Ride Safely with CAT

UPDATE 3/10/22:

FTA MASK REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO April 18, 2022. https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/statements/2022/03/10/statement-regarding-face-mask-use-public-transportation

UPDATE 1/18/22:

FTA MASK REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MARCH 18, 2022.  www.transit.dot.gov/transitmaskup 

UPDATE 6/23/21:

Transit Systems Across the Region Must Enforce FTA Mask Requirement Until September 13, 2021

 

Public transportation agencies across the Susquehanna region announced today that they will enforce mask requirements for riders until September 13, 2021, per the mandate from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Capital Area Transit (CAT), rabbittransit, Red Rose Transit Authority, BARTA and Lebanon Transit (LT) are among the region’s grantees who receive Federal Transit Administration funding and are obligated to comply with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) mask mandate until September 13, 2021.

 

This announcement comes with the news that Governor Wolf has lifted the masking order as of June 28, 2021, communicating that Pennsylvanians may choose not to wear a mask, unless they are required by a business or organization.  “It is very important that the riding public understands that the June 28 announcement by the Governor does not change the facemask requirement for transit riders,” states Dave Kilmer, Executive Director of South Central Transit Authority (SCTA).

 

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lifted the masking order for those who are fully vaccinated, it still requires those traveling on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation or at indoor transportation hubs to wear a mask.  For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html#vaccinated

 

FTA amended its Master Agreement with local transit authorities to incorporate the requirements of the CDC mask order. FTA’s Master Agreement contains the standard terms and conditions that apply to every grantee. The amendment includes enforcement actions FTA may take for non-compliance. “It is critical that we follow this mandate, as this is a direct requirement of funding for local public transportation. Without the FTA’s support, local service across countless communities wouldn’t exist,” comments rabbittransit and CAT’s Executive Director, Richard Farr.

 

The regional transit agencies are asking riders to respect the mandate in order to minimize transit delays that stem from mask conversations. The transit authorities have equipped drivers with extra masks that are available to the public for free. “While we are all working towards a return to normal, we ask our customers to continue to mask-up prior to boarding.  Wearing a mask will help the transit providers remain compliant with Federal requirements and avoid unnecessary travel delays,” notes LT’s Executive Director Theresa Giurintano.


UPDATE 2/2/21:

The CDC has issued a federal order that all persons must wear a mask while riding on public transportation and while at a transportation hub. Those not in compliance will be asked to disembark. For the full order, please click here.


The Secretary of Health has re-issued the order requiring universal face coverings. Please click here to read through the Frequently Asked Questions in regard to this order.


June 12, 2020 at 8:45 AM

Beginning Monday, June 15, Capital Area Transit (CAT) will return to normal service as Cumberland County moves to the green phase on Friday, June 12 and Dauphin County is operating in the yellow phase. Nose/mouth coverings are a continued requirement to ride any CAT service.

In conjunction with resuming normal service, CAT is also launching a new website on June 15. The new site is responsive, meaning whether accessed via mobile device, tablet or computer, it will look and work the same. The new site is intended to be easy to navigate and more user-friendly overall.


June 1, 2020 10:30 AM

Beginning June 8, 2020 Capital Area Transit (CAT) will implement fare collection for fixed route service. CAT will be offering 50% off bus passes throughout the month of June. Beginning June 1, bus passes can be purchased on www.cattransit.com, through the Token Transit app on smartphones as well as in person at the Strawberry Square CAT Information Office or CAT’s Main Office located at 901 North Cameron Street in Harrisburg.

The 50% off sale will end June 30, 2020.

For more information, please call our Customer Service Center at 717-238-8304 or email info@cattransit.com


May 29, 2020 11:30 AM

UPDATE: Dauphin County has now moved to the yellow phase! Trip purpose expansion will go into effect beyond life-sustaining trips. Trips taken should comply with Governor Wolf’s orders under the yellow status.

Fixed route service will return to normal boarding procedures on Monday, June 1, 2020 via the front door. Driver barriers have been installed as a means of social distancing between passengers and drivers as the organization plans to return to fare collection in the future.

