TCAT and Ithaca College have partnered again to offer fully subsidized rides on the TCAT bus system for Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic year. Whether you are taking the bus to and from downtown, making a visit to Ithaca Falls, or utilizing the newly restored late-night service on weekdays and Saturday, TCAT and IC will get you there (and back) – at no cost to you! The TCAT bus system is a tremendous asset for this community, and we hope you take the opportunity to use this resource to your advantage while at Ithaca College.
Since TCAT adopted a new fare collection system in 2023 (Genfare), IC riders have had to show their College ID to drivers in order to access the bus system. Now, TCAT and IC are launching the first institutional Pass (the IC Pass) using the TFare Mobile App. Rather than pulling out your ID and waiting to have your ride logged manually by the driver, riders can now simply use the app to activate a pass and board any TCAT bus!
Starting September 1, you will need to use the mobile app to ride the bus for free. Starting September 6, your IC ID will no longer get you on the bus. In order to access the bus for free, you will need to install the TFare Mobile App and set up your IC wallet (easy to follow instructions can be found below). The app is simple to set up and easy to use. It is important to note, however, that just as previous riders who forgot to bring their ID were expected to pay the full bus fare, those who attempt to ride without the app, and/or those who have forgotten their phone will need to pay the required $1.50 per trip in order to ride the bus.
- Note - We appreciate that not every member of the IC community has access to a smartphone. We are currently working with TCAT on implementing their new SmartCard system which will allow access to the new IC Pass without a smartphone. Unfortunately, that is not operational at the moment, so for the time being you will need a smartphone to be able to take advantage of this new IC Pass option.
Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the ID Office website. The TCAT site also has several FAQs to answer many of the question you may have, as well as several tips and reference points that will make your use of the system more seamless.
If you have any questions or need help with planning your trip, please contact TCAT at (607) 277-7433 or email TCAT at tcat@tcatmail.com. TCAT also encourages you to download Google Transit trip-planning or real-time information apps. For more information, see TCAT’s app page.
