How to Use TCAT Like a Local

Whether you’re car-free by choice, necessity, or just trying to cut down on parking tickets, riding TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) is a solid way to get around Ithaca and beyond. But if you’ve ever stood at a TCAT stop wondering whether the bus will show up or how to pay, you’re not alone. Here’s how to ride like a seasoned local.

Know Your Routes

Check the TCAT website for routes.

Pro Tip: Routes change with the season—especially around Cornell and IC breaks—so always check the current schedule before heading out.

Use the Transit App (Seriously)

Locals rely on apps like:

• Transit App – Shows real-time bus arrival and lets you plan your trip

• Google Maps – Works well for basic trip planning with TCAT integrated

• MyStop – TCAT’s official tracker (a little clunky, but useful in a pinch)

You can also text TCAT for updates or check their live route map at tcatbus.com.

Pay Like You Know What You’re Doing

Here are your options:

• Cash: $1.50 exact fare (no change given)

• Fare Cards: Reloadable cards available at Green Street Station or online

• Mobile App: TCAT has a digital pass system (go to Tcat Token Transit in your app store)

Frequent rider? Get a monthly pass to save money and skip the daily hassle.

Seating Smarts

Locals know the unspoken rules:

• Don’t take up two seats (unless the bus is empty)

• Move to the back if the front gets crowded

• Let people off before you try to get on

• Always thank the driver. Ithacans are weirdly good about this.

Timing Is Everything

TCAT isn’t NYC transit—it’s mostly on time, but delays do happen, especially in:

• Winter weather

• Game days at Cornell

• Construction detours (aka summer in Ithaca)

Plan to arrive a few minutes early and check your app for real-time info.

Go Beyond Downtown

Did you know you can get to:

• Taughannock Falls

• Trumansburg 

• Dryden and Cortland (select commuter routes)

It’s not just for commuting—TCAT can be your weekend getaway vehicle.

Ride the Green Way

TCAT is moving toward an all-electric fleet, so you can feel good about choosing public transit. It’s not just cheaper—it’s also cleaner.

Final Tip: Just Try It

The first ride might feel awkward, but after a week or two you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about it. And once you’ve survived your first TCAT winter ride, you’ve earned true local status.

*This article has been edited as it has been brought to our attention that routes change too frequently to publish.