November 14, 2014 - Bismarck, N.D. – Web users will notice a new look to the Capital Area Transit (CAT) and Bis-Man Transit web site. A new, responsive site was launched on November 10.
“We are thrilled with the new site,” said Transit Director Robin Werre. “It combines much of the information from the previous site, with the flexibility to view the site with any device. Plus, the redesign gave us a chance to update the look of the site a bit.”
Responsive web sites are designed to be viewed across many devices, avoiding manual page
resizing and providing a more readable site for mobile users. This enhances the user experience
overall, giving site visitors the information they need, no matter the device they are using.
Portions of the new site, including the Route Changes section have been expanded to include
weather-related changes in service to the Bis-Man Transit’s paratransit service. Information is
also available about the status of Jefferson Lines buses running to Fargo or Billings (via Minot
and Williston). More additions and updates to the site are expected in coming weeks and months.
“Mobile traffic has exploded over the past couple of years and the CAT and Bis-Man Transit site
is no different. More than half of the traffic coming to our site is through some sort of mobile
device,” said CAT and Bis-Man Transit Marketing Director Kalen Ost. “We wanted to make
sure we are giving these users the best experience possible, without sacrificing the desktop user
experience.”
CAT and Bis-Man Transit worked with Townsquare Interactive, a division of Townsquare
Media, on the site redesign. Townsquare Media is the third-largest owner of radio stations in the
U.S. They own and operate five stations in Bismarck-Mandan: KUSB (103.3 FM), KLXX
(Super Talk 1270 AM), KKCT (Hot 97.5 FM), KBYZ (96.5 FM Fox), and KACL (Cool 98.7
FM).
“Some people may not realize we provide web design services,” said Holly Czuba, Marketing Manager with Townsquare Interactive. “We provide your own digital specialist charged with communicating campaign results and growing your business online month over month. Our services include search engine optimization, to make sure your site is found through organic searches; social media management, to build your community; and responsive website design, to provide a flawless user experience across all devices.”
CAT is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, after providing more than 135,000 rides in
2013. For more information about this, and other services we provide, you can reach staff by
calling 701-258-6817. Information is also available online at www.thecatbus.com.
Bis-Man Transit has been serving individuals over the age of 60, as well as individuals with
disabilities, since 1990 with reliable, convenient and affordable transportation – with nearly
165,000 rides provided last year. Bis-Man Transit operates within Bismarck and Mandan,
extends service to an area two miles area outside the city limits of Bismarck, Mandan and
Lincoln N.D., and provides service to the University of Mary.
The Bismarck Bus Depot provides tickets for two Jefferson Lines buses leaving from Bismarck
each day. The eastbound bus to Fargo leaves the depot at 8:25 a.m. while the bus traveling to
Billings, Mont., with stops in Minot and Williston, leaves at 3:45 p.m. each day. A southbound
shuttle to Rapid City, S.D., is also available at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, but 24-hour
notice is required.