CATA Rydz has been operating as a pilot program since last fall when the distinctive minivans took to the road. The app-based service provides alternatives to reaching destinations and connecting to the region’s public transit systems across three zoned areas.

The Capital Area Transportation Authority will implement service changes starting Monday, Aug. 18, affecting seven routes and services. Spartan Service will also resume on all Michigan State University campus routes and Route 26.

The following changes take effect Aug. 18:

To eliminate transportation barriers and ensure voter access, the tri-county region’s three transit agencies – CATA, EATRAN and Clinton Transit – are offering systemwide free rides to polling sites on Tuesday, Aug. 5, the day of the primary election. Just let the driver know you're going to vote when you board — no ID is required to receive a free ride.  

Now through Aug. 5, free transportation is also available to Ingham County residents who wish to vote early and to those in the tri-county area who need access to ballot boxes or to register to vote in person. 

CATA is pleased to continue its partnership with the Ingham County Fair Board, providing transportation to the Ingham County Fair throughout this year’s six-day annual event.  

Look to the road for your dream career — behind the wheel or behind the scenes. The Capital Area Transportation Authority is hosting a series of open interview sessions beginning Wednesday, July 9. Weekly on-site interviews for various positions, including drivers and mechanics, will be conducted.

No experience is necessary for bus driver applicants as CATA offers paid training. Drivers will receive a significant wage increase after 90 working days. Mechanic First Class will receive a $7,500 signing bonus and must meet specific qualifications as outlined in the job description.

1. In observance of Independence Day, the Capital Area Transportation Authority will be closed Friday, July 4. CATA’s Fixed-Route, Spec-Tran, Rural Service, CATA Rydz, Connector, Redi-Ride and Shopping Bus services will not operate. Limited holiday service will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for customers with pre-reserved trips. 

There will be no late-night trips, Thursday, July 3, on Route 1-Downtown Lansing/Meridian Mall. Service will end early with the final trip departing the CATA Transportation Center at 10:20 p.m. and Meridian Mall at 11 p.m.

The Capital Area Transportation Authority in-person Board Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 at 4 p.m. has been canceled due to a lack of pressing business. The next in-person Board Meeting on Wednesday, July 16, at 4 p.m. at the  Lansing Center Governor’s Room, 333 E.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Capital Area Transportation Authority will be closed Monday, May 26. CATA’s Fixed-Route, Spec-Tran, Rural Service, CATA Rydz, Connector, Redi-Ride and Shopping Bus services will not operate.

The Spec-Tran office will remain open Memorial Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule rides needed after the holiday. No same-day trips will be scheduled. Call 517-394-2282 to book your ride. Trips can also be scheduled on myspectran.cata.org or the MyRideCATA app.

CATA routes and services will resume their regular weekday schedules on Tuesday, May 27.

CATA will offer special-event shuttle service on Michigan State University’s campus for the 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals taking place May 21-24.

Three free routes will run every 10 to 20 minutes, starting at 7 a.m. and ending as late as 1:15 a.m., depending on the event schedule. Shuttles will serve all major venues on campus for participants, families and spectators.

Bus Service (May 20-25):

• Route 30 - South and East Neighborhoods

The Capital Area Transportation Authority will provide shuttle service to the East Lansing Art Festival and the MSU Arts & Crafts Show Saturday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.