The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in Lansing, MI, marked the recent completion of its new, 212,500-square-foot bus storage facility with a “ribbon-busting” ceremony. The day-long event also featured a public open house, guided tours, vehicle showcase, and rides through the bus wash bay aboard an articulated hybrid.

Steve Soliz, president of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1039, had the honor of breaking through the ceremonial ribbon with a 60-foot hybrid vehicle. ATU Local 1039 represents CATA’s 242 bus operators, utility workers, and mechanics.

“When CATA formed in 1972, the city of Lansing allowed us to have a condemned house on Mill Street,” said Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Sandy Draggoo. “When we first moved into this facility on Tranter Street, it was 60,000 square feet. We’ve come a long way since Mill Street, thanks to the many friends over our 40-year history who’ve consistently supported public transportation.”

The agency received $9.85 million in state and federal funding, including an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant, to support the expansion and renovation of the facility. The three-phase construction process began about two years ago.

CATA said this project was the first in its 40-year history to employ a project labor agreement, which means that federal dollars earmarked for the expansion and renovation effort could be used to directly benefit Michigan workers, contractors, and subcontractors.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) said the facility’s capacity to house the CATA fleet “goes a long way for longevity,” reducing fuel consumption during startups and extending vehicle life. “That tells you that my mother was right: The wheels on the bus do go ’round and ’round,” he added.

The new storage facility will house approximately 200 vehicles, including about 150 buses ranging in length from 25 feet to 60 feet. The other vehicles will include CATA transport vans, department vehicles, and service trucks.

An articulated CATA hybrid bus driven by Steve Soliz, president of ATU Local 1039, approaches the ceremonial ribbon as it advances through the bus storage facility door.