The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) and the city of Baker, La., have launched LYNX by CATS, a new, on-demand, shared public transportation service.
LYNX by CATS officially launches on June 7, and will provide rides to and from key locations around Baker for $1.75 or less.
“LYNX by CATS will enhance the services CATS currently provides to the city of Baker, utilizing microtransit technology to expand access to convenient, affordable and sustainable transportation for both residents and visitors,” said CATS Interim CEO Dwana Williams. “We are excited to bring this pilot program to Baker and thankful for the support and cooperation of Mayor Waites and his amazing team in launching this unique service.”
LYNX by CATS is a first-of-its-kind service in the East Baton Rouge Metro area and will allow Baker residents and visitors to easily book on-demand rides to a variety of locations within the city and to the CATS fixed route system through the Scotlandville transfer station. Riders can also request service to important destinations near Baker, such as Southern University and the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR).
“The addition of LYNX by CATS in the Baker community is an exciting development and we are proud to be the city chosen for the pilot program in the capital region. Mass transit is a vital infrastructure connection for the economy and the environment," said Baker Mayor Darnell Waites. "We appreciate the need to be able to move people efficiently, effectively and equitably while recognizing our current traffic challenges. Microtransit is a logical and effective step, for not only Baker but the entire metropolitan area to move forward as we tackle our challenges head-on. This program is about doing all of those things for the citizens of Baker right now.”
To book a ride, Baker riders can use the LYNX by CATS mobile app (available on the App Store and Google Play) or call. Once a ride is entered with pickup and drop-off locations, the system will provide ride options. Once a destination is selected, riders are directed to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance, and a driver is dispatched to meet them at that location.
LYNX by CATS operates Monday-Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.. A single ride costs $1.75, and riders can add additional passengers for $0.35. Seniors (65+) ride for $0.35 per trip. High school and College students ride free with a valid school ID. All LYNX by CATS vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
LYNX by CATS will be powered by Via. Via’s advanced algorithms create quick, efficient shared trips that provide more flexibility for riders than traditional public transportation options with fixed routes and schedules.
