The university is scheduled to return to in-person instruction on Monday, January 31. However, the university or CATA have not released an update or statement on whether or not regular bus service will return to normal next week. 

With the return of in-person classes, students are concerned over whether or not they will have to walk to classes. “I have to walk either all of that way or have to bike, which obviously in these really cold temperatures is not ideal,” political science senior Libby Draeger said. 

While Draeger says that she has a car, part of it was stolen from her garage, leaving her out of commission as far as transportation goes. “So I’m walking or biking everywhere, like calling rides and rideshare is not great,” Draeger said. “And it’s expensive.” 

While walking in frigid temperatures is one concern with CATA, others are considering the impact that reduced bus service have on low-income students. “This deeply impacts the safety of low-income students who may not be able to afford proper winter wear,” education junior Paige Drob said in an email.

Drob also mentions that MSU admin seems to be turning a blind eye on this issue and it needs to be addressed. 

One student understands the impact that reduced on-campus bus service has on students, but believes that they should wait it out. “The best thing they can do is voice their concerns to CATA directly,” professional and public writing junior Charlotte Bachelor said in an email. “I see a lot of talk of emailing president Stanley, but at the end of the day, he doesn't control the buses.”

Students have begun a petition to increase bus frequency on-campus, which has accumulated over 1,000 signatures.

CATA riders are advised that real-time departure data on the Transit app, CATANow and their website are unreliable during the extended service reduction period. Riders are encouraged to call CATA at 517-394-1000, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.