Disability Resources
CATA is committed to accessible and inclusive transit for all riders. This page lists the tools, services and resources available to individuals with disabilities.
Facilities and Fleet
Every CATA bus and facility is designed to be accessible.
Fixed-route buses feature:
- Low-floor design and ramps for easier boarding
- Audio announcements of major destinations and transfer points
- Priority seating for riders with disabilities and seniors
- Wheelchair securement areas on every bus
CATA facilities are wheelchair accessible.
CATA’s Spec-Tran paratransit service provides curb-to-curb rides for riders who are unable to use fixed-route buses. Spec-Tran operates using small lift-equipped buses and low-floor vans.
Virtual Tours of Buildings and Buses
CATA offers Able Eyes accessible virtual tours of our key facilities and vehicles. These tours allow you to explore CATA locations and buses before your visit.
Do You Have Concerns or Complaints?
- Join CATA’s bi-monthly Local Advisory Council meetings to discuss disability-related issues, call visit the Local Advisory Page for details.
- You can also convey your concerns or compliments through our online ADA Complaint Form or Download Form (details provided in the form).
Travel Training
Do you need help learning how to ride CATA? Free travel training is available.
The Disability Network Capital Area (DNCAP) offers travel training to help riders with disabilities learn to use CATA buses with confidence. Training is one-on-one and tailored to your needs.
To request travel training, contact DNCAP:
Phone: 517-999-2760
TDD/TTY Relay: 7-1-1
Bus Hailing Kits
Bus hailing kits help those with visual disabilities signal the correct route number to approaching bus operators at stops served by more than one route.
Each kit includes 25 double-sided cards (3.5” x 4”) with large blue route numbers and a Braille tag on each card. Cards are numbered 1–49, covering all fixed routes. The set is held together with a lightweight chain so riders can remove only the cards for their routes.
Bus hailing kits are available free of charge at the following locations:
CATA Administrative Office — 4615 Tranter St., Lansing
CATA Transportation Center — 420 S. Grand Ave., downtown Lansing
Disability Network Capital Area (DNCAP) — 901 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing
Michigan Commission for the Blind — 201 N. Washington, Lansing
- MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities — 120 Bessey Hall, MSU campus
Michigan Relay Center Voice (TDD)
Riders who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired can use the Michigan Relay Center to communicate with CATA. Dial 7-1-1 from any phone.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome on all CATA services. No advance notice is required. A service animal is defined as an animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Large Print Schedules
Large print versions of all CATA schedules are available for riders with visual impairments. To request a large print schedule, call CATA Customer Service at 517-394-1000.
Reasonable Modification Request
CATA provides fixed-route and ADA complementary paratransit service throughout the Lansing
Tri-County region.All CATA services are ADA accessible and serve seniors and riders with disabilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires that Spec-Tran operate in a way that is comparable to
fixed-route service. Both services follow many of the same policies, including those for reasonable service modifications.
Listen to Bus Route Directions
Audio schedule files provide turn-by-turn route descriptions for each CATA fixed route. Files are in MP3 format. Some files are large and may take several minutes to download. View all fixed route information here.
Translated Documents
The following ADA policy documents are available in five languages. Select your language to download.