Not even frigid temperatures could chill the excitement at the kickoff celebration for the City of Alachua Transit System (CATS) Wednesday morning at the Cleather Hathcock Sr. Community Center. Following opening remarks from Interim City Manager Traci Cain and recognitions from Assistan t City Manager Danielle Judd, a staff assistant from United States Senator George S. LeMieux’s office read a congratulatory letter from the senator to the gathering and city officials.
An energetic Mayor Bonnie Burgess welcomed the new CATS with a few remarks of her own and
then read a letter from Florida Governor Charlie Crist commending the City of Alachua for the service. Commissioner Jean Calderwood touched on what she saw was a transit system that best serves the needs of Alachua’s residents, especially the elderly. Meanwhile, Vice-Mayor Gib Coerper encouraged residents to contribute to the success of CATS by making regular use of it.
After closing remarks were made by Commissioner Orien Hills, the public was invited to make the inaugural trip on CATS as it rolled through an abbreviated route around Alachua.
The service will begin regular rotation on Monday, Feb. 22 when the full north and south route will be run. The eight-mile loop will take about 50 minutes to complete according to Cain. From Monday through Friday, CATS will start each day at 9:30 a.m. and run for a full six-hours, shutting down at 3:30 p.m.
As the route is currently configured, CATS will start at Alachua City Hall and make 14 stops, mostly north of U.S. Highway 441. The bus will then go back to city hall before starting the south loop which is comprised of five stops including the Hal Brady Recreation Complex. CATS is scheduled to stop at each location six times each day.
The reincarnated CATS will give free rides through March 19. Thereafter, the fare to ride CATS is $1 per one-way trip. Senior discounts and passes will be available after the introductory period. The bus will not run on Saturday, Sunday or city-observed holidays.
Facts about CATS
Passengers should pull the cord near the windows to alert the driver that the desired stop is approaching.
Fare for each pickup is $1.
The bus is wheelchair accessible.
Children less than six years old must be accompanied by an older passenger or fare-paying adult.
Shoes, shirts and pants are required to ride.
Passengers should be at the bus stop five minutes before CATS is scheduled to arrive.
Service animals are allowed on the bus, but pets must be secured in carriers
Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted on the bus.
After the introductory period, riders should either have the exact fare amount or a pass as the driver does not carry cash.
Additional details about CATS can be found at CityofAlachua.com