Beyond the Bus

What happens when leaders from neighboring counties get behind the concept of seamless and convenient rides across boundary lines?

Progress.

What began as an idea to better coordinate public transit services across the Capital City region now has evolved into a historic partnership between CATA, EATRAN and Clinton Area Transit System that results in seamless connections between all three jurisdictions, allowing riders to reach their destinations more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

The new partnership took a monumental step forward last fall with the announcement that CATA CEO Bradley T. Funkhouser would also lead EATRAN, allowing the neighboring public transit agencies to collaborate in powerful new ways to achieve the dream of full regional mobility. Further strengthening cross-jurisdiction connections, CATA and Clinton Transit also forged a new interlocal agreement that will help align each system’s transit services and schedules.

In May 2023, CATA announced the extension of service year-round west of the Lansing Mall to Marketplace Boulevard on Route 3 into Delta Township. Approximately 30 new bus stops were added on the route extension.

“This is a huge win for Eaton County and the entire tri-county region,” said State Rep. Angela Witwer, 76th House District. “Since 2019, I’ve advocated for regionalized transportation. We’ve planned for and worked together to make this vision a reality. It’s a necessity if we hope to compete for and attract prospective businesses and employers to invest in our region.”

While CATA is making significant progress toward regional mobility, much work remains. Extended routes, additional service options and expanded schedules require investment. Local and state officials recognize that Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties are actively working with CATA to fill funding gaps to bring regional mobility to fruition.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.

Have you ever wondered how CATA plans its fixed-route services and chooses the location of bus stops? Generally, it is based on population density: Fixed routes are intended to make catching the bus as easy as possible for the greatest number of travelers. Obviously, not everyone lives near a bus stop, particularly in neighborhoods with lower population density, where residences are more separated.

That’s where microtransit fills the gap. By connecting people to public transportation services no matter where they live, microtransit helps overcome obstacles and makes access to public transit more equitable.

Think “Uber meets CATA” but with lower costs than those associated with hiring a ridesharing service.

And much like Uber or Lyft, CATA microtransit will operate through a smartphone app that allows riders to see and book the seamless transit connections that will get them to their destination.

Microtransit is not an entirely new concept. CATA’s advanced-reservation, curb-to-curb paratransit services and Redi-Ride services in Mason, Meridian and Delhi townships are forms of microtransit that use smaller, dedicated vehicles to help qualified riders get from place to place. But expanding how CATA utilizes microtransit to connect the community even further promises to deliver significant benefits for area residents in the near future.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.

CATA wants your opinion to help continue building service that meets your needs. During “Listening Bus” sessions, CATA representatives regularly board buses to interact with customers and document their feedback.

Those unable to attend an onboard Listening Bus session, or customers utilizing any of CATA’s paratransit services who would like to provide input about their trips can do so by submitting the online feedback form or by calling a Customer Experience Representative at 517-394-1000.

Responses obtained will be considered in new route planning, the enhancement of existing services and/or the elimination of services that no longer effectively serve riders.

By actively engaging with passengers during their daily commute, CATA aims to establish an open and inclusive dialogue. Responses are considered in new route planning and design, service enhancements and/or reduction of services that no longer effectively serve riders.

Visit cata.org/ListeningBus for details regarding upcoming Listening Bus sessions, routes and times.

Can’t join in person? Share your input by submitting the online feedback form at cata.org/Feedback or by calling a Customer Experience Representative at 517-394-1000.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.