Routes 5 and 18 serve The Residences at Walter French, located near the intersection of Cedar Street and Mt. Hope Avenue, providing residents with easy access to the region through public transit.
CATA bus driver Heriberto Mora drops off his son, Benicio, at Little Dreamers Early Learning Center — where transportation and education connect to support families, children and educators. Read more on page 13.
The Community Report is published annually by the Capital Area Transportation Authority, 4615 Tranter Street, Lansing, MI 48910.
To request a printed copy, call 517-394-1100 or email marketing@cata.org. Requests must include full name, complete mailing address and phone number.
CATA'S MISSION:
To meet the mobility needs of our region by providing innovative solutions in partnership with the communities we serve.
View online at cata.org/CommunityReport.
PUBLISHER
Lolo Robison lrobison@cata.org
MANAGING EDITOR
Brandie Yates byates@cata.org
CREATIVE DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN
InVerve Marketing
PHOTOGRAPHER
Rodney Sanford
CONTRIBUTORS
Randy Hannan
Chioma Lewis
Angela Minicuci
Matt Oudsema
Mariam Robinson
A WORD FROM OUR CEO
Dear Capital Region Resident:
As we look toward the future of public transportation, I’m pleased to share how CATA continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community. In fiscal 2025, we made significant strides to regionalize, embraced new technologies and expanded access to essential services. Our dedication to CATA’s strategic goals — regional mobility, customer experience excellence, organizational strength, community partnership and dynamic workplace — guides our efforts.
One of our most exciting developments is the renovation of the former Greyhound bus depot. The transformation of this property into a modern hub will provide the space needed to better accommodate administrators who oversee frontline operations, giving riders improved access to CATA’s leadership. Located near the CATA Transportation Center in the heart of downtown Lansing, this facility will also feature a community resource center, connecting riders with social-service agencies and other resources. This project underscores our commitment to improved infrastructure and partnerships, ensuring that CATA remains well-positioned to deliver high-quality, reliable transportation into the foreseeable future.
We also achieved several key milestones. The introduction of contactless payment gives riders more convenient ways to pay, while our growing fleet of electric vehicles continues to reduce carbon emissions. Our new microtransit service, CATA Rydz, offers on-demand trips, further expanding regional mobility and providing greater transportation flexibility. Additionally, the launch of the Safe Place program in 2025 designated CATA vehicles and facilities as safe places for vulnerable youths in crisis.
These accomplishments, along with ongoing efforts to drive mobility solutions, eliminate transportation barriers and improve our reliability. As you explore this year’s Community Report, you’ll discover how we’re delivering dependable, innovative and sustainable transit solutions that enrich the lives of everyone in the capital region.
Thank you for your continued support. We’re excited about the future and remain dedicated to building a more connected, inclusive and vibrant community. We’re proud to serve you and look forward to the many possibilities ahead.
Sincerely,
You’ve heard of Uber and Lyft, the two most popular ridesharing services, but there’s a new microtransit service in town, brought to you by CATA. It’s called CATA Rydz, and it’s already changing the way CATA connects you to your preferred destination via public transit.
Using CATA Rydz is affordable and uber convenient. Fares are the same as a CATA bus ride, and you can request a lift through the CATA Rydz app or its integration with Transit app — just like those other ridesharing services. Catch a flight, get to work or experience more — from downtown Lansing to the tri-county region — all from the convenience of an app.
CATA Rydz currently operates in three geographic zones: downtown Lansing, Delta Township, and a connector
NEW MICROTRANSIT SERVICE IS YOUR LINK TO MORE PLACES
service between the MSU campus and Capital Region International Airport. Riders can catch CATA Rydz to a CATA fixed-route stop or any other destination within the zone.
Plans to expand these zones and introduce late-night service are expected to launch this fall.
Visit cata.org/CATArydz for details.
CATA is such a great partner to this entire region, whether it’s getting individuals to and from the Lansing airport, to travel or to work. It’s that partnership that extends throughout this entire area.
