Service Updates - Effective 11/9/24

On November 9, 2024, CAT will implement several service improvements to enhance the reliability and convenience of your commute. These changes include increased frequencies, route adjustments, and new timepoints. 

PDF Schedules: 

Please click here to see our new Fixed Route Schedule Book including these November Service Changes. 

Detailed List of Changes:

• Route 4: Frequency Improvements

  • What’s Changing:
    Route 4, which serves Cherry Avenue and Harris Road, will operate every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.
  • Why This Matters:
    This change provides more consistent service throughout the day, improving reliability and reducing wait times for riders. Route 4 currently has the second-lowest on-time performance in CAT's system, and this frequency adjustment will help address those issues by making buses run more regularly.
  • Benefit to Riders:
    Shorter waits between buses mean you can plan your day more effectively and rely on CAT to get you where you need to go—on time!

• Route 6: Frequency Improvements

  • What’s Changing:
    Route 6 will now operate with 30-minute frequencies from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday- Saturday, offering a faster and more reliable connection between key destinations.
  • Why This Matters:
    Increasing the frequency of Route 6 will improve service availability and reduce wait times for passengers, providing a more efficient and attractive option for riders.
  • Benefit to Riders:
    Shorter waits between buses mean you can plan your day more effectively and rely on CAT to get you where you need to go—on time!

• Route 11: New Service to the Center at Belvedere

  • What’s Changing:
    Route 11 will be modified to include service to the Center at Belvedere off East Rio Road, in the outbound direction. This change will provide access to more community resources and activities at this popular location.
  • Why This Matters:
    By adding a stop at the Center at Belvedere, CAT is making it easier for residents to reach a key community center, increasing accessibility for all.
  • Benefit to Riders:
    Access to more destinations for daily activities, healthcare, and community programs without the need for additional transfers.

• New Timepoints Across Multiple Routes

  • What’s Changing:
    Several new timepoints have been added to improve bus stop coverage and better align schedules with actual travel conditions:
    • Route 3: New timepoint at 5th St. & Bent Creek Rd. (inbound).
    • Route 4: New timepoints at Cherry Ave. & Shamrock Rd. (both directions).
    • Route 5: New timepoints at Commonwealth Dr. & Northwest Dr. (both directions).
    • Route 6: New timepoints at Brookwood Dr. & 5th St. (southbound) and Elliott Ave. & Burnet St. (northbound).
    • Routes 7 & 8: New timepoint at Shops at Stonefield (southbound).
    • Route 10: New timepoints at E. High St. & 9 ½ St. (eastbound) and Social Security Administration (westbound).
    • Route 11: New timepoints at Northeast Park (both directions) and the Center at Belvedere (northbound).
    • Routes 1 & 3: Timepoint moved from Market St. & Old Preston to Market St. & 5th St.
  • Why This Matters:
    The updated timepoints align our schedules more closely with real-world traffic conditions, improving the overall reliability and efficiency of our service. By fine-tuning bus arrival times, we help minimize delays and make the system more predictable. This also enhances route coordination, ensuring that stops are better synchronized across the network.
  • Benefit to Riders:
    These improvements provide riders with more accurate scheduling information, making trip planning easier and reducing wait times. With more reliable service, passengers can expect a smoother, more efficient transit experience.

• Schedule Adjustments Across All Routes

  • What’s Changing:
    Every CAT route, including the Free Trolley, will have an updated schedule to reflect current travel conditions based on data collected by Automatic Passenger Counters (APCs) on our buses.
  • Why This Matters:
    By adjusting run times and schedules to better match real-world traffic patterns, we can improve the accuracy of our schedules and reduce the likelihood of buses running late.
  • Benefit to Riders:
    More accurate schedules mean you can better plan your trip and minimize wait times, ensuring a more predictable transit experience.

• Optimized Connections at the Downtown Transit Center

  • What’s Changing:
    Connections at the Downtown Transit Station have been optimized to provide easy transfers across three departure times each hour. 
  • Why This Matters:
    Missed connections can be a major inconvenience for riders transferring between routes. By optimizing departures, we’re reducing wait times at the Downtown Transit Center, helping you get to your next bus more smoothly.
  • Benefit to Riders:
    Easier and faster transfers mean less time waiting between routes, getting you to your destination faster and with less hassle.

• New Collective Bargaining Agreement: Driver Breaks

  • What’s Changing:
    As part of a new union agreement, CAT drivers working an 8-hour shift will now receive two (2) 10-minute breaks to help ensure a balanced and fair work schedule.
  • Why This Matters:
    Providing regular breaks for our drivers ensures they can perform their jobs safely and efficiently.
  • Benefit to Riders:
    Well-rested drivers mean safer and more reliable rides, ultimately leading to a better service experience for passengers.