Transit board approves CAT Reimagined routes after widespread public concern over senior access

The Transportation Authority voted to adopt the CAT Reimagined route network and associated timetables after an afternoon of public comment that centered on service changes affecting seniors and riders who rely on Route 90. Commissioner (S27) moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner (S3) seconded; the motion passed, 6–1, with Dr. Winifred recorded as opposed.

The vote came after more than an hour of public testimony from residents, senior-center staff and long-time riders who warned that stop removals and reroutes would lengthen walks, add transfers and, in some cases, threaten access to work or medical appointments. "Please don't do this to me," said Steven Massengill, who told the board he would lose his only feasible way to get to a substitute-teaching job if Route 90 were removed. "My independence is the most important thing in my life." Other commenters described broken wheelchair lifts, confusing or missing signs and steep walking routes from rear building gates at senior complexes.

Staff acknowledged the concerns and said the plan included some targeted fixes. A planning staff member clarified that the front door of Golden Age Retirement Village will still be served and that the board packet included two small changes: a stop adjustment to serve Flanagan apartments and a timetable tweak on Route 22 Broadway to preserve a morning connection for one rider. Staff and the new planning manager said the full redesign has been under development since 2021 and is proposed for implementation in August; they warned that major restructuring to reinstate large segments could delay rollout to January or May and would require reworking other parts of the network.

Board members expressed competing priorities: several commissioners emphasized the benefits of increased frequency and more consistent weekend service for large parts of the city, while others said they were uncomfortable approving a package that would significantly reduce convenient access for some seniors. Commissioner (S4) said frequency matters and supported the plan overall but asked staff to explore limited peak-hour reinstatements similar to prior peak-service responses. "We really do appreciate it," the commissioner said, while also saying they were "not comfortable voting for this package knowing the insane amount of life-changing pressure it will put on folks losing the cross-town, losing the 90."

Staff noted that the redesign retains much of the existing Route 90 alignment, with adjustments concentrated on a smaller segment west of Clinton Highway and Pleasant Ridge; they also said some solutions—such as peak shuttles—would carry an estimated cost over $100,000 and would require trade-offs elsewhere in the system. Commissioners agreed to approve the system as revised, with an expectation that staff would continue to refine timetables and stops and return with additional public input.

The board's action does not finalize every local stop placement; staff invited constituents to meet with planning staff after the meeting to discuss specific stop locations and to submit follow-up comments. The board adjourned and scheduled its next meeting for May 23.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve CAT Reimagined (routes and timetables)—moved by Commissioner (S27); seconded by Commissioner (S3); recorded vote: 6 ayes, 1 no (Dr. Winifred).