What Coast Transit Authority does

Coast Transit Authority (CTA) is a non-profit public transportation authority and legislatively designated recipient of Federal Transit Administration funding serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1975. Operating across Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock counties from a Gulfport, MS headquarters at 333 DeBuys Rd, CTA runs seven fixed bus routes (Beachcomber Route 1, Casino Hopper Route 2, D'Iberville Route 4, Ocean Springs Route 7, Pass Road Route 34, Gulfport Route 37, and Gulfport Route 38) plus event-specific express services, radiating from three primary transit centers in Gulfport, Biloxi, and D'Iberville. Its fleet mixes replica trolleys (the iconic Beachcomber Line, in service since 1990), hybrid electric buses, dual-fuel vehicles, and a Battery Electric Bus introduced in 2021, supported by ADA paratransit, paratransit-plus, a free Harrison County senior transportation program, the Coast Commuter vanpool partnership with Enterprise, hurricane evacuation registration, Park & Ride facilities, and Bike & Bus racks.

CTA's technology stack centers on the RouteShout real-time bus tracking mobile app (versions 2.0 and 3.0), color-coded Stop ID signage rolled out in 2025, GTFS data publishing for third-party trip planners, and a 2024 ADA-compliant Tram Bridge spanning Highway 90 to connect Jones Park with the Mississippi Aquarium, traversed seasonally by a propane-fueled CTA Tram Trolley. Revenue is a hybrid of passenger fares (adult $1.75/ride, daily and monthly passes), FTA operating and capital grants (50/50 and 80/20 matching), local subsidies from seven Mississippi municipal and county governments, advertising sales, vending, equipment sales, and event rentals of the restored historic Gulfport Transit Center. Customers include daily commuters, tourists, seniors, students (notably MGCCC), ADA-certified riders, casino employees and patrons, and Gulf Coast employers participating in the Live, Work, Stay & Play program; CTA is governed by a nine-member Board of Commissioners and led by Executive Director Mike Reso (appointed February 2026).

Name

Coast Transit Authority

Legal name

Coast Transit Authority

Website

https://coasttransit.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Coast Transit Authority is a non-profit public transit authority operating since 1975, providing fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit, senior transportation, and vanpool programs across the three-county Mississippi Gulf Coast region from Gulfport.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Transit Services

NAICS

Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Transit Agencies (Bus, Rail, Metro, Paratransit) (BPAIALAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Public Transit Bus Operator Authorities & Agencies (Planning/Fare/Admin) (TLAFAGAL)

Keywords

• Public transit services
• Fixed route bus service
• ADA paratransit transportation
• Vanpool commuter programs
• Transit fleet operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Gulfport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Passenger Fares: Revenue from fixed route bus fares, ADA paratransit fares, senior/special fares, and sale of daily, 3-day, and 31-day passes. Fare collection through fareboxes on buses (coins and dollar bills) and at transit centers. No free or reduced transfers; customers pay each time they cross a fare zone.
2. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grants: FTA funding provided in the form of operating (50/50) and capital (80/20) grants, requiring 50% or 20% local matching funds respectively. CTA is the designated recipient of State and Federal funding for urban transportation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
3. Local Government Subsidies: Operating subsidies from Harrison County, Jackson County, City of Biloxi, City of Gulfport, City of D'Iberville, City of Ocean Springs, and State of Mississippi. Self-generated funds also include charter revenue and contract revenue.
4. Advertising Revenue: Revenue from advertising opportunities on CTA buses, trolleys, transit facilities, and in newsletters. Contact Karen Morgan for advertising opportunities and pricing.
5. Vending and Equipment Sales: Self-generated revenue from vending machines at transit facilities and sale of surplus equipment.
6. Event Center Rental (Gulfport Transit Center): Revenue from renting the Gulfport Transit Center event space for weddings, corporate gatherings, celebrations, and conferences. The restored former downtown Gulfport Library serves as a unique historic event venue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Coast Transit Authority operates scheduled fixed-route bus service across the Mississippi Gulf Coast via seven routes (Beachcomber, Casino Hopper, D'Iberville, Ocean Springs, Pass Road, Gulfport Routes 37 and 38) radiating from three transit centers, complemented by ADA Paratransit for riders with disabilities, a free senior transportation program for Harrison County, a Coast Commuter vanpool program, hurricane evacuation transportation, and a real-time bus tracking mobile app (RouteShout). The authority operates replica trolleys, hybrid electric buses, battery electric buses, and dual-fuel vehicles, and is the designated recipient of Federal Transit Administration and State of Mississippi funding for urban transportation in the region.

