-Fi to some of our buses. Our service agreement with Michigan State University will keep on-campus bus services free for years to come.

This year, we will continue using our digital channels as a way for riders to see beyond the busses and buildings of CATA. We are a fleet of strong, driven and inspired people who love this city and all those we serve. 

We want you to meet Craig Frazier and our paratransit department, who are asking “What if?” to open dialogue on how to serve clients better. We want you to hear Ron DeLeon’s story on what it means to serve CATA for 21 years and counting as a bus driver.  

With mindsets and employees like these, the future of CATA is shining brightly. But it can only shine with strong community relationships. So how might we get to know each other better?

Let’s start with a tour. Meet some of the faces and places behind the scenes at CATA.

Since this video was made, we were fortunate to surpass 11 million rides for 2019. Thank you for working with us to make the future of Greater Lansing public transit as promising as ever.