FastCAT to kick off Spring semester with free rides

The 107 FastCAT, Columbia Transit's newest route, will offer unlimited free rides during the first week of Spring semester classes. Rides will be free Tuesday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 27. The route begins at 6:30am on weekdays and runs until 2:30am Thursday through Saturday nights. It runs from noon until 10:00pm on Sundays.

"We want students and residents to know that FastCAT is a safe and easy way to get around campus and downtown," said Mike Matthes, City Manager. "It's the start of a new year and a new semester. It's the perfect time to try out something new. So, we are inviting everyone to try FastCAT for free."  

During the free week, Columbia Transit will give riders another way to ride for free for the entire semester. There will be a contest giving away three semester passes. Semester passes give holders access to unlimited rides on any Columbia Transit route. A transit fact-of-the-day will be posted on the FastCAT buses each day during the Free Week. To be entered to win a free semester pass, riders must "like" the Columbia Transit Facebook page and post the fact-of-the-day. Riders can enter once every day they ride during the Free Week.

FastCAT is an express loop around The District, Stephens College and MU Campuses. It offers quick and easy service to anyone wanting to get around those areas, with a bus coming by each stop every 15 minutes. Riders can find the nearest bus stop and track the bus in real time through ridefastcat.com or with the mobile application available for download on Android and iOS devices.

"FastCAT can help riders avoid parking hassles, harsh weather, or a long walk late at night," said Drew Brooks, Transportation Administrator. "Public transit is a great option for getting around if you think about the high price of gas and what we can do to help decrease our impact on the environment."

The FastCAT Express route is open to everyone who has a need to get around The District, MU or Stephens College campuses. It's great for students, but is also useful for faculty and staff of the University or Stephens College, and University Hospital patients and staff.