Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System are working to make public transportation more accessible for local students. The new Student Pass Program, an initiative focused on reducing transportation barriers for students across Chatham County, will take place through May 31,2025.Â
This program offers SCCPSS K-12 students the opportunity to utilize CAT fixed route and paratransit buses at no cost.
To participate, parents and guardians must register their children for the program through SCCPSS by Friday, March 21. Upon registration, SCCPSS will distribute CAT passes to students between March 24 and March 28. In the meantime, students can use their school-issued ID to access CAT services. Â
For more information about the program and how to register, parents and guardians should contact SCCPSS or visit: https://www.sccpss.com/district/tbs/sis.
Please Note: This is NOT a change in our usual service nor does this program take the place of school transportation.Â
Program Dates
Extended to May 31, 2025!
This program is only for SCCPSS students.
Purpose
The objectives of the Student Zero Fare Pilot Program is multifaceted:
- Eliminate financial barriers that deter students from utilizing public transportation
- To increase ridership for our fixed route service
- To educate the next generation about public transit
- To promote confident lifelong public transit riders
We invite you to take a few moments to complete our Student Zero Fare Pilot Program Experience Survey. Your input will provide valuable information about your experience with the program, including any challenges you may have encountered, suggestions for improvement, and the overall impact of the program on your transportation needs. Your responses will remain confidential and will only be used for the purpose of improving the Student Pass Program.
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Student Surveys will not include input for personal information nor will any student contact information not be collected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you ensure the safety of students during their transportation?
CAT prioritizes student safety, implementing industry best practices such as rotating Safety Officers on buses throughout service times.
How do you plan to communicate with parents and schools regarding the transportation service?
We use familiar communication channels like social media and service alert texts to keep parents and schools informed about transportation services.
Are there plans for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the free transportation program?
Continuous improvement is sought through surveys for feedback and suggestions, along with scheduled town hall meetings for parents and students as well as emailing info@catchacat.org for feedback and concerns.
What measures are in place to address potential challenges, such as scheduling or route adjustments?
We employ a service alert system, notifying passengers of any changes, including route adjustments or scheduling, through text messages.
Are there any eligibility criteria or restrictions for students to access the free transportation?
Participants must be students who are enrolled in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.
How will you coordinate with schools to align bus routes with students' needs and schedules?
Although regular school bus service is not provided due to federal law, we will continue close collaboration closely with SCCPSS to ensure effective service alignment and communication.