EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) and Michigan State University have reached an agreement for CATA to operate MSU campus bus service beginning with the upcoming fall semester in August 1999.
This first-time regional partnership will provide new and expanded transportation services to the MSU community, as well as in the surrounding areas of East Lansing and Meridian Township.
Some existing campus routes will have more frequent service. Other new routes from Okemos, Haslett and South Lansing will now travel directly to the MSU campus. Patrons of MSU athletic and entertainment events will benefit from direct service to campus facilities.
"We are excited about the benefits the CATA/MSU transportation plan brings to our customers, as well as the opportunity to provide the MSU community with the advantages of a regionally integrated bus service," said Sandy Draggoo, CATA executive director.
"This is an opportunity that may enable us to more effectively and efficiently respond to the changing transportation needs of the MSU community," said Fred Poston, MSU acting vice president of finance and operations.
Under this plan, all MSU as well as other area students will be able to access CATA regular route services (both on the MSU campus and throughout the entire regional area) for 25 cents per ride. A $40 semester pass, good for unlimited rides in CATA's regional service area, will be offered. The current MSU student annual bus pass also will be offered by CATA for $65. This pass is limited to travel within the MSU campus boundaries.
Commuters to campus who park in the lot at Mt. Hope Road and Farm Lane will be able to purchase a $15 semester pass or $25 two-semester pass. These passes will be good for travel on the commuter route from the parking lot to the corner of Farm Lane and Shaw Lane.
Officials of both MSU and CATA noted that CATA's provision of public transportation on the MSU campus, and in the East Lansing and Meridian Township areas, will be expanded and enhanced to significantly improve the community's transportation options and reduce traffic and parking congestion problems in and around the MSU campus and East Lansing areas.
The MSU Board of Trustees had authorized university officials to seek the agreement at its April meeting.