The Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA), a regional transit authority established under MGL 161(b), offers the convenience of public transportation for the greater Cape Ann communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, Hamilton, and Manchester-by-the-Sea.
For over 50 years, CATA has served residents and visitors of Cape Ann and the North Shore, and continues to save money and protect the environment by maintaining the quality and practicality of public transportation.
It is CATA’s mission to provide public transportation to residents and visitors of member communities in a safe and courteous manner that exceeds the customer’s expectations for quality, reliability, and service in a comfortable and respectful environment. CATA is committed to providing the absolute highest standard of public transportation to customers.
How We are Funded
CATA is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts funded by the Federal and State Government, local assessments, as well as generated revenue from farebox, advertising, and contract transportation.
CATA’s FY25 Annual Operating Budget is $5M. Operating expenses include items such as salaries, benefits, advertising, utilities, and insurances. The most recently audited contribution rate for all sources are as follows
- Federal 19%
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts 45%
- Local Community Assessments 17%
- Farebox 4%
- Other Generated Revenue 15%
The City of Gloucester and the Towns served by CATA pay an assessed amount and annual increases are capped at 2.5% per year unless new service is added.
CATA receives Federal and State funding for capital projects. These projects are planned in advance and outlined in the State’s Transportation Improvement project listing. Capital projects include vehicle replacement, facility improvements, equipment purchases, and preventative maintenance of vehicles. Capital projects are typically funded with both State and Federal funds.
Management
The day-to-day affairs of the Transit Authority are managed by the Administrator, Felicia S. Webb. This position is appointed by the CATA Advisory Board. The Cape Ann Transportation Authority Advisory Board is established pursuant to Massachusetts General Law (MGL), Chapter 161B Section 5. Each community has one vote on the Advisory Board plus additional votes and fractions thereof determined by a statutory formula defined under Section 5. The ADA Representative and Rider Representative each have one vote.
The Cape Ann Transportation Authority Advisory Board is responsible for the following:
- Approval of CATA’s annual operating budget
- Approval of the sale of real estate
- Approval of any lease not awarded to the highest bidder
- Approval of changes in fares
- Approval of substantial changes in the level of transit service provided
- Appointment of the CATA Administrator
In addition to its statutory responsibilities, the Advisory Board Members provide invaluable insight and suggestions to CATA on a variety of important transportation issues.
CATA Advisory Board
Mayor Greg Verga, Chair of CATA Advisory Board, City of Gloucester
Mitchell Vieira, Vice Chair of CATA Advisory Board, Town of Rockport
Stephen Crane, Town of Ipswich
Gil Frieden, Town of Essex
Joseph Domelowicz, Jr., Hamilton
John Round, Manchester-by-the-Sea
Jay Smiledge, ADA Member
Open, Rider Representative