Beyond the Bus

The novel coronavirus has brought a lot of changes this year.

CATA has taken part in the nationwide #SoundTheHorn campaign, learned how to make face masks, and even spread the word on how to virtually access local libraries. On a larger scale, we shut down our facilities for months to slow the spread of COVID-19, temporarily suspended bus fares, adopted free curb-to-curb service and only recently returned to our fixed-route system with safety protocols in place.

While some adaptations were easy, others proved more difficult such as limited accessibility to our friends, family and summer events. We have learned how to connect virtually, substituting our normal interactions with ones from miles apart. 

This year, the annual Come Clean Duathlon, like many other local races, is taking on the virtual approach. 

Here are just a few reasons why this virtual race is going to be a great experience.

1. It's connecting you with a cause.

Hosted by CATA's Clean Commute Options program, we designed this race to be a way to encourage people to get out, enjoy the fresh air and learn about clean commuting. With the current state of our climate and the challenges it faces, it is more important than ever that we all do our part! We promote alternative ways to travel such as biking, walking (or running!), riding the bus and car/vanpooling to help keep emissions down and our air clean. 

In addition to promoting clean air, this year we are giving back to the members of our local community that have given so much to to us. We will hold a raffle with big ticket items purchased from Playmakers, Pizza House and Creative Wellness. We will also be raffling off gift cards from local restaurants.

You will automatically receive a raffle ticket with registration. For each person you refer to our race, you can also earn a bonus raffle entry and $5 back from your registration fee.

2. The swag couldn't be sweeter, unless it was candy. 

Looking for an awesome takeaway to show off your commitment to the in environment, as well as the completion of this awesome athletic endeavor? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you will receive when you register for this event:

• Medals for all finishers
• Awesome race shirt
• Custom race bib
• Come Clean Duathlon face mask
• Raffle prizes from local businesses
• Digitally remastered race photos that we ask you to take and submit

3. Location, location, location.

One of the most incredible parts of a virtual race is the freedom to complete it at your own pace, in your own time, and in whatever place you choose. Do you prefer to run by the water? Through the country? In the comfort of your own home? Find your racetrack wherever you feel safe and comfortable (and can easily maintain social distancing guidelines!).

4. You can run, bike and run far away from the quarantine blues.

Looking for something to get you out of your tired old routine? Here is your perfect excuse to get outside and be part of an event, while still maintaining all safety and social distancing regulations. Here is your chance to be a part of something bigger! Get your kids, family members and friends involved.  For each person you refer to the 2020 Come Clean Duathlon, you can earn a bonus raffle entry and $5 back from your registration fee.

Ready to register? Visit comecleanduathlon.org now before our 150 spots fill up.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our riders remains our top priority. As the Lansing area faces hardship, we do our best to remain available, accessible and affordable for all who require our services. We continue to drive our community by supporting small businesses, essential workers and the underprivileged.

In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, we want to ensure that all of our riders feel safe and comfortable riding our buses. We have increased sanitation standards on all of our vehicles. Watch the video below to see how we have been maintaining safety and sanitation protocols. 

We ask that all of our riders to continue wearing face masks while on board, as well as maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between themselves and other riders. Thanks for doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are all in this together.

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.