Service Change

To help improve our services, CATS implements service changes three times a year in February, June, and October. For temporary detours or construction related events, please refer to our active rider alerts which you can find by clicking this link: View All Rider's Alerts

Learn more about Service Changes below:

What is a Service Change?

A service change is when CATS makes adjustments to our services to improve reliability, adjust schedules, modify routing, or otherwise better meet the needs of our customers. Potential service changes include modifications to existing route alignments, route schedules, and large- scale changes to bus stops or stations along a route. Service changes also include the implementation of any new routes or services.

When Does a Service Change Occur?

Service changes typically occur on the first Monday of every February, June, and October of each calendar year. CATS may adjust the implementation date/month for service changes as needed.

How are Service Changes Developed?

Service changes are developed based on an evaluation of ridership, potential demand, on-time performance, along with suggestions from bus operators, and customer service requests.

CATS also uses this feedback to develop our short-range service plans which provides guidance for service changes over a 5-year period. The Better Bus Plan is the current short- range plan and provides the framework on planned service changes proposed for implementation between 2026-2031

How are Service Changes Approved?

CATS has two types of service changes, a major service change and a minor service change as defined in our current Title VI program.

Major service changes are changes that impact more than 25% of a route’s scheduled revenue miles or hours. Major service changes require CATS to perform a Title VI evaluation, hold public meetings to gather input on the proposed changes, and obtain board approval/adoption before implementation

What are the CATS Service Guidelines?

The CATS Transit Service Guidelines (MTC-06) are a set of policies that guide CATS’ decision- making process for each service change. This policy defines targets for ridership, bus stop placement, service frequency, fleet type, performance monitoring and more