– Nicole Noll-Williams, President and CEO, Capital Region Airport Authority
REGIONAL MOBILITY: STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS
CATA continues to collaborate with regional partners to build a strong network of interconnected public transit services. For example, the Route 3 extension along the Saginaw Highway corridor in Delta Township offers greater access to riders using CATA and
EATRAN services. The Route 3 extension, along with Spec-Tran service in the extended area and EATRAN services, resulted in a combined 133,000 annual trips, connecting residents to employment, grocery stores, medical appointments and more. Sustaining these services is
critical, which is why the Delta Township Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place a millage on the November ballot. The proposed .75 mill levy would generate approximately $1.3 million annually to support public transportation in the township.
BUY YOUR WAY WITH MOBILE PAY: MORE
CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS COMING SOON
The days of straightening bills or hearing coins fall into the farebox are becoming less common. Contactless payment is here, and CATA riders are embracing it. Since the introduction of Mobile Pay — CATA’s first contactless payment option — riders have enjoyed its convenience.
Mobile ticketing is available through the new CATA Mobile Pay app and integrated within Transit app, offering an easy way for riders to purchase and use fare directly from their smartphones. Transit app also provides trip planning, real-time bus tracking and other tools for fixed-route riders.
And this is just the beginning. By fall 2025, CATA will install vending machines at key transit locations, including the CATA Transportation Center in downtown Lansing,
Capital Area Multimodal Gateway and MSU-CATA Transportation Center at Ramp 1 in East Lansing. These machines will allow riders to buy preloaded CATA Prepaid Fare Cards that can be reloaded as needed.
Later this year, CATA will roll out even more convenience with contactless payments via credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay with ‘tap and go’ functionality. For those who prefer to pay with cash, rest assured it will always be accepted.
Visit cata.org/Fares for information about payment options.
For mobile pay details, visit cata.org/MobilePay
RIDERSHIP ON THE REBOUND
Rebounds aren’t just for basketball — CATA’s ridership is bouncing back strong. After a sharp drop during the pandemic, riders are returning to the buses in impressive numbers. From just over 3 million rides in fiscal 2021, CATA has delivered nearly 9 million rides in the past year, including both fixed-routes and paratransit services, showing a strong recovery across the region.
*Fiscal 2025 is projected as of May 2025.
IT’S ELECTRIC: CHARGING INTO THE FUTURE
Imagine a future where your bus ride is as clean as the air you breathe — no fumes, no emissions, just smooth, quiet rides. CATA is accelerating its drive toward sustainable public transit and making significant progress toward an all-electric future. While existing hybridelectric buses are a step in the right direction, electrifying the fleet will further reduce carbon emissions and help achieve CATA’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
which will be the first full-size buses powered entirely by electricity to roll out on area roads. The first one is slated to enter service this year, with the second joining in 2026. Both buses are purchased from U.S. manufacturers and will complement the eight other electric vehicles — four Chevy Bolts and four Chevy Equinoxes — already in the fleet.
Getting these state-of-the-art buses on the streets is more
infrastructure and training mechanics for maintenance. Bill Frarey, CATA’s maintenance superintendent, emphasizes the importance of transitioning to electric: “We don’t have an infinite supply of fossil fuels. We need to start looking for alternative energy in every area of our lives, not just in transportation.”
With the commitment to sustainable transit solutions, CATA is not just driving buses —
CATA’s first fully electric bus.
CATA TO TRANSFORM
FORMER GREYHOUND STATION INTO MODERN FACILITY
A piece of Lansing’s history gets new life.
In the fall of 2024, CATA purchased the former Greyhound bus station at 511 S. Washington Ave. in downtown Lansing, along with two adjacent vacant lots, to expand its community reach and impact. This project will elevate CATA’s administrative operations and public services, strengthening its presence in the heart of downtown Lansing.
Located across from CATA’s Transportation Center, the facility will be transformed with modern technology and enhanced security. It will also provide flexible space for public meetings and collaboration with other organizations.
For the community, this expansion means more resources, improved access and stronger connections to the essential services people rely on daily. The facility will also provide CATA’s administrative team with a more visible, centralized base to better serve riders.
The purchase marks a pivotal moment in CATA’s journey and investment in the region. Once the gateway for travel to larger cities, the old station’s operations gradually declined by 1997. Now, CATA is breathing new life into the building, preserving its unique heritage while modernizing it for today’s public transportation needs.
