"Last week, the group announced that rapid transit buses, modern streetcars, or a light rail line - using a dedicated lane - were its choices to make it easier to connect Lansing's downtown, MSU's campus and a major commercial center in Meridian Township.  That route, one of CATA's busiest, could become a hotspot for new businesses and housing - and easy transportation is a key, officials say. . . .

After months of studying a range of transit options, bus rapid transit, modern streetcar, and light rail transit met all of the criteria for more detailed study, say CATA officials.  A study of the area will be be done, and CATA, using federal capital improvement money, will pay for it.  CATA officials say, if one of the three options becomes a preference then an effort will be undertaken to find federal funds.

"This project fosters urban living, which is important to the core downtown areas," said Loomis.  "It also ties the communities together and helps us to promote two major assets - the state Capitol building and Michigan State University."