Product overview

Coast Transit Authority (CTA) is a non-profit public transportation provider serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1975. The company operates a portfolio of transit services centered on a fixed-route bus network radiating from transit hubs, complemented by ADA paratransit services and special programs. The core offering consists of seven fixed bus routes (Beachcomber Route 1, Casino Hopper Route 2, D'Iberville Route 4, Ocean Springs Route 7, Pass Road Route 34, Gulfport Route 37, and Gulfport Route 38) featuring both standard buses and replica trolley vehicles. Supporting services include ADA Paratransit and Paratransit Plus for disability access, Senior Transportation for Harrison County seniors, Coast Commuter vanpool program for employer commute solutions, Bike & Bus rack services, Park & Ride facilities, Hurricane Evacuation Registration, and the RouteShout real-time bus tracking mobile app. The company also operates the seasonal CTA Tram Trolley across the Tram Bridge, and offers Gulfport Transit Center event rental and advertising opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Beachcomber Line: A nostalgic replica trolley route serving destinations in Biloxi and Gulfport along the beachfront.
• Casino Hopper
• D'Iberville Route 4
• Ocean Springs Route 7
• Pass Road Route 34
• Gulfport Route 37
• Gulfport Route 38
• Festival Hopper
• CTA Tram Trolley
• RouteShout App
• Coast Commuter
• ADA Paratransit
• ADA Paratransit Plus
• Senior Transportation Program

Products and services

• Fixed Route Bus Service Scheduled bus and replica trolley service on seven fixed routes (Beachcomber Route 1, Casino Hopper Route 2, D'Iberville Route 4, Ocean Springs Route 7, Pass Road Route 34, Gulfport Route 37, Gulfport Route 38) serving Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, D'Iberville, and St. Martin on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Includes Beachcomber replica trolleys, hybrid electric buses, Battery Electric Bus (BEB), and dual-fuel vehicles, all ADA-accessible.
• ADA Paratransit Curb-to-curb transportation service for persons with disabilities who are unable to access or use fixed route service, operating within the 3/4 mile corridor of fixed routes. Rides scheduled 1-14 days in advance via toll-free 1-866-206-8843 at $2.00 per fare zone with 10-pass sheets available for $20.00.
• ADA Paratransit Plus Enhanced transportation service expanding beyond the mandated 3/4 mile corridors to provide countywide service in Harrison and Jackson counties for certified ADA paratransit users unable to access fixed-route service.
• RouteShout App Real-time bus tracking mobile application (versions 2.0 and 3.0) for Apple iOS and Android devices, plus a web platform at routeshout.coasttransit.com. Allows riders to find bus stops by location or street-name search, view routes, see real-time arrival times, and save favorite stops for quick access.
• Beachcomber Route 1 (Replica Trolley Beachfront Route) Replica trolley bus route serving beachfront destinations in Biloxi and Gulfport along Highway 90, operating Monday through Saturday. Recognized as a CTA trademark and popular tourist attraction.
• Casino Hopper Route 2 Fixed route serving casinos, attractions, and businesses on Highway 90, Caillavet Blvd., and Bayview Ave. on the Biloxi Loop, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Beau Rivage, IP Casino Resort Spa, and Scarlett Pearl Casino. Operates every 25 minutes, 7 days a week.
• Senior Transportation Program (Harrison County) Free non-emergency curb-to-curb transportation service for senior citizens (60+) residing in Harrison County, providing trips to medical appointments (up to 3 per week), senior center transportation, and grocery shopping (1 per week). Funded by Harrison County and certified through the Harrison County Senior Center at 228-241-2000.
• Coast Commuter Vanpool Program Vanpool and carpool program designed to assist Mississippi Gulf Coast employers with employee recruitment, retention, and commute cost reduction. CTA partners with Enterprise (Commute with Enterprise) to provide vehicles, maintenance, insurance, driver recruitment and training. Contact 1-800-VAN-RIDE or commitewithenterprise.com.
• Bike & Bus Front-mounted bike racks on all fixed-route buses, trolleys, the Beachcomber, and the Casino Hopper, accommodating at least two bikes at no additional charge during normal operating hours including evenings and weekends.
• Park & Ride Parking facilities at the Gulfport Transit Center (modern 4-level 450-space parking deck at 1401 20th Avenue), Biloxi Transit Center (free surface parking), D'Iberville Transit Center, and Courthouse Road Beach Bus Station, allowing riders to park vehicles and transfer to public transit.
• CTA Tram Trolley (Seasonal Tram Bridge Shuttle) Propane-fueled, low-emission trolley operating seasonally (April 1 through Labor Day) across the CTA Tram Bridge every 15 minutes, connecting the Gulfport Transit Hub to Jones Park and the Mississippi Aquarium.
• Hurricane Evacuation Transportation Pre-registration transportation service for Harrison County residents to evacuate during hurricane emergencies, including special accommodations for seniors, disabled individuals, and those with medical needs.
• Gulfport Transit Center Event Rental Historic venue rental at the renovated former downtown Gulfport Library (Gulfport Transit Center) for weddings, corporate gatherings, celebrations, and conferences, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, terrazzo flooring, a koi pond, and the CTA Tram Bridge as backdrop. Contact Karen Morgan for pricing.
• Transit Advertising Advertising opportunities on CTA buses, trolleys, transit facilities, and in newsletters. Contact Karen Morgan at 228-896-8080 ext. 225 or [email protected] for advertising opportunities and pricing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 126,148 gallons of fuel saved and 2,441,850 pounds of CO2 reduced in 2023 through Coast Commuter vanpool program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mississippi AquariumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2026CTA partnered with the Mississippi Aquarium to host the Earth Day Celebration on April 22, 2026, at the Gulfport Transit Center Hub. The CTA Tram Trolley provides free shuttle rides between the Mississippi Aquarium and Gulfport Transit Center every 15 minutes. The partnership connects transit riders to the aquarium via the CTA Tram Bridge across Highway 90.
• Mississippi AquariumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2025CTA and Mississippi Aquarium partnered for Earth Day 2025 celebration at Gulfport Transit Center Hub. The CTA Tram Trolley provided free rides between the aquarium and transit center, and the event showcased CTA's eco-friendly fleet alongside the aquarium's sustainability mission.
• Harrison County Board of SupervisorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTA partners with Harrison County Board of Supervisors to provide free transportation to the county's designated cold weather shelter on days officially announced by the county. Pickup at Percy Street under the I-10 underpass, destination at Kenny Fournier Multipurpose Center in D'Iberville. Return service provided the following morning.
• Christie Fountain AdvertisingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCTA partnered with Christie Fountain Advertising, an Ocean Springs-based design firm, to create the new color-coded bus stop signage system featuring coastal animal mascots and Stop IDs for improved rider experience and system modernization.
• Enterprise (Commute with Enterprise)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCTA's Coast Commuter Program is provided in partnership with Enterprise for vanpool and carpool services. Enterprise provides vehicles, maintenance, and insurance while CTA manages the program. Contact 1-800-VAN-RIDE or commitewithenterprise.com.
• Coastal Mississippi (Tourism Board)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoastal Mississippi tourism board appeared at the Try Transit Day event (June 18, 2026) at Biloxi Transit Center to showcase attractions accessible via CTA routes and promote public transit as a tourism option.
• Mississippi Gulf Coast EmployerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCTA's Live, Work, Stay & Play program partners with Gulf Coast employers for employee commute solutions. Offers free 3-day passes for new hire orientation, bulk-rate employee pass discounts, and Coast Commuter vanpool introduction. Contact Molly Shea, Marketing & Mobility Coordinator.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Via Transportation: On-demand microtransit technology provider powering first/last-mile and paratransit pilots for small/medium transit agencies; partial overlap with CTA's paratransit and senior transportation products where on-demand zoning could substitute for fixed routing.

