Home | Capital Area Transportation AuthorityRider InformationSafety & Courtesy Tips
{{ data.Name }}
 Learn More

Safety & Courtesy Tips

Explore this Section  

Safety Rules

People sitting on CATA bus following safety rulesFor your safety and comfort, CATA does not permit the following on any CATA vehicle or property, including the CATA Transportation Center (CTC), MSU-CATA Transportation Center (MSU-CTC) and all shelters and bus stops. Rule violations may result in the removal of an individual from CATA vehicles or property. It may also result in an individual being banned from CATA property, loss of riding privileges and possible arrest.

The following is prohibited on any CATA vehicle or on any CATA property:

  • Eating, drinking or open beverage containers aboard CATA vehicles 
  • Smoking, including e-cigarettes (except in designated areas).
  • Possession or consumption of alcohol or illegal substances.
  • Weapons of any kind (except lawfully carried firearms), or possession of any hazardous material or item.
  • Disorderly, loud or disruptive behavior, including, but not limited to:
    • obscene, threatening, inciting or insulting language or gestures.
    • running, yelling or throwing objects.
    • spitting, littering, vandalism or graffiti.
    • fighting, mock fighting or roughhousing.
    • standing, sitting or walking in a way that inconveniences, obstructs or interferes with others, i.e., blocking doors, feet on seats, etc.
    • any action that may interfere with or disrupt the safe operation of CATA vehicles and properties.
  • Loitering. At the CTC, passengers must board the first-available bus or leave the premises.
  • Use of sound-producing devices without the use of personal headphones.
  • Panhandling, soliciting, harassing, annoying or intimidating any person.
  • Lack of proper attire, i.e., not wearing shirts and shoes.
  • Bicycling, rollerblading or skateboarding; wearing skates on CATA vehicles.
  • Animals, except those used for service, i.e., guide dogs or those transported in a suitable crate or container.

CATA is not responsible for lost or stolen items, or items damaged during the normal performance of our duty to transport customers. Customers are urged to secure all personal belongings. Please check your seat to make sure you have all your belongings before leaving the vehicle. Please properly dispose of trash in appropriate receptacles at bus stops and boarding centers.

 

 

Courtesy Tips

  • Plan your route ahead of time by checking a print schedule or calling CATA Customer Service at 517-394-1000. A driver cannot take the time to give you detailed trip planning.
  • Children should be removed from their strollers before boarding the bus and the stroller should be folded and placed out of the aisle, so as not to impede passenger movement.
  • If you smoke while waiting for a bus, please move away from non-smokers at the bus stop. Go to designated smoking areas at bus boarding centers. Properly dispose of your cigarette butt.
  • Use the proper cash fare, CATA pass or ride card when you board. If you pay with cash, have your money in hand (U.S. currency only) when you board the vehicle. For those who qualify for the discounted cash fares please have your identification ready to show the driver.
  • If you pay with cash and need to transfer, ask the driver for a transfer ticket when boarding your first bus—don't wait to ask until the end of your trip.
  • Move quickly and carefully to your seat after boarding. Public transportation drivers are not required to wait until passengers are seated before they move the bus – they must keep to a schedule.
  • Turn your cell phone ringer to vibrate. If you must take a call, please keep it quiet and watch your language. Keep your conversations at a normal level. Don't use the speakerphone feature.
  • If you see an older or disabled person getting on the bus, please offer them your seat. Accommodate those who need it. The front, aisle-facing seats in the bus are reserved (by law) for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. It is okay to use these seats, as long as no one, for whom they were intended, needs a seat.
  • If the bus is crowded, offer your seat to someone who needs it more.
  • If you find someone left an item on the bus, give it to the driver so they can turn it into CATA Lost & Found.
  • Service animals are welcome on all CATA vehicles. Remember, they are working. Please do not pet or call the animal as these distractions can cause the service animal to make mistakes that could inconvenience or endanger their owner.
  • When the driver asks passengers to move back, so others may board, promptly move to the back of the bus. This creates more space for others to board and the bus can continue on its way and get you to your destination on time.
  • Do not distract the driver. It is in everyone’s best interest that they stay focused on their driving duties.
  • Distribution of literature, offering items for sale, soliciting signatures, conducting surveys, or use of photographic equipment is prohibited without the permission of CATA management.
  • Please check your seat to make sure you have all your belongings before leaving the vehicle. Please properly dispose of trash receptacles at bus stops and boarding centers.
  • Exit the bus through the rear door and wait until the bus passes to cross the street. This helps the boarding process go smoothly and keeps you safe.