top of page
This site was designed with the
.com
website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

TRANSIT 101

TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET AROUND TOWN?

How the Heck Do I Use CATA Bus System?

Timing and preparation are everything--find out which bus you want to catch ahead of time, especially if it’s an infrequent route, and ask for a transfer ticket if you need one. Be at the stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive, because it might arrive early.

 

Be completely ready to leave before the bus comes--have either your pass/change and all your belongings in hand.

 

Don’t get caught in one routine--try out different bus routes and different grocery store locations to find the most convenient trip for you.

 

If you take the bus to go grocery shopping, bring an empty backpack and a few bags so you can carry more food home.

 

Plan out where to live based on how frequently the buses come.

  • You can save a lot of money and time for just a couple more dollars rent a month

  • Ask people who live in the complex what the buses are like

 

Knowing when the bus will come:

To know when the next bus will arrive, text the bus stop number on the pole or bus stop box to 76123 and you will receive an automated response of all the buses coming in the next hour or so.

You can also download the CATA app, which tracks each bus individually on a map and can help you plan your route in advance.

CATA ROUTE MAP

The routes that will probably be most useful to you as an MSU student are the 20s, 30s, and the 1.

  • The 1 travels all along Grand River to Meridian Mall, then along Michigan Ave to the Frandor Kroger and the middle of Lansing.

  • Which of the 20s you use will depend mainly on the apartment complex you live in

    • Southwest of campus: 20

    • North of campus: 24, 25, or 26

    • Southeast of campus: 22

  • Out of these buses, the 26 arrives most frequently and travels down Abbot/Chandler Road every 8 minutes on weekdays. The rest arrive between every 15 and 30 minutes on weekdays

​

The 30s are free for students on campus. Taking the bus from class to class is a perfect opportunity to learn the quirks of taking the bus and become a pro at using it to your advantage.

 

Remember, the buses run much less frequently on the weekends, so planning ahead is much more important. Know when the bus is coming and when you need to be ready by and have a return trip planned out in your mind.

How Else Do I Get Around This Place?

If you need to get somewhere around East Lansing, you’re gonna have a hard time.

 

Cars:

Transportation is easy when you have a car except parking. Pretty much everywhere else on campus except the meters also requires a permit, including Commuter Lot 89. File for your permits early so you don’t get a parking ticket. You can also:

​

  • Park in a parking garage for a pretty fair price

  • Park in a residential street off Grand River, which has free 1- or 2-hour parking

  • Parking is free in most lots on campus after 6pm until 7am

​

Overnight Parking: This is East Lansing's best kept secret! If you need to park your car overnight on a residential street then call East Lansing Police Office: (517) 319-6897 to avoid getting a parking ticket.   

​

  1. Make sure there are no signs posted on the street stating you can not park overnight.

  2. Call before midnight.

  3. Be sure to have your license plate number, model of your car and the street address where you parked.

 

Mopeds: Get a permit if your moped is going to be around for a while, otherwise you can park it near a bike rack just off campus for free.

 

Bikes: File for a permit with the East Lansing Police Department. The ELPD can issue permits that allow you to park on- or off-campus without your bike getting confiscated.

​

Bikes, Mopeds, and other small wheels are versatile and convenient but hard to take care of in winter. Make sure you have a place to store and shelter them long-term from the cold and the snow.

​

ASMSU Safe Ride: You can call this free service and they will drop you off anywhere on campus during the night if you are afraid for whatever reason.

 

​

 

CATA Spec-Tran: You have to call CATA and let them know in advance that you need to be picked up, but they can take you from curb to curb all over Lansing. Students and other citizens with disabilities can get a discount and recurring service. Just call CATA at 517-394-1000 or click the button below:

​

​

bottom of page