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Your Complete Guide to Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) Bus System

Your Complete Guide to Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) Bus System

CAT bus

Are you tired of leaving your friends at home while you explore Charlottesville? We will introduce you to the innovative and perfect solution for all your public transportation needs: the Cat Bus!

As a Charlottesville resident or visitor, navigating the city’s public transportation system can be a breeze when you’re armed with the right information. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT), uncovering essential facts and tips that will transform your urban travel experience. Buckle up as we explore how CAT revolutionizes local transportation and makes city exploration easier than ever!

About Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT)

Students in a bus
dusanpetkovic1 / Adobe Stock

The city operates the Charlottesville Area Bus Service. This service connects neighborhoods to cities and the city’s major companies and counties by rail only. The most usual student-oriented route is the trolley linking UVA with Downtown.

UVAA Identification cards are always needed for customers to replace payments on the routes. The routes are normally free to travel and do not require UVA identification.

CAT is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The service currently uses a mix of diesel and hybrid buses, with plans to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. This initiative is crucial for Charlottesville, where 30% of greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. By choosing CAT, you’re not just getting from A to B; you’re contributing to a more sustainable city.

Fare-Free Rides: Your Ticket to Affordable City Exploration

One of the most exciting aspects of CAT is its commitment to accessibility. As of 2024, CAT operates on a fare-free basis, making it an incredibly affordable option for everyone in the community. This initiative promotes equitable access to transportation and encourages more people to choose public transit over private vehicles, contributing to a greener Charlottesville.

Extensive Network: 11 Routes to Connect You Across the City

CAT boasts an impressive network of 11 routes, operating from Monday to Saturday. This comprehensive coverage ensures you can easily reach most parts of Charlottesville and even some areas of Albemarle County. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or exploring the city’s attractions, a CAT route can likely get you there.

Sunday Service: Limited But Essential

While CAT’s full service operates Monday through Saturday, they understand the need for weekend transportation. That’s why they offer limited Sunday service on the Free Trolley and Routes 2, 9, and 12. This ensures that even on Sundays, you can still rely on public transit for your essential trips.

Real-Time Tracking: Never Miss a Bus Again

Gone are the days of wondering when your bus will arrive. CAT has embraced technology to enhance the passenger experience. You can now view real-time route maps with arrival estimates, ensuring you can plan your journey precisely. This feature is a game-changer for time-sensitive trips and reduces the stress of waiting at bus stops.

Phone ETAs: Information at Your Fingertips

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, CAT offers a phone service for Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs). Call 434-970-3649 and select option 0, and you will receive the ETAs for your desired bus stop. This feature ensures you can still access up-to-date bus information without a smartphone.

Strategic Expansion: MicroCAT On-Demand Service

CAT is expanding its services to include on-demand transportation, an exciting development. The new “MicroCAT” service will provide app-based, on-demand rides. This innovative approach aims to expand access to flexible, equitable, and efficient public transportation, particularly in areas that traditional fixed-route services may underserve.

University Integration: Free Rides for UVA Community

CAT’s integration with the University of Virginia is a testament to its commitment to serving the Charlottesville community. UVA students, faculty, and staff can ride CAT buses for free by showing a valid UVA ID card. This partnership benefits the university community and strengthens the connection between the campus and the wider city.

Future-Focused: The Transit Strategic Plan

CAT is not resting on its laurels. The service has developed a Transit Strategic Plan (TSP) that focuses on improving frequency and span on major routes, expanding coverage to high-activity areas, and restoring pre-COVID service levels. This forward-thinking approach ensures that CAT will continue meeting Charlottesville residents’ and visitors’ evolving needs.

Navigating Charlottesville with CAT: Tips for a Smooth Ride

Now that we’ve covered the key facts about CAT let’s look at some tips to make your transit experience even smoother:

  1. Download the CAT mobile app for real-time updates and easy trip planning.
  2. Familiarize yourself with the route map before your first trip.
  3. If you’re a UVA student or staff member, always carry your ID for free rides.
  4. Consider arriving at the stop a few minutes early for popular routes or peak times.
  5. Use the Free Trolley to explore downtown Charlottesville and UVA – it’s not just practical, but also a fun experience!
  6. Stay updated on CAT’s social media channels for service updates and changes.
  7. If you’re new to the area, don’t hesitate to ask the bus driver for help – they’re there to assist you.

CONNECT: Regional Connections by Jaunt

Charlottesville Area Transit logo

CONNECT provides an easy public transport choice. It serves Crozet, Route 29 North, Lovingston, and Buckingham commuters. The CONNECT Services include UVA students, faculty, and employees. They can use the service when presented with the right UVA ID. New connection routes are now free for commuters.

Free Trolley

One of CAT’s most popular services is the Free Trolley, which connects downtown Charlottesville with the University of Virginia. This charming trolley provides a practical transportation option and adds a touch of nostalgia to your journey. It’s a must-try experience for visitors and a beloved service for locals.

A free Hoo Bus system began operating on Friday, September 6, 1996. The shuttle operates between campus and town on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sunday nights. The city gave preliminary funding to the university in a two-year trial run.

Each company donated $366.64 to start operating its initial services with private funding from D&R Development—the owner of Regal Cinemas in Downtown Mall. The additional $5,100 appropriation for December 2, 1996, boosted services, with $2.450 a month of general funds and $2.650 for the university.

CAT 8 Bus Stop List and Departure Times

Bus stop sign

The CAT 8 – 8 BRSC / STONEFIELD bus route is a popular option for commuters in the Charlottesville area. It connects a few key bus stops, ensuring people can easily access a range of city parts.

To plan their trips, passengers can consult coming bus times at every stop, displayed in real-time and on the website, and the full bus schedule. This information helps travelers become aware of the next scheduled eight bus departures.

See Related: Magic School Bus Lyrics: A Dive Into the Iconic Theme Song

Free Trolley Route for UVA Students

Classmates going to school by bus
Viktoriia / Adobe Stock

The Free Trolley Route is a popular Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) service. It is popular among University of Virginia (UVA) students, faculty, and staff. It offers an easy connection between the university campus and downtown Charlottesville.

This popular route is convenient as UVA members can present their valid UVA ID card and ride the fare-free bus system.

Afton Express Bus Schedule and Discounts

The Afton Express Bus offers commuters a safe and cheap transportation option. It runs between Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, and Charlottesville and at the Fifth Street Station in Albemarle County.

With free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and cheap pricing, it has become a popular option for commuters. A single trip on the Afton Express costs $3.00 each way, and passengers can pay with exact change when boarding.

Is CAT free for UVA students?

The most used route to Cathay is the trolley linking UVA and the downtown area. UVA Identifiers are presented without payment of fare on CAT’s routes website. Update: All routes are free to ride and need no food, with no UVA IDs for riders.

How do you get around Charlottesville without a car?

The Charlottesville Transit Bus Service serves Charlottesville and Albemarle counties. It’s free of charge to travel on all buses and trains. Those with disabilities can also use the bus services. Moreover, bikes are available for use in the service.

Is the CAT-free in Charlottesville?

It has remained free of charge for riders since COVID-19. Passes can be purchased at the Downtown transit station.

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