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NEW: Mobile Pay

NEW! Buy your way with mobile pay

CATA continues its commitment to improve customer experience by introducing new ways to pay for a ride. Now you can purchase and use your CATA tickets and passes all in one place - right on your phone.

You can download the free app that best suits your needs.

Purchase tickets and passes to use on the day of travel and store the remaining tickets and passes in the secure mobile wallet for future use.

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NEW! CATA Mobile Pay app  

CATA Mobile Pay is the first of the new contactless payment options, allowing riders to pay for bus rides directly from their smartphones. 

Download the CATA Mobile Pay app in the Google Play or Apple Store.

Customers can also manage their accounts in the online CATA Mobile Pay Customer Portal.

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Transit app 

The ticketing integration in Transit app is now available. 

Download Transit app in the Google Play or Apple Store.


Not finding discounted fare tickets or passes in the app?                                                                                                       

To receive discounted ticket and pass options in your mobile wallet, you must visit a CATA representative to obtain permission. CATA representatives are located at:

  • CATA Transportation Center, 420 S Grand Ave, downtown Lansing
  • Capital Area Multimodal Gateway, 1240 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing
  • CATA Administrative Offices, 4615 Tranter St, South Lansing

You will need to show ID and/or documentation to qualify. Visit the Discounted Fare webpage for details. 


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When you’re ready to board the bus, activate your ticket in your app.

Scan the activated pass on the ticket validation machines aboard our vehicles.

The light will turn  green when your pass is accepted. Board the bus and enjoy the ride!

 

 

 

 


Frequently Asked Questions

 

General

What is mobile ticketing?

Mobile ticketing allows you to purchase transit tickets and passes from your mobile device.

Does it cost extra to do mobile ticketing?

No, you will only be charged the price of your ticket or pass. Keep in mind that data fees may apply from your mobile service provider and that we are not responsible for any mobile carrier data charges that you might incurs as a result of using mobile ticketing.

Do I need a smart phone to use mobile ticketing?

Yes. At this time your device must have internet access to purchase your ticket or pass.

Can I use mobile ticketing on all CATA vehicles?

Yes. Mobile ticketing is available on all CATA vehicles.

Purchasing

What are the available tickets and passes to purchase in the app?

You can purchase any CATA pass through the app. Visit the Fare Information webpage for details. 

How do I receive discounted ticket option entitlements in my mobile wallet?

To receive discounted ticket and pass options in your mobile wallet, visit a CATA Information Booth located at the downtown CATA Transportation Center, Capital Area Multimodal Gateway or Administrative Offices.

You will need to show ID and/or documentation to qualify.

Visit the Discounted Fare webpage for details. 

Do I need to set up an account to be able to use my mobile ticket or pass?

Yes. Before you can use your purchased ticket or pass, you will need to create or log in to an account.


Do I need a credit card to use mobile ticketing?

Yes. You must have a valid credit or debit card to purchase a mobile ticket or pass.

Will the app store my credit card information?

Not unless you want it to. The mobile applications allow you to keep one credit card stored for future transactions, but it's not required.

If I'm traveling with a group, can I purchase and use more than one ticket on my phone?

Yes. You can activate multiple tickets within the app. Simply purchase the necessary number of round-trip tickets and once all tickets have been activated, swipe up on the tickets to reveal the bar at the bottom of the screen. This will allow you to toggle through and scan each ticket at the validator.

Can I set up automatic purchases?

No. You'll need to purchase tickets or passes every time you need them. However, you can purchase multiple tickets at one time for future use.

How quickly is the payment processed?

Once the payment is authorized, the payment is processed immediately.

Are receipts available for mobile ticketing purchases?

Yes, a receipt will be emailed to you after each purchase.

Ticket Activation

When should I activate my mobile ticket or pass?

Please have your mobile ticket or pass activated and ready to scan before boarding the vehicle. Don't activate your ticket too early, as tickets will expire after 60 minutes once activated (passes will remain active during the entire validation period).

Can I see how much time is left on the active ticket or pass before it expires?

Yes. The expiration date and time is displayed on the top of your ticket or pass.

How do I validate my mobile ticket or pass?

To activate, select the pass or ticket you want to use and select "Activate." A bar code displaying all ticket options that are available for use will display on your screen. Hold the bar code up to the validator located inside the bus. An audible beep will sound indicating that your ticket(s) or pass has been accepted.

Do I need to activate my ticket or pass each time I travel?

Single-use tickets must be activated for each trip taken. Passes will remain active during the entire validation period.

Troubleshooting

What if the app is unresponsive?

Try logging out and logging back in. If that does not work, try powering your device off and back on. If you continue to experience technical difficulties, contact us.

What if my credit/debit card is declined?

First, confirm you have the correct bank card details registered in the app exactly as they appear on your card and billing statement, including the correct billing address, zip code and three-digit security code on the back. Other common errors are adding a period after your middle initial, including the apartment number in the Address Line 1 field, or an incorrect billing address. If everything is correct and your card is still declined, contact your bank for further information.

What happens if my smartphone becomes inoperable (i.e. dead battery) before I can scan my mobile ticket or pass?

You're responsible for having a smartphone in good working order and usable before boarding. If your smartphone is inoperable, you'll need to use another payment method.

What can I do if my mobile ticket or pass takes a long time to display?

Some devices with older operating systems do not work as fast as newer phones. If you have an older phone that works a little slower, please be sure to give yourself plenty of time to activate the ticket or pass before your vehicle arrives. You should also check to make sure you do not have too many applications open at one time, which can also affect the responsiveness of the app.

I purchased a ticket or pass but my screen is unreadable. What should I do?

If your ticket or pass cannot be read or displayed, it is not valid. You will need to pay cash fare or use another fare method.

What happens if I lose my mobile device or buy a new device? Can I transfer my tickets or passes?

To transfer your unused tickets or passes and account to a new device, download the application to your new device and log in to your account. If your previously purchased tickets or passes are not appearing after logging in, please contact us.

For those who prefer existing payment methods, rest assured that cash and traditional passes will still be accepted and available for purchase.