CATS Breaks Ground on North Transit Center

Sponsored by Capital Area Transit System

East Baton Rouge Parish residents are one step closer to Bus Rapid Transit becoming a reality after the recent groundbreaking for the new North Transit Center held by the Capital Area Transit System earlier this month.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in improving public transportation infrastructure and services for the residents of Baton Rouge and Baker and represents the first phase of Louisiana’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

The North Transit Center, 5275 Airline Highway, is a crucial component of the larger Plank-Nicholson BRT project, which will connect North and South Baton Rouge through a high-frequency, high-quality transit service. This 9-mile BRT corridor will link key areas of the city, enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

“The North Transit Center represents our ongoing commitment to modernizing and enhancing public transit in Baton Rouge,” says Theo Richards, CEO of CATS. “This new facility will play a crucial role in improving connectivity, reducing wait times and providing a more comfortable experience for our passengers.”

The North Transit Center, with an expected 2025 completion date, is designed to serve as a hub for multiple bus routes, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and real-time bus tracking capabilities. The initiative is a collaborative effort between CATS and the East Baton Rouge City-Parish government, with funding support from the Federal Transit Administration and the MOVEBR program. As the first BRT system in Louisiana, this project represents a significant advancement in public transportation for the state.

The groundbreaking held July 9 featured remarks from Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Terrance “Joe” Donahue, highlighting the importance of this project for the community.

According to Mayor-President Broome, improving public transit in East Baton Rouge Parish with Bus Rapid Transit will not only help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, but it will also provide affordable transportation to residents and visitors to the Capital City. The project will link North and South Baton Rouge neighborhoods to jobs and attractions, synchronize with the work being done by Build Baton Rouge to revitalize the Plank Road Corridor and unify the City-Parish with visually distinctive transit stations and vehicles.

This latest development aligns with CATS’ recent initiatives, including the launch of the MyStop bus tracking app, which has already begun to transform the commuting experience for residents.

More information about CATS can be found online at brcats.com. The agency also has a Customer Care Line to help customers during CATS service hours. Call 225.389.8282 for assistance.