Savannah, Ga. – Chatham Area Transit has launched a new service that allows customers to get CAT-related news texted directly to their cell phones.
The texts will initially include notifications of major service alerts that impact services for a day or longer, including schedule adjustments, bus stop closures and route changes. In addition, subscribers can sign up to be notified of upcoming public meetings and events.
Those who want to sign up for the service simply text RIDECAT to 41411.
Staff established the service to provide another way to quickly disseminate important information to customers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the importance of keeping the public informed, as we continuously implement new safety measures and service adjustments to protect employees and customers,” said CEO Bacarra S. Mauldin. “The text notification service helps us accomplish that goal.”
The launch marks the beginning of the first phase of the text alert service. CAT is in the process of having a new Intelligent Transportation System installed throughout its computer networks, facilities and vehicles. Among many other service enhancements, the new system will allow riders to receive real-time notifications showing the locations of buses, as well as notifications of service changes of a shorter duration. The system-wide installation is expected to take about a year to complete.