Beyond the Bus

Dear Capital Region Resident:

As we reach the midpoint of another year filled with promise and progress, I'm thrilled to pause and reflect on the significant milestones we’ve attained in fiscal 2024. Our dedication to CATA's strategic goals remains unwavering: regional mobility, customer experience excellence, organizational strength, community partnership and dynamic workplace. These priorities continue to guide our efforts as we strive to meet the mobility needs of our region and beyond.

In recognition of our commitment to regional transit coordination, CATA was awarded $1.66 million from the Michigan Department of Transportation. This funding will support the Enhance Lansing Equity via Creative Transit Solutions project, to advance regional transit in an equitable manner. We're honored to partner with MDOT to ensure accessible and inclusive public transportation for all.

Our upcoming microtransit pilot program, alongside recent regional initiatives such as the Route 3 extension and the launch of EATRAN’s two Connectors in Eaton County, reflects our dedication to improving transit connectivity, increasing ridership, and reducing single-occupancy vehicle travel and associated air pollution. We're committed to staying at the forefront of progress, strengthening transportation options and enriching quality of life through innovative technologies and a shared vision with our transit partners, community leaders, business owners, stakeholders and, of course, our riders.

I'm excited about the future. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor's proposal to build a new home for municipal government adjacent to the CATA Transportation Center in downtown Lansing offers an extraordinary opportunity for CATA to help develop a regional transit-oriented, mixed-use facility. This facility could address our administrative space constraints and potentially accommodate other regional offices and their employees downtown. There is also an opportunity to foster collaboration and efficiency by bringing much-needed public services to the heart of Lansing.

Transit plays a key role in regional economic development, making our region an attractive place to live, work and start a business. CATA serves as a lifeline for many and a valuable resource for all. This new project represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve access to CATA services and enhance public transportation infrastructure. We’re committed to working with the city and other agencies to provide robust, high-quality transit services that meet the diverse needs of our community.

Join us in celebrating our achievements and vision for the future. Within the pages of CATA's 2024 Community Report, you'll find stories that highlight the Authority’s pledge to deliver the highest standard of service to our community. We're here to serve you, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering exceptional public transportation services, now and in years to come.

Sincerely,

Bradley T. Funkhouser

Related Stories:

• CATA awarded $1.6 million to expand regional transit
• EATRAN launches Grand Ledge Connector
• EATRAN to resume Charlotte Connector, Saturday service to launch

This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.  

“CATA has helped me throughout many stages in my life, from school to now using the buses to get to and from work,” said Ashley Yates, 10-year CATA rider. Ashley uses CATA for all of her daily needs such as going to work, doctors’ appointments and visiting friends. Within ten minutes, Ashley can be picked up before and after her shift to ensure she gets to where she needs to be efficiently and on time. For some CATA riders, taking public transportation is their only option for getting to and from work. 

What kind of jobs are in the area?

There are hundreds of positions opening for job seekers to apply. According to the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the top employers in, and around, Lansing include the State of Michigan, McLaren Health, Michigan State University, General Motors, Sparrow Health Systems and others. An article from Jobs2Careers states that there are over 300 hundred job openings in the region ranging from little to no experience companies like Meijer allowing flexible schedules that work around employee’s life and educational pursuits. For assistance on how to prepare yourself for your next position, Capital Area Michigan Works website can help job seekers of all kinds.

How do I get there?

With 32 fixed-routes, CATA provides transportation to work for many people across the Capital City region. Route 18 is the most recent addition to CATA’s list of fixed-route service. This route was designed to take employees from South Lansing to McLaren and MSU, providing a direct route for many employees living on the city’s south side. A full list of CATA’s available routes, as well as a trip-planning tool on CATA's Routes & Schedules webpage.

Do I really save money riding CATA to work?

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), households spend 16% of their income on transportation, with 93% of that going toward buying, maintaining and operating cars. By using public transportation and living with one less car, households can save around $10,000. When finding a reliable ride to locations such as work, residents want to ensure they are getting there on time and without the financial obstacles of owning a car or utilizing rideshare services. According to Ashley, “Uber is too expensive for me to get anywhere I need to go. CATA is one of the most affordable modes of transportation available to me.” 

Looking to the future:

CATA is always looking to improve their services for riders. In coming years, big changes such as microtransit and electric buses may provide riders with additional opportunity to utlize services and taking steps towards regional mobility with seamless connections between jurisdictions. 

Do you have suggestions for how CATA can better get you to work? Submit your thoughts at cata.org/feedback.