When Buses Outrun the Budget

Faced with a structural shortfall, CATA must choose reserves, reductions or both.

The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) has many hard choices ahead as it navigates a budget deficit moving into the next fiscal year.

LANSING — The meeting began with celebration.

Board members praised a newly unveiled Rosa Parks-themed bus, discussed regional partnerships and welcomed news that another electric vehicle was en route to Lansing. The tone was forward-looking — modern fleets, equity initiatives, expanded planning.

Then the budget slides appeared.