CATS Launches Modern, Mobile-Friendly Website to Better Serve Riders, the Public

July 07, 2017

The Capital Area Transit System today launched a new, mobile friendly, modern website aimed at improving how riders and the public get information about the bus system. 

The new CATS website, which launched at brcats.com, is designed to be used on mobile phone, making it easier for people on the go to find information from CATS. The site is responsive and will automatically adjust its size to fit the device being used.

“Our riders are mobile, so we knew our website had to be as well,” said CATS CEO Bill Deville. “CATS has made serious strides in improving its fleet, including offering free WiFi on its new buses, but none of that means anything if people can’t get relevant information when they need it.”

The new site also allows CATS to quickly publicize rider alerts and route changes in real time and also prioritizes tools that let riders track their bus and plan their trips. The design not only incorporates feedback from the CATS staff and board, but also information provided through a survey of users of the agency’s old website.

“One of the primary complaints we heard was that riders wanted to be able to find information about route changes more easily,” Deville said. “On the new site, rider alerts will be highlighted in a bar across the top of the site, making them hard to miss when you visit our site.”

The new CATS site also features a map where users can overlay routes, bus shelters and upcoming events. This will allow riders to see how they can use CATS to go to events, saving the hassle of parking.

Site visitors can also sign up to receive updates about CATS’ operations and programs via email newsletter on the site, by clicking here. News alerts and board meeting minutes, agendas and documents will be easy to view on the new site, increasing transparency about the board’s activities. Board meetings will still be streamed through the agency’s Ustream channel.

The new CATS site also incorporates more seamlessly with social media channels, allowing CATS to bring information to users in a familiar format. CATS currently provides routine updates and information about the agency using Facebook and Twitter.

The CATS website was developed by Baton Rouge-based digital agency Covalent Logic. The site features an easy-to-use custom content management system that will streamline how the agency updates its website, improving how it communicates with the public.

###

View More News