Savannah, Ga.'s Chatham Area Transit (CAT) is relaunching its microtransit on-demand service; a flexible and convenient zero-fare pilot program designed to meet Chatham County’s evolving transportation needs.

The service will officially launch in Zone Two-West Chatham, a critical area supporting workforce development.

CAT's Microtransit Service

The service enables riders to request on-demand rides within the zone through a user-friendly app. A multimodal integration feature that connects trips to and from the zone with CAT’s fixed-route bus network is also available.

“This relaunch represents our commitment to innovation and inclusivity in public transit,” said Dedrick Cody, chairman of the board of directors. “Microtransit allows us to reduce barriers and give our riders the flexibility they need in their daily commutes.”

From April 2024 to June 2024, CAT successfully piloted its first microtransit zone in East Savannah. The pilot serviced over 1,000 riders and provided over 930 unique trips that provided direct access to jobs, medical appointments, and essential needs.

“There is a demand for microtransit in our communities,” said Stephanie Cutter, CAT interim executive director/CEO.  “What CAT is doing is first-of-its-kind, and we are grateful for the partnerships with our national, state, and local leaders who help make this possible.”

Funding for the Program

The CAT SMART microtransit pilot project is funded through a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Transportation Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation Grant, and partnerships with the ATU Local 1324, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, and Savannah State University. 

CAT received the grant, secured by U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock in April 2023.