Empower Baton Rouge Study

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Empower Baton Rouge Study Map

Be Part of the Conversation.

In Fall 2023, You spoke and we listened. 
Your feedback was integral in Phase 1 of the Empower Baton Rouge Transit Study. You helped identify transportation challenges in the cities of Baton Rouge and Baker. The data gathered in Phase 1 is being analyzed and a comprehensive set of proposed solutions will be shared in Spring 2024. Make sure you sign up for updates. 

 

CATS is committed to improving the public’s quality of life by providing access to jobs, education, healthcare,and other needs through transit services. In June 2023, the Empower Baton Rouge Transit Study as launched to identify transit needs and solutions for the East Baton Rouge Parish and cities of Baton Rouge and Baker. Based on the census data, much of the CATS service area include households who depend on transit services provided by CATS. This study will work with the community, including those typically underserved by transit, to identify transit needs and solutions for the East Baton Rouge Parish and cities of Baton Rouge and Baker.  

 

 

 Empower Baton Rouge Goals

 

Phase 1: Study Introduction & Community Feedback Collection on Transit Barriers, August - October 2023

CATS conducted its first phase of community engagement for the study between August and October 2023. The purpose and goal of the study was introduced, while collecting feedback on barriers and areas for transit improvement within the study area. A community survey, listening sessions, stakeholder meetings, and pop-up events were conducted to collect feedback from the public on barriers that they experience using the CATS system. 

What's Next: Phase 2: Proposed Transit Solutions & Community Feedback Collection, February - March 2024

CATS is proposing solutions to transit barriers identified during Phase 1 to improve service including both short- and long-term opportunities. Solutions include: 

  • Adding sidewalks to connect to bus stops while considering landscaped areas between pedestrians and cars. 
  • Adding crosswalks with flashing pedestrian lights and high visibility pavement markings to assist people in safely crossing the street.  
  • Creating a bright, comfortable, and recognizable waiting area by adding amenities such as shelters, seating, lighting, and trash bins. 
  • Installing real time arrival signage to communicate bus arrival information to passengers. 
  • Building ADA-accessible passenger bus stop pads to provide easier access for riders boarding and exiting buses. 
  • Coordinating with MOVEBR, the City of Baton Rouge Housing Authority, and Build Baton Rouge to help connect more transit services to safe and affordable housing. 
  • Considering recommendations from the 2022 Comprehensive Operation Assessment (COA) to improve transit service and implement system-wide enhancements, including: 
  1. Reducing the size of the transit network to improve service on popular routes  
  2. Making key routes more efficient to provide faster trip times with route changes 
  3. Adding four new bus routes, including the Plank-Nicholson BRT. 

There are several opportunities for communities to provide direct input to help shape these solutions. 

Get Involved 

Collaborate with us to build a better Baton Rouge. We are engaging with the community this Spring and want to hear your thoughts on our proposed solutions to help shape our recommendations. Here’s how you can get involved: 

  • Take our survey and share your thoughts on our proposed transit improvements by March 29th at www.surveyhero.com/c/EmpowerBR  
  • Attend one listening session to take a deep dive on our solutions, ask questions, and provide feedback: 
  • Virtual session: Thursday, March 14 (5pm) 
  • In-person session: Tuesday, March 19 (drop in between 5-7 pm) Capital Area Transit System, 2250 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge LA 70802 
  • Attend a pop-up event near you to engage with our team and provide your input: 
  • Sunday, February 26 (12pm–6pm) 225Fest 2024 at the Capital Park Museum, 660 N 4th St, Baton Rouge 
  • Tuesday, March 12 (3pm-6pm) BREADA Farmer's Market at The Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 
  • Wednesday, March 13 (9am-12pm) BREADA Farmer's Market at Exxon Mobil YMCA, 7717 Howell Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 
  • Saturday, March 16 (10am-1pm) Gardere Takes Flight at the Hartley/Vey Park, 1702 Gardere Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70820 
  • Can’t make it to an event? Learn about the proposed solutions by viewing the Phase 2 display boards and handout: 

Community Engagement Materials

CATS held five listening sessions in Fall 2023 to learn about the community’s experiences with transit. Click on the links below to see Phase I materials: 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

Questions, Comments…Contact Us!

Comments can be made by sending a message to our social media profiles, submitting through our contact form, by email, or mail.


ATTN: Empower Baton Rouge – Transit Study
Capital Area Transit System
2250 Florida Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Persons who require Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) assistance to attend the listening sessions, review website materials, or take the online survey should contact news@brcats.com no later than 7 days before the event or close of the comment period. Persons who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting.