The Capital Area Transportation Authority invites riders, community members and stakeholders to participate in the final phase of CATA’s Road Ahead during a virtual public open house Wednesday, Sept. 2, from noon to 1 p.m.  

Project consultants will present their proposed recommendations and funding scenarios developed through the year-long, systemwide transit service review. Participants will be able to learn about the recommendations, ask questions and provide feedback.

The virtual open house will be held via Microsoft Teams. Participants may join online using a computer or mobile device or call in by phone. Access information is available at the CATA's Road Ahead webpage. Individuals who need assistance or another accommodation to participate may call CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000.  

Additional ways to participate

Following the virtual open house, a closed-captioned recording, presentation materials, proposed recommendations and an online feedback form will be posted on the project webpage. Paper copies will also be available for those who cannot access the materials online. Individuals may call CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000 to request paper copies, language assistance or other accommodations.

Community members who cannot attend the live virtual open house may provide feedback by:

• Completing the online form on the project webpage.
• Emailing info@cata.org.
• Calling CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Speaking with project consultants aboard select CATA buses or at the CATA Transportation Center on Wednesday, Sept. 9.  
  • These in-person opportunities will allow community members who could not participate in the virtual open house another way to learn about the proposed recommendations, ask questions and provide feedback. Routes, times and other details will be available before Sept. 9 on the project webpage. 

About CATA’s Road Ahead

CATA’s Road Ahead is a year-long Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) of CATA’s transit services aimed at improving efficiency, increasing ridership and reducing barriers to mobility. The study will provide a long-term blueprint to guide future transit decisions and help CATA respond to the region’s evolving mobility needs. CATA’s last review of this scope was conducted in 2007.

The study combines service data and performance analysis with input from riders, residents, employees and community stakeholders. It examines CATA’s fixed-route and demand-response services to identify opportunities to better serve residents, employees, students and visitors, strengthen coordination with regional partners and improve transportation options throughout the tri-county area. 

Phase III includes the consultants’ proposed recommendations under a range of funding scenarios. The scenarios illustrate how CATA could best meet the public’s mobility needs and use available resources at different funding levels. The proposed recommendations are not approved service changes or implementation plans.

The service changes CATA implemented Aug. 24 as part of its fiscal 2027 budget process are separate from the final recommendations being developed through CATA’s Road Ahead. Although those changes may align with themes, data findings and community priorities identified during the study, they were developed through a separate process and do not represent the study’s final recommendations.

What happens next

Feedback gathered during Phase III may inform refinements before the consultants present the proposed recommendations and funding scenarios to the CATA Board of Directors at its Sept. 16 meeting. The final report will be completed and submitted in October, concluding the project.

Following the study, CATA will review the consultants’ recommendations and funding scenarios internally to determine which recommendations, if any, should move forward based on available funding, resources and community needs. The final report will serve as a long-term planning resource and will not automatically result in service changes.

Any recommendations proposed for implementation would follow CATA’s standard public input process. Community members and stakeholders would have additional opportunities to review specific proposals, ask questions and provide feedback before service changes are considered for implementation.

For project materials, virtual open house access information and additional participation opportunities, visit the CATA's Road Ahead webpage.