Direct peers

• Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA): Small-urban fixed-route bus and paratransit operator serving the Memphis, TN urbanized area with FTA funding, trolley service, and ADA paratransit — structurally analogous to CTA in scale, funding model, and service mix (bus + trolley + paratransit).
• Lane Transit District (Eugene, OR): Special-district transit authority providing fixed-route bus, paratransit, and vanpool in a mid-size Oregon metro under FTA grant funding — comparable governance and revenue mix to CTA, with similar emphasis on employer-based ridership programs.
• Spokane Transit Authority: Mid-sized public transit authority operating fixed-route bus, paratransit, and vanpool services for the Spokane urbanized area under an FTA-funded, publicly governed authority model comparable to CTA's governance and service portfolio.
• Broward County Transit (BCT): County-operated fixed-route bus and paratransit system serving a coastal Florida urbanized area with tourism traffic, multi-county service area, and FTA funding — close analog to CTA's coastal, multi-county operating geography and tourism-oriented routing.
• Sun Metro (City of El Paso): Municipal fixed-route bus and streetcar (incl. heritage trolley) system serving El Paso with BRT-lite routes, ADA paratransit, and FTA capital/operating support — closely mirrors CTA's combination of standard bus, branded trolley service (Beachcomber), and paratransit.

Broad incumbents

• Transdev North America: Largest private-sector contracted transit operator in the U.S., running fixed-route, paratransit, and shuttle services for public agencies; Ninette Barrios (CTA's interim CEO) joined CTA from Transdev, signaling overlap in operating practices and workforce. Operates in a broader portfolio than CTA's narrow regional focus.
• First Student / First Transit (FirstGroup): Major contracted fixed-route and paratransit operator for U.S. transit agencies; overlaps CTA's service model as a contracted-services alternative and threatens in-house delivery models for paratransit and trolley operations.
• MV Transportation: Largest U.S. paratransit and ADA demand-response transportation contractor; directly comparable to the CTA Paratransit and Paratransit Plus product line and a potential contracted-service alternative to in-house ADA operations.

Others

• Enterprise Mobility (Vanpool & Rideshare): CTA's existing Coast Commuter vanpool partner ("Commute with Enterprise") and a broader alternative to fixed-route transit for commuter trips; an upstream/downstream channel partner rather than competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHGahmNEAQ9xzeF_HsNfhQA
• Facebookfacebook.com/coasttransit
• Instagraminstagram.com/coasttransit
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coast-transit-authority

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Coast Transit Authority