CATS service may end

 
The Southern Shuttle may no longer be in service to students if an upcoming vote does not pass to keep Capitol Area Transit System operating.​
Almost every city in the country has a dedicated revenue source for their transit system, which is a source of money that you can count on, and Baton Rouge does not. It is the largest city in the country without one. The upcoming election would create such a source.
The reason for this $2.1 million deficit is due to neither Mayor Kip Holden or the Metro Council did not supply the necessary funds to cover it.​
“If the election does not pass then the entire system in the city parish shuts down in July including the Southern Shuttle.  There will be no more transit system,” said Broderick Bagert, the lead organizer for Together Baton Rouge​
Together Baton Rouge is part of the Industrial Areas Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest broad-based organizing network. There are more than 65 IAF organizations around the country, including projects in New Orleans, Monroe, Shreveport-Bossier, Alexandria and the Louisiana Delta.​
Southern University is having a Voter Registration Contest from March 1-15where The Greek and Student Organizations are the constants. To get points they have to register at least 300 people. The winning organization will get naming rights to the Southern Shuttle for the next year.​
“A lot of students rely on the CATS system to get to and from work or school. That’s why Willie E. McCorkle, Ebony Yarbrough and I are getting our student body involved,” said Joseph Sam. ​
When informed that CATS might no longer run on campus, student are already voicing their opinions. Christopher Sanchez a freshman English major says, “I’m definitely voting, this is ridiculous.” ​
Southern could play a huge role in this election, and could be the decisive proof of voters who make this thing successful.​
​”I’ve been an organizer for 10 years and I don’t know if I’ve seen such a deep and interesting voting registration effort on a campus anywhere,” said Bagert. “I think the students are doing something extraordinary.”​
If it does pass, then there will be really significant improvements to the system including Southern. Wait times will be decreased, there will be express lines straight from Southern to downtown.​
“The shuttle is my only means of transportation when I’m in Baton Rouge,” said Kathrine Taylor, an English major from Dallas. “I work, and without the CATS system I will have to quit my job.”​
To register to vote please contact Joseph Sam, Willie E. McCorkle, III or Ebony Yarbrough. Voting will take place at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.​
“I think the big story is Southern University and its students and how the are trying to shed light on how massive the threat is,” said Bagert.​
It all hangs in this election … if its successful we’ll have an entirely new level of transit and much better service to Southern. If it fails then everything shuts down including the Southern shuttle. March 20 is the last day to register to vote and main voting is April 21.​