Sponsored by Capital Area Transit System
Tired of the hassle of driving and finding parking in Baton Rouge? It may be time to give public transportation a try. Our local transit system, Capital Area Transit System (CATS), offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative that can make your commute less stressful and more productive. Here are 5 compelling reasons to give public transit a try:
1. No More Parking Woes
One of the biggest headaches of driving is finding a parking spot, especially at popular destinations like shopping malls, hospitals and major retail hubs. With CATS, you can get dropped off near the entrance of places like the Mall of Louisiana, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, and the Amazon fulfillment center. No more circling the lot or feeding the meter.
2. Reduced Traffic and Emissions
By taking cars off the road, public transit helps alleviate traffic congestion throughout Baton Rouge. CATS’ fleet includes 15 electric buses, which produce zero direct emissions and help improve our city’s air quality. Choosing the bus over driving alone is an easy way for each of us to do our part in reducing our carbon footprint.
3. A New App for an Improved Experience
A new app recently unveiled by CATS is helping bring the public transit agency into the digital age. MyStop is a free mobile app that allows riders to see where their bus is and when it will arrive through an online bus tracking service viewed from their smartphones or on the Web. The MyStop app is available for iPhone or Android devices, and the download link can be found at brcats.com/page/mystop. It can also be found on the CATS homepage under the “How to Ride” tab.
4. Big Savings
Owning and operating a personal vehicle comes with significant costs. In fact, the average household spends 16 cents of every dollar on transportation, according to the American Public Transportation Association, and 93 percent of this goes to buying, maintaining and operating cars – the largest expenditure after housing. A household can save more than $13,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.
At CATS, fares are $1.75. Veterans ride free, and seniors, persons with disabilities and youth ride for $0.35. Frequent riders can save even more. A day pass with unlimited rides is only $4 on weekdays and $2 on weekends.
5. Increased Productivity
Studies show that commuters who take public transit are more productive than those who drive. Without the distraction of traffic and the need to focus on the road, transit riders can use their travel time to get a head start on the workday. Whether it’s answering emails, reviewing documents or brainstorming new ideas, the bus provides the perfect opportunity to maximize your productivity.
Ready to ditch your car and hop on the bus? Plan your trip with CATS’ online trip planner at brcats.com. With routes serving major employers, shopping destinations and community hubs across the city, it’s easier than ever to leave the driving to someone else.
