ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County Area Transit announced Monday afternoon reductions in service, including immediate elimination of late-night service.
The reduced schedules will be in effect Thursday, March 19 through Saturday, May 23, the normal end of TCAT’s Winter/spring schedule, which is always followed by a three-month reduction in service for the summer months. TCAT will also close its indoor waiting area at its Green Street Station, its major downtown hub, as a precautionary measure.
“I am grateful to county and all local leaders for their proactive and solid planning to protect our community during a crisis that has placed all of us in unfamiliar territory,” Vanderpool said. “We understand the need for clear and concise communications and will make every effort to update our riders and our stakeholders with any changes.”
The most immediate changes will begin tonight with routes 11N; 90; 92 and 93 ending earlier as follows:
- Route 11N: last trip departs College Circle Apartments at 10:08 p.m.
- Route 90: last trip departs Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at 10:45 p.m.
- Route 92: last trip departs Hasbrouck at 10:00 p.m.
- Route 93: last trip departs Hasbrouck at 10:30 p.m.
TCAT is now examining recent ridership data and is expected to release further details about service adjustments by Wednesday, March 18.
TCAT had originally planned to cut service starting March 22, but Vanderpool and his managers decided to move the date earlier in response to a downward spiral in ridership that started late last week and continued over the weekend.
Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 crisis and rapidly changing responses, TCAT warns that additional changes may be necessary. Riders are urged to check TCAT’s website and Bus Tracker and MyStop and other apps before boarding.