Free Fares
Veterans, children under 42" tall accompanied by an adult, passengers on MSU routes are eligible to ride free of charge. Includes other fare free promotions as well.
Veterans Ride Free
Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces and Reserves ride free on all CATA services, every day. CATA thanks you for your service.
What You Need to Ride Free
Show one of these forms of ID when you board:
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID
- Form DD 214
- Driver's license or state ID with veteran designation
- CATA Veteran bus pass
Any of these IDs will get you a free ride. You can also get a free CATA Veteran bus pass that makes boarding even faster.
How to Get Your CATA Veteran Bus Pass
The CATA Veteran bus pass is free and valid for up to 10 years. Here's how to get one.
Step 1: Bring one of the IDs listed above that proves your veteran status.
Step 2: Visit one of the CATA locations during business hours:
- CATA Transportation Center in downtown Lansing
- Capital Area Multimodal Gateway in East Lansing
- CATA Administrative Offices in south Lansing
Step 3: Show your ID to a CATA staff member and they will give you a free Veteran bus pass on the spot. There is no charge and no application needed.
Step 4: Use your pass. Show your Veteran bus pass to the driver when you board any CATA bus. Ride free every day on all CATA services.
Children Ride Free
Children under 42 inches tall (the approximate height of CATA fareboxes) ride free when they travel with an adult. The adult pays their regular fare. This free fare applies to all CATA services.
Fare-Free MSU Campus Routes
MSU routes serving campus during fall and spring semesters are fare-free. No ID required. Look for routes that start with the number 3, i.e. Route 30.
Note: Lot Link and Night Owl demand-response campus services require a fare.
Common Questions About Free Fares
If you don't qualify for free fares, you may qualify for discounted fares. Seniors age 62 and older, people with disabilities, students and Medicare cardholders can ride at the discounted rate.
Your Veteran bus pass works on CATA services, including Fixed-Route buses, Spec-Tran, Redi-Ride, Connector, Rural Service, Shopping Bus, Lot Link, Night Owl and CATA Rydz.
Visit any CATA location with your veteran ID and we will give you a new pass at no charge.
Transfers from MSU routes to other CATA routes are free. Ask the driver for a transfer when you board the MSU route.
Questions About Free Fares
If you have questions about free fares on CATA, we're here to help.
Contact customer service via Phone: 517-394-1000 or Email: info@cata.org.
Hours: Weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.