Beyond the Bus

At the heart of everything CATA does is the mission of meeting the region’s mobility needs by providing innovative solutions. That includes closely assessing its fleet to guarantee that vehicles are not only safe, but that they provide a comfortable and welcoming experience for riders.

Since Nova buses were introduced to the fleet in 2019, CATA has replaced almost half of its fixed-route buses. For each new vehicle added, CATA retires one old vehicle.

Nova buses currently in operation:

• 38: 40-foot buses
• 9: 60-foot buses

The new Nova buses feature USB charging ports on the seats and padded vinyl seats for increased comfort and cleanability. Additionally, the sleeker minimalist design of the exterior and interior of the Nova buses make it easier for riders to spot the buses around the area.

New vehicles being added to CATA's fleet:

• 4 new Ford Hybrid Escapes (2023)
• 12 new cutaway buses (2023)
• 6 new vans (2023)
• 7 new Nova 40-foot buses (2024)
• 2 new Nova 60-foot buses (2024)

Still, CATA’s commitment to innovation doesn’t end with simply upgrading its fleet to newer-model buses. CATA has joined many other industries in looking at the environmental impact of public transportation and begun exploring the purchase of two fully electric 40-foot buses. As part of these discussions routes, battery types and efficiencies are key considerations.

This content has been published in the 2023 Community Report.