BATON ROUGE – A recent Louisiana transplant is facing unexpected hurdles accessing public transportation in her new neighborhood. Lisa Gross, who moved to Baton Rouge from the Chicago area to be closer to family, says the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) is refusing to provide service to her Cedar Grove subdivision on Jefferson Highway, despite the area appearing to be within the CATS on Demand service zone.
Gross relies on CATS on Demand, a service designed for individuals with disabilities that prevent them from utilizing the standard bus routes, to maintain her independence. The service, which requires an application and in-person qualification, offers rides for $1.75. Still, her attempts to utilize this service have been met with resistance, leaving her largely confined to her home.
“I gave it up given that of personal reasons,” Gross said, referring to her decision to stop driving. She is also deaf in one ear and experiences other physical limitations, though she maintains she is capable of getting around on her own. “I mean, I struggle, but I’m doing a pretty damn good job,” she added.
The core of the issue centers around CATS’s service boundaries. Gross applied for CATS on Demand in November and was informed that her address is not currently serviced. CATS representatives reportedly told her she would require to walk to a nearby store or rest stop, a proposition she finds unsafe given the busy nature of Jefferson Highway. The lack of accessible transportation options is particularly frustrating as she seeks to rebuild her independence and connect with her community.
CATS On Demand: A Lifeline for Riders with Disabilities
CATS on Demand provides an alternative transportation option for individuals who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system due to a disability. According to the CATS website, the service requires an application and an in-person visit to determine eligibility. The program aims to provide accessible and affordable transportation for those who need it most.
However, Gross’s experience highlights potential gaps in service and inconsistencies in the application of eligibility criteria. Although CATS maintains that her address is outside of the service area, the official CATS on Demand map, updated approximately two weeks ago, appears to show that a portion of the Cedar Grove neighborhood, including the front of the subdivision where Gross resides, falls within the designated service boundary. “I could walk outside the gate,” Gross pointed out, suggesting a minimal distance to access the service if the boundary were accurately enforced.
Conflicting Information and a Growing Frustration
The discrepancy between CATS’s stated policy and the published service map has fueled Gross’s frustration. She says CATS informed her they don’t service her address, while the map suggests otherwise. WBRZ News confirmed that CATS also told them they do not service Gross’s address. This conflicting information leaves Gross feeling stranded and questioning the accessibility of the system.
The sidewalk infrastructure surrounding the Cedar Grove development also presents challenges. While a sidewalk exists along the developed portion of the neighborhood, it abruptly ends, giving way to undeveloped forestland. This makes walking to a designated pick-up point, even outside the neighborhood gate, a potentially hazardous undertaking.
Despite having family members who can provide transportation, Gross emphasizes her desire for independence. “I’d like to have some independence,” she stated, highlighting the importance of accessible transportation for maintaining a quality of life.
What’s Next for CATS On Demand and Residents Like Lisa Gross?
CATS stated they were working on an updated service map approximately two weeks ago, but as of today, no changes have been implemented. The agency has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the specific discrepancies in Gross’s case. The situation underscores the need for clear communication and consistent application of service boundaries for the CATS on Demand program.
As the Cedar Grove community continues to grow, ensuring equitable access to public transportation will be crucial. Residents and advocates will be watching for updates from CATS regarding the service map and a resolution to Gross’s situation. The agency’s response will likely set a precedent for how it addresses similar accessibility concerns in the future.
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