Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA)

Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA) Getting there starts here - we're saving a seat for you! Buses from MCAT and MOCAT were referred to as the CAT buses, using a tiger graphic as the logo.

In 1976, the Country Express began providing transportation to the residents of Mecosta, Osceola, Lake, and Newaygo counties, and was the first transportation system of its kind in the nation. The Country Express worked in cooperation with existing transportation services in the region, including the City of Big Rapids Dial-a-Ride and Lake County's TRANSPO system (now known as Yates Township Dial-

a-Ride) on an experimental basis for a two year period. Although the Country Express closed in 1977, the experimental service clearly demonstrated the need for public transportation in rural areas. Recognizing this need, the Mecosta Rural Transit (MRT) began operations in 1978 as an outgrowth of the Country Express. The Mecosta Rural Transit initially served the senior citizens and disabled residents of Mecosta County, subsequently expanding to meet the needs of all residents throughout the county and changing its name to Mecosta County Area Transit (MCAT). In 1983, the Mecosta County Area Transit expanded its service area to include Mecosta and Osceola counties, changing its name to Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit (MOCAT). The Mecosta Rural Transit and the Mecosta County Area Transit operated under the authority of Mecosta County. Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit operated under the authority of Mecosta and Osceola Counties. In July 2005, the Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit was reorganized as an independent Transportation Authority which no longer operated under the authority of the two counties. The new Authority was named Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA). Services provided include modified fixed route, demand-response, and contract transportation, with connections available to neighboring transportation services. Our mission is simple: "Providing public transportation services in a safe, effective, and affordable manner."

NEW BUS WRAP ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES ARE HERE AT MOTA! The Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority is excited to announce th...
06/09/2026

NEW BUS WRAP ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES ARE HERE AT MOTA!

The Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority is excited to announce the launch of our new bus wrap advertising program, bringing a unique and eye-catching way for organizations, businesses, and nonprofits to connect with residents throughout Mecosta and Osceola Counties!

MOTA has partnered with Dynamic Bus Ads to offer these exciting mobile advertising opportunities throughout our service area. Whether you're a local business, community organization, or foundation, bus advertising is a great way to increase visibility and reach thousands of riders and residents every month!

That being said, we're proud to introduce our very first bus wrap advertising partner - Michigan Fitness Foundation!

The Michigan Fitness Foundation is a Michigan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Michigan residents through physical activity, nutrition education, and community health initiatives. Their work supports schools, nonprofits, and local communities by providing educational resources and programs that encourage healthy lifestyles and lifelong wellness.

Learn more about the Michigan Fitness Foundation by visiting: https://michiganfitness.org/

Interested in putting your message on the road with MOTA? Contact us today at [email protected] for more information about our bus wrap advertising opportunities!

🚨 Service Update 🚨The Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA) will be upgrading our servers today, Wednesday, June 3rd,...
06/03/2026

🚨 Service Update 🚨

The Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA) will be upgrading our servers today, Wednesday, June 3rd, from 2:00PM–4:00PM.

Our dispatch services will be temporarily down during this time. If you need to schedule a ride for this afternoon, please call before 2:00PM or after 4:00PM.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our services!

-The MOTA Team

When community members need help, MOTA is always ready to step up!🚌Recently, Special Olympics Michigan Area 5 reached ou...
05/28/2026

When community members need help, MOTA is always ready to step up!🚌

Recently, Special Olympics Michigan Area 5 reached out to MOTA after the bus they planned to use for transportation broke down just before the 2026 State Summer Games at Central Michigan University. Without hesitation, the MOTA team worked quickly to help ensure our local Area 5 athletes could still make the trip and participate in this incredible event!

At MOTA, we believe public transportation is about more than just rides - it’s about supporting the people and communities of Mecosta and Osceola Counties when they need us most.

We are proud to stand behind our local Area 5 athletes and proud to serve the residents of our communities every single day. Please join us in wishing the Area 5 athletes the best of luck at the 2026 State Summer Games! 🏅👏

🚍MOTA is hiring Part-Time Drivers!🚍We’re looking to expand our driving team with outgoing, dependable individuals who en...
05/26/2026

🚍MOTA is hiring Part-Time Drivers!🚍

We’re looking to expand our driving team with outgoing, dependable individuals who enjoy serving the community! Afternoon shifts available (11am–7pm). A current P-Endorsement and knowledge of the Mecosta/Osceola area are preferred.

Apply online TODAY at motaonline.net/employment or in person at 18710 16 Mile Rd, Big Rapids, MI 49307!

🇺🇸 Service Update 🇺🇸In observance of Memorial Day, the Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA) will be closed on Monday...
05/21/2026

🇺🇸 Service Update 🇺🇸

In observance of Memorial Day, the Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA) will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Regular service will resume on Tuesday, May 26th. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who served.

05/18/2026

The MOTA team joined the fight against cancer at the 2026 Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K this weekend in Big Rapids!

MOTA is here with the Mecosta Osceola Community Resource Network at the Big Rapids Farmers' Market! We need your help fi...
05/08/2026

MOTA is here with the Mecosta Osceola Community Resource Network at the Big Rapids Farmers' Market!

We need your help filling a MOTA bus with winter gear for our community members in need! Please consider stopping by to donate any new or gently used winter coats and outerwear. We will be here until 2pm!

Today is the day! Give MOTA a call and schedule your FREE ride to the Big Rapids Farmers' Market all season long! To sch...
05/08/2026

Today is the day! Give MOTA a call and schedule your FREE ride to the Big Rapids Farmers' Market all season long!

To schedule a ride with MOTA, call (231) 796-4896!

The City of Big Rapids invites you to participate in Vendor Market Map Layout - May 8th. Explore this Interactive Tour to engage and give back.

🧥🚌 HELP US “FILL-A-BUS” FOR LOCAL FAMILIES! 🚌🧥Don't put your winter gear away just yet! MOTA is proud to partner with th...
05/06/2026

🧥🚌 HELP US “FILL-A-BUS” FOR LOCAL FAMILIES! 🚌🧥

Don't put your winter gear away just yet! MOTA is proud to partner with the Mecosta-Osceola Community Resource Network for the “Fill-a-Bus” Coat Drive at the Big Rapids Farmer’s Market on Friday, May 8th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM!

A MOTA bus will be stationed at the market collecting new or gently used winter clothing and outerwear to support families throughout Mecosta and Osceola Counties. Together, we can help keep our neighbors warm and make a meaningful difference in our community.

📍 Big Rapids Farmer’s Market
📅 Friday, May 8
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

We are accepting:
✔️ Winter Coats
✔️ Gloves
✔️ Hats
✔️ Scarves
✔️ Winter Boots

Every donation, big or small, helps local families in need. Let’s work together to FILL-A-BUS with kindness and community support!

Please like, share, and help spread the word!

Address

18710 16 Mile Road
Big Rapids, MI
49307

Opening Hours

Monday 5am - 7pm
Tuesday 5am - 7pm
Wednesday 5am - 7pm
Thursday 5am - 7pm
Friday 5am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 3pm

Telephone

+12317964896

Website

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