The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on businesses everywhere. Here in Lansing, some of our local businesses have decided to join the fight against COVID-19 and are helping however they can. We want to highlight some of the local heroes who have been going above and beyond to help stop the spread of the virus.

Here at CATA, we are proud of our partnership with Michigan State University, especially during these hard times. Although MSU had to move classes online for the semester, that hasn’t stopped Spartans from joining the fight against COVID-19. Here are some ways MSU is helping to flatten the curve.

On the road, horn honks are typically used to alert other drivers or pedestrians. Today, they will be used to say two words: thank you.

At 3 p.m., our operators will honk their horns twice in solidarity with transportation workers nationwide as part of the #SoundTheHorn campaign.

“We proudly sound our horn today in honor of transit workers the world over who are doing their part to contain this tragic pandemic,” said CATA CEO Bradley T. Funkhouser. CATA participated in the original campaign on April 16 and again on May 21.

In this time of uncertainty, it's more important than ever to show kindness to those around us. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are so many opportunities to show appreciation to others, even if we're bound to the confines of our own homes.

Here are some fun ways to keep yourself busy while giving back to the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has required us to make sweeping changes to our daily lives. Toilet paper is the hottest item on the market. Social distancing is the norm.

For the health and safety of our employees, riders and the general public, CATA even temporarily suspended its fixed-route services. We resumed limited summer service May 26 with rear-door boarding, fare-free rides and mask requirements.

Other public services are adapting as well, such as Capital Area District Libraries.

There are some things that just go together – like peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese or Jack and Diane.

But it’s not often people put together bus shelters and culture. 

A recent CATA initiative used this combination to steer community ownership, champion diversity and foster neighborhood pride. Six new bus shelters were installed at high-traffic stops to address community needs. We’re profiling two of these shelters that showcase the culture and diversity of area neighborhoods.

CATA champions community partnerships, and one of our treasured partnerships is with the Capital Area District Libraries. This library system in Ingham County has a special Library of Things, where adult cardholders can check out unique hands-on items.

Some of the unique materials you can check out from the Library of Things include:

1. A ghost hunting kit

Are there any spirits haunting Lansing? Scour the community for ghouls and ghosties with this five-piece kit:

How often do you wish for an extra day? 

In 2020, that wish has been granted. February 29 is your day to do something you’ve always wanted to do. And best of all, it’s a Saturday! Here are some fun ways to enjoy your Leap Day Lansing-style:

Last month, CATA employees fulfilled Christmas wishes for 37 children and their families as part of the Operation Santa program.

Now our Christmas decor is in storage, the radio stations are done playing “Jingle Bells”, and we've traded in our ugly Christmas sweaters for daily business attire. But the spirit of giving lives on.

Last month, CATA employees fulfilled Christmas wishes for 37 children and their families as part of the Operation Santa program.