Sponsored by Capital Area Transit System
The Capital Area Transit System is continuing to make progress toward its goals of improving safety for riders and drivers and achieving sustainability for its fleet. The transit system’s efforts earned national attention recently. Here’s how CATS, which provides more than a million rides a year for Baton Rouge area residents, is going the extra mile for you.
Safety first
Several members of CATS’ Safety Department were recently certified as United States Department of Transportation Trainers. This exemplifies CATS’ commitment to safety first.
Personnel from CATS’ Safety Department attended intensive training with the Transportation Safety Institute, an institution recognized for its comprehensive courses in vehicle operations, emergency management and customer relations. This achievement positions CATS as an industry leader, as these certified trainers will now be equipped to educate and empower their colleagues in these crucial areas.
CATS’ newly certified trainers will also complete an additional online course, which will qualify them to instruct on Distracted Driving and Fatigue & Sleep Apnea Awareness.
Sustainability for the future
Creating a more sustainable public transit system is something CATS has been working on for several years now, and the organization’s position as a frontrunner in the clean transportation industry was recently solidified.
CATS was recognized with the “Alternative Fuel Vehicle Leadership” award at the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2023 Clean Cities Stakeholder Summit in Washington, D.C. Its investment in electric buses and recent expansions of its green fleet underscore the organization’s dedication to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the Baton Rouge area
As a testament to CATS’ commitment to sustainability, the transit agency recently added six BYD|RIDE zero-emissions buses to its existing fleet. These state-of-the-art electric buses are not only environmentally friendly, but they also provide a quiet, comfortable and efficient mode of transportation.
Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025, CATS plans to incorporate nine more electric buses into its fleet. These buses will play a crucial role in the BRapid Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit corridor project. With buses expected at stops every 15 minutes, this BTR corridor project aims to provide residents and visitors with a rapid, reliable and eco-conscious transportation option through downtown Baton Rouge along the Plank-Nicholson corridor.
More information about CATS’ commitment to safety and sustainability 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.