Face masks or nose/mouth coverings are a continued requirement to ride Capital Area Transit service.


April 22, 2020 4:30 PM

With the recommendation of Governor Wolf for all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, all passengers riding our services must wear a mask, bandanna or scarf to cover their mouth and nose.
Capital Area Transit is actively seeking donations of cloth masks for our riders from our outside community. Please call our Customer Service Care Center at 717-238-8304 or email info@cattransit.com if you would like to donate.


April 14, 2020 3:00 PM

If you are a fixed route or paratransit rider and need transportation to a COVID-19 testing site, please call us at (717) 238-8304 so we can better assist you in this process.


April 10, 2020 9:30 AM

In light of COVID-19, as an additional precautionary measure, Capital Area Transit (CAT) will require all passengers on CAT vehicles to cover their nose and mouth beginning Monday, April 13, 2020. The CDC recommends anyone leaving their homes to use face coverings to limit their potential exposure to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

CAT bus operators will monitor compliance with the face covering requirement. Passengers not wearing an item to cover the nose and mouth will not be permitted to board the bus until they comply.

Governor Wolf has offered the guidance– My Mask Protects You, Your Mask Protects Me.

Any passenger who believes their disability prevents them from complying with this mandate, a reasonable modification must be requested and approved by the Authority prior to boarding the bus.


April 7, 2020 8:00 AM

In addition to the prior modified schedule changes, the following service changes will go into effect:

  • Route 14 will not operate until further notice
  • Route F will operate on a modified schedule

Due to continuously changing service demands, modified service schedules may change frequently.


April 3, 2020 5:00 PM

Governor Wolf issued a recommendation that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask when leaving home as COVID-19 cases steadily rise in the state.

Remember – My Mask Protects You, Your Mask Protects Me.

We are asking all passengers riding our services to wear a mask, bandana or scarf to cover your nose and mouth.


April 2, 2020 3:00 PM

In light of COVID-19, precautionary measures Capital Area Transit (CAT) has implemented include free fare, rear boarding and following social distancing protocols.   Out of an abundance of caution for CAT employees and the general public, we continue to request that passengers only ride for life-sustaining needs (medical appointments, employment, groceries).

Additionally, we have modified the schedules of fixed route service. Modified fixed route schedules begin April 6, 2020.


April 1, 2020 8:00 AM

CAT’s Strawberry Square office will remained CLOSED with the intention to potentially reopen with normal business hours starting April 30th, 2020. Please stay tuned for updates. We apologize for any inconvenience.  CAT’s main office located at 901 N. Cameron St. remains OPEN normal business hours – 7:30am – 4pm.


March 30, 2020 12:00 PM

As a reminder, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have temporarily implemented free fare for fixed route service creating in order to create social distancing. However, this generates the need to ask for donations to support the continuation of service.  Donations can be made online, at CAT’s main office or by mail:

Capital Area Transit

901 N. Cameron Street

Harrisburg PA 17101

Please do not give donations to bus drivers.


March 25, 2020 5:00 PM

This is an unprecedented time of uncertainty for all of us. Capital Area Transit (CAT) understands the need for flexibility as places of business are making decisions to protect employees and subsequently our community, by allowing employees to work flexible schedules and/or from home.

To support these measures, CAT will permit customers who purchased and activated a 31 day pass between March 2 and March 16, and have only used it for two weeks or less, to be eligible to receive an 11 ride pass; which does not expire.

To limit social interaction during the COVID-19 situation, customers must mail the March activated pass to our office and include a return mailing address.  If no return address is included, CAT will not be able to issue the 11 ride pass.

Replacements will need to be processed at CAT’s Administrative Office.  Strawberry Square is currently closed, therefore no replacements can take place at that location.  Passes must be mailed into our CAT Administrative Office, no exceptions.

Mailing Address:

CAT Monthly Pass Replacements

901 N. Cameron St.

Harrisburg, PA 17101

Attn: Miguel Acri

For those who purchased digital passes we are coordinating with our vendor Token Transit. Please stay tuned for more details.


