Beyond the Bus

Dear Capital Region Resident:

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements we have accomplished so far in 2023. Our commitment to CATA's strategic goals – regional mobility, customer experience excellence, organizational strength, community partnership and a dynamic workplace – remain at the forefront of everything we do. As we work to achieve our mission to meet the mobility needs of the region, I'm enthusiastic about the innovative solutions and partnerships we've employed to ensure a promising future for public transportation. 

In 2019, CATA's executive leadership defined regional mobility as one of five strategic priorities. Improved connectivity between our counties and regional population centers facilitates seamless, single-fare, cross-boundary trips for the convenience of riders across the tri-county region. 

I started my tenure at CATA as Deputy CEO in October 2016. I was appointed CATA's Chief Executive Officer in January 2018, followed by my simultaneous appointment in October 2022 as Executive Director at Eaton County Transportation Authority. It has been a privilege to share a common vision for regional mobility with our transit partners, community leaders, business owners, stakeholders and, of course, our riders. The introduction of the Route 3 extension into Delta Township in early May and a new interlocal agreement with Clinton Area Transit System demonstrate our unwavering commitment to our vision.

Our core values also include a commitment to sustainable solutions as stewards of the community we serve, the planet and its finite resources. To that end – and to achieve its goal for improved organizational strength – CATA pledged to adopt sustainable business practices and operations. We immediately identified a sustainability champion and converted our three facilities to 100 percent renewable energy sources. In April 2022, our Board of Directors took bold action and approved a directive to transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2035 – an effort to decarbonize CATA operations and drive the Capital City region and Michigan toward a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable solutions, which earned CATA gold-level status in the American Public Transportation Association's Sustainability Commitment Program. We are humbled by this honor and look forward to continuing to advance sustainability principles throughout our organization.

We are pleased to present CATA's 2023 Community Report in digital format. The stories inside the pages of this report showcase the Authority's pledge to deliver on our promise to provide the highest standard of service to our community. We will continue to listen, learn and adapt that we exceed your expectations for exceptional public transportation services. 

Sincerely,

Bradley T. Funkhouser

Related News:

• CATA launches Route 3 enhancements
• Press Release: Tri-County public transit agencies launch unprecedented partnership to enhance regional mobility 

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.