CATA will be moving to a new software for CATA On Demand effective Monday August 11, 2025.

You will need to download a new app to book rides. Your existing On Demand profile should transfer to the new app automatically.  The app is available through the links below.

Apps for Monday August 11 2025 and forward

For customers with credit balances, CATA is working to transfer your existing credit to the new app.  You will need to re-enter your credit card information.

 

Introducing CATA On Demand

Fast, easy, affordable rides around Gloucester.

CATA On Demand is a public, on-demand transit service. Think of us like a minibus that comes when you want, where you want–give us your pickup and dropoff addresses, and we’ll provide a few ride options. Choose the one that works best for you and we’ll send a driver your way.

Service hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-8pm.

Price: $2 per trip.

Your employer may be participating in a program that lets you unlock free rides–check with your company directly for more info.

How to Create an Account (app valid until 8/8/25)

1. Search “CATA On Demand” in the App Store or Google Play store and tap the download icon. Review the terms and conditions.
2. Open the app, press Get Started, and enter your personal info.
3. Enter your credit or debit card info.

How to Book a Ride

1. Create an account.
   Download the CATA On Demand app from the App Store or Google Play store and follow the simple signup steps.
2. Book a ride.
   Enter your pickup and drop-off addresses and choose the ride option that works for you.
3. Check the app to find out exactly where to meet the vehicle, which may be a short walk from the address you gave us.

Holidays

CATA On Demand does not run on the following holidays. New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Patriot’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day.

FAQS

Can I bring someone along with me?
You can bring additional passengers with you, we request you try to limit it to 2 additional passengers. Please note that each additional passenger costs $2.

Why am I being asked to walk to my pickup spot?
Our tech pairs riders heading in the same direction, meaning passengers might be getting picked up and dropped off throughout your ride. In order to keep things moving as quickly and efficiently as possible, we usually ask you to meet us at a nearby corner instead of right outside the address you entered. That way, the driver doesn’t have to make any detours that could slow things down.

How do I know where to meet my driver?
After you book a ride, the app will display your pickup spot — we’ll either give you the address or business name at your pickup spot to help you find it. Either way, there will always be a dotted line to show you how to get there!

What happens if I cancel my ride?
If you cancel a ride, there’s no charge. However, please remember that CATA On Demand is a community service and cancelling rides can impact other riders. If the driver cannot locate you after the 2-minute waiting period, you’ll be charged a no-show penalty of $1.

What do I do if my driver left without me?
Re-book directly in your app, and then send an email explaining what happened to [email protected]. You won’t be charged for this ride

What do the vehicles look like?
All vehicles are branded with CATA On Demand’s logo and colors, so they should be easy to spot.  At times, your vehicle will be a regular CATA van.  Check the license plate and vehicle number to verify it is your ride.

Are vehicles wheelchair accessible?
Yes!

Can I change my destination once I’m on board?
Once you start a ride, the destination cannot be changed. If you have not yet boarded the vehicle, you can cancel the ride and re-book with a new destination.

Can I set a favorite location in the app?
Yes. Customers can add Favorites from the main Ride screen (below the “Where To” box).

Can I leave feedback for my driver?
Feel free to fill out the feedback screen in the app after your ride.

How do I reset my password?
Open the app and select Get Started. In the password box, select Forgot your password? and follow the prompts.

I left something in the vehicle–how do I retrieve it?
Please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (978) 283-7916 with a description of the missing item.