• Eliminate the extension to Marketplace Boulevard, returning the western end of service to the Lansing Mall, as it operated prior to May 2023.

• Eliminate the route, which operated during MSU’s fall and spring semesters, and provide year-round service to Crescent Road (Spartan Village) on Route 20.

Spec-Tran Boundary Reduction

The Capital Area Transportation Authority announces its 2026 Listening Bus sessions hosted on CATA’s fixed-route buses. This program gives riders a convenient way to share constructive feedback about their experiences while traveling to and from their destinations. During each session, CATA representatives will board buses to engage with customers and document their feedback.

At the Dec. 10 Special Board Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the ratification and execution of the three-year Labor Agreement between the Capital Area Transportation Authority and Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 1039, which represents CATA’s bus operators, mechanics and utilities employees. The agreement is effective Dec. 10, 2025 through Nov. 30, 2028.

The Capital Area Transportation Authority will implement several service adjustments during Michigan State University’s winter break and over the holiday season, including limited service on Christmas Day.

MSU Winter Break Service Changes:

During Michigan State University’s winter break, service changes will be in effect Monday, Dec. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.

Spartan Service operating on MSU’s campus will change as follows:

The Capital Area Transportation Authority has launched this year's holiday campaign, “Experience the gift of the season” by offering riders a chance to enjoy free rides in celebration of the winter holidays.

Throughout December, CATA will continue its longtime tradition of surprising customers with the gift of a fare-free trip when it’s least expected. Six fixed-route buses and six paratransit vehicles will feature wrapped fareboxes and validators designed to look like gift boxes, adding a festive surprise for those onboard.

As a result of the recent failure of Delta Township's public transit millage proposal and the lack of alternative local funding to support public transportation services in the township, the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) must reduce transit operations in the area beginning Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

Part of the reductions include pilot programs such as the Route 3 Extension to Marketplace Boulevard and the expanded Spec-Tran service area, which will end and revert to their pre-extension boundaries prior to May 2023.

The Capital Area Transportation Authority will close its regular operations on Thursday, Nov. 27, in observance of Thanksgiving Day. CATA’s Fixed Route, Spec-Tran, Rural Service, Connector, Redi-Ride, Lot Link, Night Owl, Shopping Bus and CATA Rydz will not operate.  

Limited holiday service will operate 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for customers who have pre-reserved trips. Ride reservations will be accepted through Nov. 24. Call 517-394-2282 to reserve a ride.  

Limited holiday service will be offered on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, while all other CATA services – Fixed Route, Spec-Tran, Rural Service, Connector, Redi-Ride, Lot Link, Night Owl, Shopping Bus and CATA Rydz – will not operate.  

To support the ongoing needs of riders, current CATA and EATRAN services in Delta Township will continue operating unchanged for the time being, including fixed-route service, Spec-Tran, CATA Rydz and the regional connectors.

However, without local funding to support operational costs, CATA’s Route 3 Extension and expanded Spec-Tran service area in Delta Township will end and revert to pre-extension boundaries following the holiday season.

Following the unofficial election results in Eaton County from the Nov. 4 election, in which Delta Township voters did not approve the proposed public transportation millage (53% to 47%), CATA has issued the following statement: