CATapulting Transportation: Secretary Buttigieg Shows Strong Support for Agency’s Microtransit Project

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg recently visited Chatham Area Transit (CAT) in Georgia to speak to local leaders about the promising future of transportation. The roundtable discussion -  featuring Secretary Buttigieg, CAT Executive Director and CEO Faye DiMassimo, Chatham County officials, city of Savannah officials and others - focused on innovative conversations surrounding local funding needs, strategic partnerships, economic opportunities in the area and the pivotal topic of the U.S. Department of Transportation Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant, a grant that pushes forward to microtransit – a technology advancement that Secretary Buttigieg backs. 

The all electric microtransit project is the future of sustainable and dependable transportation in the city of Savannah and Chatham County. The on-demand like service, operated by union operators, will seamlessly connect communities, jobs, and medical services through the creation of progressive technology by Georgia Tech. 

CAT was awarded a SMART Grant Phase 1 to develop this microtransit system and plans to pursue additional funding through SMART Grant phase 2 in 2024. 

These collaborative efforts and partnerships aim to enhance connectivity, accessibility, and overall mobility, fostering a transportation landscape that aligns with the evolving needs of the City of Savannah and the Chatham County community. 

CAT will launch its first microtransit zone in March of 2024.