If you've been near Grand River Avenue lately, you've probably seen the new Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) buses. Ten low floor buses which have a ground clearance of 13 inches were purchased by CATA and have been running on four main routes, including the East Lansing-Meridian Mall trek, said Mark Fedorowicz. The buses have no steps in the front half of the bus and a kneeling device that lowers the bus an additional four inches. These buses also have automatically deployed ramps that make them convenient for wheelchair users, said Fedorowicz.
"These buses are more comfortable, more spacious, and they have a lower center of gravity which makes them more stable," Fedorowicz said.
Riders will also notice the synthesized voice that announces major intersections and stops. This system, called DataGuide, uses Global Positioning Satellite Systems to identify precisely where the bus is located and call out the location and time automatically, without driver intervention, said Fedorowicz. This system was installed by CATA to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). CATA can add major stops, detour information and other changes to the system's database as needed. It will also allow CATA to track its buses and determine whether it is adhering to the current schedule.
"We have also gone back to fully padded seats to compete effectively and attract customers," said Fedorowicz.
Has anyone tried the new buses? Tell us about it!