March 24, 2020 4:00 PM

Because of the unfolding news related to COVID-19, Shippensburg University has announced suspension of all in-person classroom instruction for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester and has moved to virtual delivery.

The RRT Blue and White Line will suspend service during this time until further notice. The Red Line will still operate as scheduled.

We will continue to provide updates as new information occurs.


March 20, 2020 4:00 PM

To further protect our employees, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, Capital Area Transit (CAT) will not collect fares on any Fixed Route service.  We continue to expect passengers to only ride for life-sustaining service (medically necessary, food access or employment), otherwise, we strongly encourage you to stay home at this time.   Due to no fare collection, we will also begin rear boarding only, where possible.  Any passenger using a mobility device or who needs assistance would still board the bus through the front door.  These efforts are to further expand and protect the social distancing for the operator.

We are asking that passengers please make donations to support the continuation of service.  Donations can be made at CAT’s main office or by mail:

Capital Area Transit

901 N. Cameron Street

Harrisburg PA 17101

Please do not give donations to bus drivers.

To help allow for social distancing and to eliminate a potential touchpoint on the bus, printed schedules will no longer be available on buses for passengers until further notice.

To help allow for social distancing we are moving the standee line back. ADA or senior passengers who request to sit or need to be secured in the priority seating area will still be allowed to utilize the area. This effort is to maintain social distancing for the operator.


March 19, 2020 4:00 PM

Capital Area Transit (CAT) has established an additional board meeting date for Friday, March 20, 2020, at 2pm. This meeting will be held at Capital Area Transit located at 901 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.  The public is invited to attend all meetings and a public comment period is provided at each meeting.


March 19, 2020 8:00 AM

In order for CAT to continue to provide life sustaining service, we are calling on our customers for assistance. We need to create “social distancing” for our operators.  CAT is temporarily roping off the priority seating area surrounding the driver. We ask that you please refrain from sitting in this area. If you are an ADA eligible or senior passenger and are not able to access seating in another part of the bus, please notify the driver for assistance. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact CAT directly at (717) 233-5657.


March 17, 2020 8:00 AM

As a precautionary measure due to COVID-19, CAT’s Strawberry Square office will be CLOSED starting March 17th. It is our intention that the office will reopen with normal business hours starting Monday March 30th, 2020. Please stay tuned for updates. We apologize for any inconvenience.

CAT’s main office located at 901 N. Cameron St. remains OPEN normal business hours – 7:30am – 4pm.


March 16, 2020 3:30 PM

Today, Governor Wolf called for a shutdown of all nonessential businesses.  He has asked that people stay home to eliminate as many physical contacts as we can to prevent this strain of COVID-19.   https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/

To honor the Governor’s request, CAT is asking our customers to do the following:

  • Please limit your fixed route transportation to essential needs only.  These may include trips to work, medical and grocery stores.
  • Shared Ride reservations will only be taken for essential needs, such as work, medical and grocery shopping.

Stay home when you can.  Be Safe.  Thank you for doing your part to keep our community as safe as possible.


March 16, 2020 9:15 AM

Much has happened in the past few days related to COVID-19.  The Governor has asked that large gatherings be canceled statewide, sports leagues have been suspended, schools put on leave with many moving to virtual classrooms.

We want to update you on what these latest developments mean for riding transit.

We continue to follow — and encourage you to as well — the advice of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Currently, there are no recommendations to limit any transit service. Health experts understand transit is vital to the community and many people are dependent on our services to get where they need to go. While many events and other social gatherings may be canceled, people still need to get to work, medical services and the grocery store. We take this responsibility very seriously.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is recommending “social distancing” — that you maintain six feet of distance between yourself and other people to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. With more people working remotely and prioritizing their travel needs, there is more space on vehicles.  We do ask that you remain respectful to and of other people.  When you don’t have to travel, it is best to stay home.

We continue to clean our vehicles with disinfectant nightly. Just remember that these surfaces are only clean until someone touches them or coughs/sneezes nearby.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a team effort, so please follow the recommendations of the CDC:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Stay home when you are sick.

For more information https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx