The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) invites residents across the Capital region to participate in CATA’s Road Ahead, a comprehensive, systemwide analysis of its transit services aimed at improving efficiency, increasing ridership and reducing barriers to mobility. Public input will play a critical role in evaluating current routes, schedules and services to guide future transit decisions. 

Since launching in 2023, the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s Listening Bus program has given riders a convenient, real-time way to share feedback while they travel. Each month, CATA representatives board fixed-route buses to engage with riders and document their experiences. 

Now entering its fourth year, the initiative returns Thursday, Jan. 15, on several CATA bus routes. Sessions will take place on the third Thursday of each month. The full Listening Bus schedule is available at the Listening Bus webpage.  

The Capital Area Transportation Authority is launching its new Pay Your Way campaign to inform riders of the many ways to pay their fare, "From Cash to Contactless — Ready to Ride." 

Pay Your Way emphasizes flexibility and choice with a full range of payment options available to CATA riders. Customers can use traditional methods, such as cash and passes, or choose from several contactless options, including:  

The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) announces plans to develop a Comprehensive Operational Analysis, known as The Road Ahead: Shaping transit service that moves with our community. This process will include an analysis of CATA’s existing transit services, including fixed-route and demand-response.

• 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.