Question 1

What days does CATA operate?

Accepted Answer

CATA provides service Monday through Saturday year-round. Additional seasonal service includes select Sundays and holidays. Check individual route schedules for specific operating days and times.

Question 2

What is the CATA bus fare?

Accepted Answer

CATA is currently fare free through grant funding provided by the Commonwealth.  The regular CATA bus, Mall Bus, ADA Paratransit service, senior dial-a-ride service, Ipswich Medical bus, the Dialysis Bus, and all summer routes are fare free.  The CATA On Demand service will continue to collect fares.

Question 3

Do CATA buses operate on holidays?

Accepted Answer

CATA does not operate on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day.CATA operates a Saturday schedule on the following holidays:
(including ADA Paratransit service where applicable.)Martin Luther King Jr. DayPresidents' DayPatriots' DayJuneteenthColumbus DayVeterans DayOn Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day, seasonal routes and limited ADA Paratransit service may be available where seasonal service is offered.Please check current schedules or call 978-283-7916 for holiday service availability.

Question 4

How do I board the bus?

Accepted Answer

Arrive at your stop a few minutes early. When you see the bus, wave to indicate to the driver that you are waiting for the bus. When the bus arrives, please allow passengers to exit before boarding. Have your belongings ready and board carefully using the handrails if needed. For your safety, never cross in front of the bus. Wait until the bus has departed, then look both ways before crossing the street.

Question 5

How can I stay safe when exiting the bus?

Accepted Answer

Never cross in front of the bus. Wait for the bus to leave the area, then look both ways before crossing the street.

Question 6

What behavior is expected while riding?

Accepted Answer

Please be respectful of fellow passengers and drivers. Loud conversations, excessive noise, radios, and offensive or disruptive behavior are not permitted and may result in removal from the vehicle and suspension from CATA service.

Question 7

Are food, drinks, or smoking allowed on the bus?

Accepted Answer

No. Smoking, vaping, eating, and drinking are not permitted on CATA vehicles.

Question 8

Can I bring bags or a personal cart?

Accepted Answer

Bag Policy
CATA has a three bag limit to ensure space for all customers on the bus and for safety reasons.  Please be respectful of your fellow passengers and abide by this rule.

Up to Three Bags: You are welcome to bring up to three bags with you on the bus.
One Trip:  You must be able to board and deboard the bus in one trip.
Size & Safety: Please ensure that your bags are manageable, under your control, and do not block the aisles or take up additional seating.

Small Personal Carts
CATA allows small personal carts on all buses and vans. To ensure a safe and comfortable ride for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

Keep aisles clear: Carts must be stored out of the aisle. If a cart cannot be fully removed from the aisle, please remove its contents and fold it up.
Maintain control of your items: Passengers must keep their carts and bags secure at all times.
Accessibility: If you need assistance boarding or exiting the bus with your cart, you are welcome to request use of the lift.
Safety first: Bulky items cannot be placed in the aisle, as they may interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.

Question 9

Do I have to wear a seat belt?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Seat belts are required by law on all CATA Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit vehicles.

Question 10

Do I need a car seat for my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a child requires a car seat, the passenger is responsible for providing and properly securing it before travel.

Question 11

Does CATA have clothing requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Riders must wear appropriate clothing, including pants, shirt, and shoes. Face coverings are optional.

Question 12

Can I bring my pet?

Accepted Answer

Service animals are always welcome. Other animals must be safely secured in an appropriate carrier or cage.

Question 13

What is CATA's non-discrimination policy?

Accepted Answer

CATA is committed to providing transportation services without regard to race, color, or national origin and complies with all applicable civil rights requirements.

Question 14

What is Wave-a-Bus?

Accepted Answer

CATA buses may be flagged down between bus stops. Simply stand on the same side of the road as the bus, wave to the driver, and the bus will stop at the first safe location. Always wait where the driver can safely see you. Wave-A-Bus is not available on School Tripper routes or the Saturday Mall Bus.

Question 15

Can I tip my driver?

Accepted Answer

No. CATA drivers are not permitted to accept tips.

Question 16

Can I request a specific driver?

Accepted Answer

No. Dispatchers cannot assign riders to specific drivers or guarantee that a rider will or will not have a particular driver. If you have concerns about a driver, please contact CATA at 978-283-7916.

Question 17

Does CATA operate if it is snowing?

Accepted Answer

Reports of bus service interruption due to weather or other emergencies will be broadcast on CATA social media & canntran.com.

Question 18

Can CATA make reasonable modifications for riders with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CATA will make reasonable modifications to its policies and procedures to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to its transportation services.A modification may be approved if it:Is necessary for the rider to use the service.Does not fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity.Does not create a direct threat to the health or safety of others.Does not result in an undue financial or administrative burden.How to request a reasonable modification:Let CATA know what you need in order to use the service. You are not required to use the term "reasonable modification" when making your request.Whenever possible, requests should be made in advance, such as during the ADA Paratransit eligibility process or by contacting Customer Service at 978-283-7916 before your trip.If a request cannot reasonably be made in advance, CATA operating personnel will determine at the time of service whether the requested modification can be provided.

Question 19

What is CATA On Demand?

Accepted Answer

CATA On Demand is a public, app-based transportation service that lets you book shared rides within Gloucester and Rockport when you need them. Enter your pickup and drop-off locations in the CATA On Demand mobile app, choose the ride option that works best for you, and we'll send a driver your way. Service operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM for $2 per ride.To book your first ride: Download the CATA On Demand app and create a rider profile.

Question 20

Can I rent a CATA trolley or bus for my special event?

Accepted Answer

Federal regulations prevent CATA from renting buses.  Check the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website for information on transportation companies.

Question 21

Can I advertise on the bus?

Accepted Answer

CATA does offer advertising on vehicles.  Please reference our Advertising Standards and current Advertising Rates.If you would like additional advertising information, have questions, or would like to move forward with reserving advertising space, please contact Jackie at laflamj@canntran.com or 978-283-1886x102.

Frequently asked questions