CATS is under the direction of the Mayor and Board of Public Works. The General Manager, Merle Jones, is responsible for the daily operations. For
Department Description:
Urban transit has enjoyed a long history in Anderson from the old interurban to the efficient service of the present public transit system.
The main terminal is downtown Anderson at 1109 Main Street. 765-646-5747
The administrative offices are located at 530 Dale Keith Jones Road. 765-648-6400
The three major goals of the City of Anderson Transportation System are:
1.To provide convenient, reliable, safe, and comfortable service to all patrons;
2.To provide fixed route and demand-responsive services as efficiently and equitably as possible;
3.To maximize potential ridership within the parameters set by CATS’ service area and available funds.
Authority and Responsibilities
Urban transit has had a long and varied history in Anderson from the old interurban to the establishment of the present public transit system in 1973. Originally established as a municipal transit utility, the City of Anderson Transportation System (CATS) became a department of the City in 1982.
As a City department, CATS falls under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Works. The Board selects the general manager of CATS with the concurrence of the Mayor. The Board is responsible for the following: overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department, adopting transit goals and policy objectives, specifying CATS’ management structure, approving fare and service modifications and bids for capital purchases, settling major issues or disputes, and recommending operating and capital budgets to the City Council. The City Council reviews and approves CATS’ departmental budget on an annual basis.
CATS’ management is responsible for implementing the daily operations of the transit system. This includes: promoting the service through a marketing program, hiring and firing of employees, assigning buses and drivers to routes, purchasing materials and supplies, maintaining equipment and facilities, implementing service improvements, managing the system’s finances, and monitoring the total operation.
They also perform research and development activities including: measuring transit service needs of the City’s population, researching and developing effective methods for improving transit service delivery, assessing the potential impacts of proposed improvements, preparing grants and assisting with budgets, evaluating the performances of the transit service in respect to achieving goals and objectives specified by the Board of Works.
Operating Fares & Routes
The fare structure listed below for CATS' fixed route and demand responsive service has been in effect since March, 2013. CATS requests that all patrons use the correct change for fare payment. The current rates are as follows:
Type of Fares:
Fixed Route (one way) .......................... $ 1.00
VIP (elderly & handicapped) .................. $ 0.50
Transfers ............................................. FREE
Nifty Lift (one way) .............................. $ 2.00*
Pass Card Fares:
Regular Pass 15 day (Unlimited) ............ $12.00
Regular pass 31 day (Unlimited) ............ $24.00
Student pass 15 day (Unlimited) ............ $ 9.00
Student pass 31 day (Unlimited) ............ $18.00
(With Valid Student ID)
VIP pass 15 day (Unlimited) .................. $ 6.00
VIP pass 31 day (Unlimited) ................... $12.00
(With Valid ID Card)
Transfers (fixed route only) .................. Free
* (Must have approved application on file prior to making appointments w/ Nifty Lift)
Route Maps
Currently, six fixed routes offer service at fifty minute head ways, leaving the terminal on the hour before noon (6:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) and ten minutes after the hour in the afternoon (1:10 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.). Saturday service is always on the hour (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).
In addition to fixed route service, CATS provides a curb-to-curb paratransit service known as Nifty Lift. Lift-equipped vehicles are available to meet the transportation needs of the mobility limited, such as the elderly and the handicapped. Patrons are requested to provide notice by 7:00 PM prior to the day of requested service. However, if scheduling permits, requests for service during the same day will be honored.
EXPRESS ROUTE: Provides transportation from Downtown Terminal to Flagship leaving at the top of every hour beginning at 6:00am to 6:00 pm. Minimal stops include: Rickers and Redbud. See Route map #7 for specific details.
MUNCIE TO INDIANAPOLIS ROUTE: The city of Anderson and Miller Trailways is now offering a new bus route from Muncie to Indianapolis with stops in Muncie, Anderson, Pendleton, Fortville, and Indianapolis 2 times daily. Call 502-368-5644 or check out http://hoosierride.com/services and click on schedules, locations, and buy tickets.
Reviews, get directions and information City of Anderson Transit System CATS.
