Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAT?

CAT stands for Chatham Area Transit Authority. We are the proud mobility provider for Savannah, unincorporated Chatham County and portions of Garden City. Chartered in 1986, CAT offers bus, shuttle, paratransit, and ferry service to residents and visitors throughout the area.

How much does it cost to Catch a CAT?

• Cash fare for local bus boarding is $1.50. Exact change only.
• Customers 65 and older, between the ages 6-18, passengers with disabilities and honorably-discharged veterans can pay half-price, 75 cents with ID.
• Transfers can be requested for free before paying the fare; they are valid for one-way travel for 90 minutes.
• The Downtown shuttle, known as the “dot”, is free.
• Savannah Belles Ferry rides are free.
• CAT Mobility/Paratransit cash fare for each boarding is $2

Visit our Fares & Discounts page.

What types of fare media (passes) are available to riders?

CAT offers a variety of fare options to suit every rider:

Day Pass (unlimited rides for 1 day)………………$3

Weekly Pass * (unlimited rides for 7 days)……….$14

Monthly Pass * (unlimited rides for 30 days)……..$50

Ten (10) Ride Pass…………………………………..$15

Stored Value cards…………………$5, $10, $15, $20, $25

Paratransit Tickets (Book of 10)……………………$20

What is a stored value card? How does it work?

A stored value card is like a gift card. It can be loaded with $5, $10, $20, $25, or $50 and can be used on the bus until it runs out. Just Tap & Go! Stored value cards can be reloaded at the Joe Murray Rivers, Jr. Intermodal Transit Center ticket window. Stored value cards cannot be purchased or reloaded on the bus at this time.

What is a transfer?

Transfers are 90-minute passes used to connect customers to other buses at no additional cost for one-way trips. Designed for customers who need multiple routes to travel to their destination, transfers must be requested before paying the fare on the first bus of a trip. CAT believes our customers shouldn’t have to pay two fares for a one-way trip, so we issue transfers to those who need to make connections.

• Transfers are free, issued upon request before paying the fare.
• A transfer lasts for 90 minutes.
• Transfers are valid on local routes, not express routes.
• Transfers are not valid on the same route they were issued; they are for connecting between different routes.

Do children pay to ride the bus?

Children under the height of most fareboxes (41 inches), ride free with an adult. A limit of two children per adult may ride free.

Where can I purchase tickets, passes, and swipe cards?

You can purchase digital passes through the Token Transit Mobile Ticketing App. You can also purchase fare media at the Joe Murray Rivers, Jr. Intermodal Transit Center (ITC) at 610 W. Oglethorpe Avenue or on the buses themselves through the farebox.

What are the hours of operation for fare media sales at the ITC Ticket Window?

Transit Center Ticket Window: 7 a.m to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday

• All tickets and passes available

Can I buy tickets, passes and swipe cards online?

Fare media are available on the buses and at the transit center, as well as online at pass.catchacat.org. You can purchase digital passes through the Token Transit Mobile Ticketing App on your smartphone.

What passes can I buy on the bus?

On-board purchases can be made using cash–Exact Fare Only–and stored value cards. Customers can buy one-way rides and day passes on the bus. A day pass or transfer must be requested before paying the fare. Half-fare purchases require showing proper ID.

Is there a student discount on tickets and swipe cards?

Yes, CAT is proud to offer youth rates for children 6-18 years old.

College and university age students interested in the U-Pass program are encouraged to email marketing@catchacat.org.

Visit our Students page.

What is CAT’s refund policy?

All sales are final. CAT does not offer refunds or exchanges. However, under exceptional circumstances such as non-delivery or a major defect, CAT will review claims submitted in writing.

• Non-delivery due to mailing issues. Claims for non-delivery must be submitted in writing to the customer service department within 10 days of placing the order. CAT Customer Service, PO Box 9118, Savannah, GA 31412
• Major defects. Although all products are thoroughly tested before release, unexpected errors may occur. Claims of faulty fare media or equipment must be submitted in writing. CAT Customer Service, PO Box 9118, Savannah, GA 31412

Customers are encouraged to select carefully the type and value of the fare media desired and to treat passes as cash by storing them in a flat, dry location such as a wallet.

Where can I get a bus schedule?

Bus schedules are always available online for viewing and printing. Schedules are also located at a number of places throughout Savannah, including the transit center. Please call CAT at (912) 233-5767 for the location nearest you.

Visit our Schedules & Maps page.

How can I get a schedule or other document in an accessible/alternative format?

Thanks to community partners such as LIFE, Inc. and the Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision, CAT is able to make alternate formats of our documents available upon request. Such formats can include large print, Braille, and audio recording. Click here to email your request.

How can I submit a reasonable modification request form?

In accordance with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Chatham Area Transit has established policy and procedures for considering reasonable modifications to CAT policies and practices.

To request a reasonable modification please click here for more information.

Where do buses operate?

CAT services travel through Savannah, Chatham County and portions of Garden City. The system map provides an overview of all fixed routes, including points of interest such as tourist sites, stores, and libraries. Individual route maps are included in each passenger schedule.