NEW COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER IN THE WORKS
As part of its expansion, CATA acquired the additional lots in downtown Lansing to build a new community resource center. This center will connect riders with essential services and resources.
While public transportation remains CATA’s core competency, addressing broader community needs reflects its commitment to transparency, cooperation with partners, customers and employees, and providing sustainable solutions to community challenges. The diverse population CATA serves intersects with many service organizations, enhancing the center’s potential impact.
This new center extends CATA’s long-standing commitment to the community it has served since 1972. In collaboration with key partners, the goal is to remove barriers to critical services like healthcare, social services and job training, offering accessible, affordable resources for all.
WALTER FRENCH REIMAGINED THROUGH
Once a proud landmark, Walter French Junior High School stood at the corner of Mt. Hope Avenue and Cedar Street in south Lansing, its towering presence a symbol of education and community from 1925 until its closure in 1981. For decades, thousands of students passed through its halls, but after the school’s closure, the building became a shadow of its former self ultimately being left vacant and in disrepair.
Today, that once-crumbling relic is thriving again, thanks to the vision and determination of the Capital Area Housing Partnership. Along with its partners, CAHP has saved the historic structure and given it new life as The Residences at Walter French. With 70 apartments surrounded by modern amenities and supportive services, the revitalized space is now home to a diverse group of residents, from families with children to seniors.
PARTNERSHIPS AND TRANSIT ACCESS
A NEW ERA FOR WALTER FRENCH
Emma Henry, Executive Director of CAHP, remembers when her organization acquired the building in 2017 with a bold plan to transform it into a vibrant community. Visitors stepping inside the beautifully restored building experience a blend of history and the energy of a modern community where residents engage with one another and form lasting connections.
“The transformation of this project has really made an impact on this corner of the community,” said Henry. “We’ve seen this building go from a dilapidated, vacant property that attracted blight and bad actors to a place where there is life and families are able to enjoy [it]. All of the challenges have been worth it to see the individuals that live here thriving.”
PARTNERSHIPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
It wasn’t just about renovating a building — it took partners to make the vision a reality. One of the vital collaborators was CATA. In addition to providing bus passes and route maps for residents, CATA replaced two bus stops with covered shelters, ensuring that residents can comfortably wait for their bus.
“Seeing these missiondriven community assets come together to say we care about the people that live in your building, and we want to make sure that they have a successful transition, that has been really amazing to see,” she noted. “As they say, it takes a village, and it does.”
We are part of the fabric of this community. There are a lot of [organizations] willing to help, and CATA is one of them.
– Robert Anselmo, Resident, The Residences at Walter French
TRANSIT ACCESS: A KEY TO INDEPENDENCE
Henry says the CATA bus system is one of the most valuable amenities available to residents. “Public transit empowers our residents to live their daily life. Housing and
public transit go hand-in-hand, and public transportation provides a support system and a foundation for individuals that live in our communities.”
We’re providing resources, opportunities, education and making sure that they feel like valued members of our neighborhood , and CATA does the same thing for the whole community.
Emma Henry, Executive Director, Capital Area Housing Partnership
One resident, Robert Anselmo, says the opportunity to move into an apartment at The Residences has changed his life. Easy access to the CATA bus system is a bonus. With two stops just outside the doors of his new home, Anselmo says CATA connects him and his fellow residents to the broader community.
“It allows people to get to where they need to go, whether it’s a doctor’s appointment or Dollar Tree down the street,” Anselmo said. “It’s very convenient and it’s become easier to use with the phone.” Anselmo uses the Transit app to track buses in real-time. “It’s incredibly useful. I can plan ahead and know exactly when I need to be at the stop.”
A THRIVING COMMUNITY, BUILT TO LAST
At The Residences at Walter French, history has not only been preserved, it’s been reimagined, bringing new opportunities for residents to live, work and play in a revitalized community. With the support of CATA and its other partners, this once-forgotten landmark has transformed into a thriving hub, where individuals can enjoy a safe, welcoming space while staying connected to all that the region has to offer.
A SAFE PLACE FOR THOSE IN CRISIS
For some, safety can feel like a distant hope — especially for youth facing a crisis with no place to turn. With the launch of CATA’s Safe Place program in March 2025, assistance is now just a bus ride away.
