MEDIA ADVISORY — For Immediate Release
CATS to celebrate one-year anniversary of LYNX, Baker’s successful app-based, on-demand public transit service
Capital Area Transportation System (CATS) will host an event on Friday, June 9 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of LYNX, Baker’s tech-enabled, on-demand public transit service. LYNX uses intelligent software to expand access to efficient, equitable, and sustainable public transportation in the city. Since just one year ago, LYNX has provided more than 50,000 rides.
The event will include a ride along, during which CATS officials will book a ride and take a journey in a LYNX vehicle and share reactions and answer questions afterward. To celebrate the anniversary, all riders can receive two free rides using the promotional code LYNX1YEAR (valid starting on June 7 and ending on June 14).
When and where:
- Friday, June 9 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Baker Branch Library (3501 Groom Rd, Baker, LA 70714).
- Remarks will take place inside. Photo and video opportunities taking place outside in the parking lot before and after remarks.
About LYNX by CATS:
Key benefits of LYNX include:
- Accessibility: Each ride costs only $1.75 each (or 35 cents for qualifying citizens), and the service is designed to fill transportation access gaps – making it easier for people to reach opportunities in Baker without needing a car.
- Flexibility: Riders can book a ride at a moment’s notice through the LYNX app or by calling 225-267-9080 The result is an efficient mobility option that provides more flexibility than traditional mass transit options.
- Sustainability: The service uses intelligent technology to match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle to create efficient trips.
Who:
- Mayor Darnell Waites, City of Baker
- Dwana Williams, Interim CEO, CATS
- Representatives from Via, LYNX’s TransitTech provider
Tentative run of show
- 11:00 a.m. - Arrive at Baker Branch Library
- 11:00 a.m. - Introductions
- 11:05 a.m. - Remarks
- 11:15 a.m. - LYNX app walk-through and order a ride
- 11:20 a.m. to 11:40 a.m - Local ridealong (press is welcome to follow)
- 11:40 to 11:50 p.m. - Q&A and press
- 11:50 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Additional photos/videos with vehicle, etc
- 12 p.m. - Event concludes
Social, environmental, and economic impacts:
- LYNX has enabled access to 72% of the city's jobs in the service area within 30 minutes than previously accessible with only fixed line transit.
- 49% of riders say they travel more often as a result of LYNX.
- 30% said without LYNX, they would have had to rely on getting a ride from someone in order to make their trip – and 19% wouldn’t have even made the trip at all.
- 83% of riders do not have access to a car, and 79% of riders say they have saved money as a result of LYNX.
- 52% of LYNX rides replace rides previously served by private vehicles.
LYNX is powered by Via, the global leader in TransitTech. Via’s software is used in 600+ communities globally. Via can arrange ride-alongs for press. If interested, please contact Sara-Jessica Dilks (sarajessica@ridewithvia.com).
Contact:
Deana Wallace
Liaison Officer, CATS
dwallace@brcats.com
(225) 963-7732
Sara-Jessica Dilks
PR Associate Principal, Via
sarajessica@ridewithvia.com
(816) 877-6303