Visit our Popular Spots page.

What time do buses operate?

Bus service is available seven days a week. Weekday and Saturday service starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 1 a.m. On Sundays, service starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m.

Certain holidays throughout the year run according to a separate holiday schedule as noted in the passenger schedules. Buses do not run on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Individual route service hours are based on ridership and differ for each route so be sure to check the most current schedule.

View our Current Schedules.

What is “peak” time?

“Peak” time refers to those hours in the morning and in the late afternoon when traffic congestion is highest, typically due to most people making their daily commute. Peak time for CAT means 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Midday service covers 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and night service runs from 7 p.m. on.

What does “outbound” or “inbound” mean?

These terms are used to describe the direction of each one-way trip. Outbound generally refers to traveling away from downtown Savannah. Inbound refers to travel headed towards downtown Savannah.

How do I know the name of a bus stop?

Bus stops are named by the closest intersecting streets or, in some cases, by a distinctive feature such a business at the location. When the stop is at an intersection, the name of the street the bus stop is on will be listed first, followed by the name of the nearest cross street. Bus stops also have an abbreviated direction as part of their names so customers can tell which side of the street the stop is on.

For example:

Abercorn & Broughton NB is the name of the bus stop on the side of the SCAD library downtown with all the bike racks.

The stop is on “Abercorn,” right before “Broughton” when traveling north, “NB”.

Can I take my bike on the bus?

Yes, passengers may place bikes on the bike rack at the front of the bus at no additional cost. Bikes are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. No more than two single-seated, non-motorized bikes can be loaded on the bike rack frame. Please note, CAT is not responsible for loss, injury, or other liability arising from the use of bike racks.

Visit our Bike & Ride page.

How can I retrieve articles lost on the bus?

At the end of each day, vehicles are checked for left-behind items. These items are turned in to the Lost & Found at the CAT offices at 900 Gwinnett Street. CAT is not responsible for items left on our vehicles, but we will do everything we can to assist you; please call (912) 233-5767.

How can I use the free wi-fi on the bus?

CAT is proud to offer free wi-fi service on all of our fixed route buses. Use password “catchacat” (without the quotation marks) to connect to the internet and make the most out of your commute.

Please note, signal strength can be subject to interruption due to Savannah’s beautiful tree canopy and tower placement just like any other cell service. CAT encourages all users to check their mobile device settings before accessing the internet and will not be held liable for any user’s data or roaming charges.

How can I find out about what is going on at CAT?

To find out about everything going on at CAT, subscribe to CAT’s Express weekly electronic newsletter by emailing marketing@catchacat.org. If you’re a new subscriber and want to see past editions, click here.

How can I get to the Amtrak train station on CAT?

Route 29 W. Gwinnett/Cloverdale services the Amtrak station on various trips throughout the day.

Visit our Maps & Schedules section for the latest passenger schedules.

How can I get to the Airport on CAT?

As of March 8, 2021, CAT suspended the 100X Airport Express shuttle service.

I’ve never ridden the bus before. What are some tips to aid me in my trip planning?

• Figure out which bus to take, what time to catch it, and where to pick it up by using the CAT App (available for free through Google Play and Apple iTunes), Google Trip Planner.
• Be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Have your fare ready when boarding the bus, and be sure to request your transfer before paying the fare if you need one.
• Ask the operator any questions if you are unsure about your route.

Visit our How to Ride and Safety and Security pages.

Are buses wheelchair accessible?

Yes, CAT’s buses are 100 percent accessible for people with disabilities. All buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts.

Visit our How to Ride with a Disability page.

What services are offered for passengers with disabilities?

CAT offers a Half-Fare program for eligible passengers with disabilities and seniors who are 65 and older. These customers may ride CAT fixed routes for half fare at any time with proper ID.

Visit our Half-Fare Program page.

What does “paratransit” mean?

Paratransit service accommodates people with temporary or permanent disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system. We believe everyone should have access to public transportation, not only for its economic advantages, but also for the independence it provides. Our paratransit service, CAT Mobility, is available by reservation to eligible people with disabilities in Chatham County, including out-of-town visitors. For more information, call (912) 233-5767.

Visit our Paratransit Service page.

How do I apply for a job at CAT?

CAT is an equal opportunity employer offering careers in transit. Available positions are posted on the “CAT Careers” page of our website and advertised in local print media.

Visit our CAT Careers page.

What is the Transit District?

The transit district includes Savannah, unincorporated Chatham County, and a portion of Garden City. Property owners within the transit district pay a tax to offset part of the cost of this vital community service.

What are the independent municipalities in Chatham County that do not participate in the Transit District?

Bloomingdale, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Thunderbolt, Tybee Island, Vernonburg, and part of Garden City have opted not to be part of the transit district and are therefore not served by CAT buses.

How is CAT governed?

CAT is governed by a nine-member board of directors, the Chatham Area Transit Authority. For more information on the board, visit our Board of Directors page.

Still have questions? Please let us know how we can help.

Email us at info@catchacat.org,

Call the Customer Service Ride Line at (912) 233-5767,

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