CATA is the first transit agency in Michigan — and the only Safe Place partner in the state — licensed through the National Safe Place Network to operate Safe Place®, a national outreach and prevention program for vulnerable youth. Through this designation, CATA’s vehicles and facilities serve as safe spaces for individuals
under 18 experiencing crises such as abuse, neglect, violence, bullying, trafficking or stalking.
139 LICENSED SAFE PLACE ENTITIES IN 39 STATES*
Safe Place locations are available on all CATA vehicles, at the downtown CATA Transportation Center and the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway, each marked with easily recognizable signage. Individuals can board a CATA vehicle free of charge by letting the driver know they need assistance. Any CATA employee or security personnel can also respond to requests for assistance. CATA will coordinate with local
CATA professionals and bus drivers are trained to be able to figure out when children are not feeling safe and how to keep them safe. We’re going to have more safe places in our community.
– Alex Brace, Executive Director, Small Talk Children’s Advocacy Center
law enforcement and service agencies to provide support.
NATIONWIDE
3,574
YOUTH ASSISTED AT SAFE PLACE SITES IN 2024*
The impact of the program is already evident. Shortly following the launch, a young woman, visibly shaken and seeking help, approached a CATA employee at the information desk. She was facing a dangerous situation and the employee quickly reached out to the police ensuring she received support. This coordinated response demonstrates how the program can help by connecting vulnerable individuals to timely assistance.
In addition to supporting youths through the Safe Place program, CATA will continue to provide assistance to anyone, regardless of age, in need within its service area. By offering a safe and supportive environment, CATA is not only addressing urgent needs but also strengthening its mission to provide innovative solutions for the communities it serves.
Find out more at cata.org/SafePlace
*Source: National Safe Place Network — 2025 Safe Place Program Overview
DRIVING CONNECTION: CATA AND LITTLE DREAMERS
Across Lansing’s south side, Little Dreamers Early Learning Center and the region’s public transit system is helping families, educators and children thrive. Whether by eliminating barriers to work and childcare, or by fostering a sense of belonging, CATA and Little Dreamers show how transportation and education can come together to strengthen community in every sense of the word.
Jacqueline Taylor grew Little Dreamers from a small home-based childcare program into a thriving early learning center. With support from CATA’s reliable transportation, her vision shows how public services and passionate leaders build impactful relationships.
Julian Angel Ramirez, an assistant teacher at Little Dreamers, relies on CATA to get to work and support the families he serves. His story highlights how CATA does more than provide transportation — it strengthens connections.
When Zacharia Richardson moved to Lansing, Little Dreamers became her community and CATA her lifeline. Reliable, strollerfriendly transit from CATA helped her reach school and childcare and achieve a sense of independence.
Maria Robertson, Program Director at Little Dreamers, helps bring the center’s mission to life. With CATA providing vital transportation for the community, they build a strong foundation that connects the people they serve.
Heriberto Mora, a CATA driver and proud parent at Little Dreamers, knows his son is in a caring, trusted environment. Behind the wheel, Mora provides trusted transportation for others to get to work and to places like Little Dreamers.
Ramirez and Richardson (with her son) exit the bus.
Mora fixes the door for Robertson.
Taylor preparing a nutritious snack for the children.
STUDENT ART CONTEST CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH
Creativity shines when local students are given the chance to celebrate their heritage through art. As part of its involvement in the 2025 Lansing Juneteenth Celebration and African American Parade, CATA partnered with Holly Park Academy to invite students to create art that represents Lansing’s African American history.
The student art contest showcased incredible talent from local youth. The winning design was featured on t-shirts worn by CATA parade participants, proudly displayed as they walked alongside CATA’s 40-foot bus, wrapped in a Juneteenth-themed design. Additionally, the top entries are displayed inside buses and at the downtown CATA Transportation Center, making the students’ work a visible part of the celebration.
This initiative is a meaningful way for CATA to engage with and support the community, demonstrating its allyship and commitment to the people it serves.
28 SESSIONS 27 ROUTES
RESPONSES
YOUR FEEDBACK SHAPES CATA’S SERVICES
CATA’s Listening Bus lets riders share feedback during their commute. Since 2023, 28 sessions across 27 routes have gathered 565 responses, leading to improvements, such as the introduction of the Language Line translation service and the year-round schedule change for Routes 23, 24 and 25. One result of rider input was the March 2024 launch of the Automatic Detour Detection feature in Transit app, which provides realtime detour updates.
Listening Bus continues in 2025. Check the schedule at cata.org/ListeningBus
Can’t attend? Submit feedback online, by calling 517-394-1000 or visiting a CATA information booth.
WE’RE DRIVEN BY COMMUNITY, SERVING WITH A PURPOSE
At CATA, serving the community isn’t just a job — it’s a passion. Whether it’s joining cultural celebrations, marching in parades or participating in hands-on activities, CATA employees are there, making connections and showing up for the community. This involvement goes beyond just the workday and reflects CATA’s core commitment to being more than just a transit agency.
Throughout each year, CATA employees bring energy and enthusiasm to some of the region’s most exciting and meaningful events, not only to represent the organization but as residents and professionals in the area. From the inspiring messages at the MLK Jr. Commission’s “A Day of Celebration” to the joyful spirit at the Pride Festival and the vibrant celebrations of Juneteenth, CATA is there. Each event is a chance for CATA to connect with the community, celebrate diversity and promote unity, all while supporting local traditions.
But CATA’s involvement goes beyond attending events. Employees also roll up their
sleeves to volunteer at places like the Greater Lansing Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. They take part in 5K runs and walks for various causes, host booths at resource fairs and provide valuable service information to anyone who needs it. This hands-on approach shows CATA’s genuine commitment to improving the lives of people in the community.
Looking ahead, CATA’s leadership and staff are excited to keep giving back to the community. Through volunteerism and participation, CATA will remain a dedicated partner, demonstrating that public service is more than just a bus ride — it’s about making a lasting impact.
CATA knows how important it is to get where you need to go — whether it’s for work, a doctor’s appointment or to get groceries.
By removing barriers, such as financial burdens, CATA is making sure that everyone can access the services they need.
36,000 BUS PASSES DONATED IN FISCAL 2024:
CATA intersects with the business needs here. Whether you are an individual who works [here] or you are an individual who wants to attend an event, CATA provides easy transportation
– Tristan Wright, President and CEO, Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority
CATA employees, friends and family participate in the 2025 African American Parade during Lansing’s Juneteenth Celebration.
CATA’S CURB-TO-CURB SERVICES SIMPLIFY TRAVEL
When most people think of CATA, they picture large buses picking up passengers at designated stops. But did you know CATA also offers several advance-reservation, curb-to-curb services using smaller buses and minivans?
These options provide greater convenience, especially for those who need extra assistance getting around.
One such service is Spec-Tran, CATA’s ADA-complementary paratransit service for those unable to
use the fixed-route system. To use Spec-Tran, individuals must be certified through the Disability Network Capital Area. Wait-stop trips — introduced in 2023 — allow Spec-Tran riders to make brief stops during their trips without switching vehicles, offering flexibility for errands.
CATA also provides several other curb-to-curb services,
including CATA Rural Service, Lot Link, Night Owl and RediRide. These services help riders travel to destinations near bus routes, within townships or on MSU’s campus.
For more details or to schedule a ride, visit cata.org/Paratransit or call 517-394-2282
Having an injury, I’m just trying to get to my new normal. CATA definitely helps me to be able to do things and make my appointments and get where I need to go.
– Richard Lewis, Resident, Delta Township
They’ll take you exactly where you need to go and drop you off right there, which is awesome. I would not be able to go anywhere without CATA.
Evelynn Kinch, Resident, Haslett
NEW TRANSLATION SERVICE FOR CATA RIDERS
CATA’s new Language Line offers real-time translation in over 240 languages, including American Sign Language. Customers can now access CATA’s services, trip planning, fares and more, with translator support on-site via tablets or by phone. Visit cata.org/Language-Line for details.
LOOK TO THE ROAD FOR YOUR DREAM CAREER! ACHIEVE
YOUR DREAMS WITH CATA.
See available positions and apply at cata.org/Drive.
CATA [frequently has become] an employer of the day at our Lansing location. They’re able to engage with the prospective workforce different way.
