Transit Development Plan 2020-2021

In December 2021, TCAT’s TDP consultants, Sam Schwartz submitted the final TCAT 2020-2021 plan to refine TCAT’s transit services, increase overall ridership, and to provide equitable and reliable bus service. It is important to note that although this is a “final” blueprint, actual implementation depends on current conditions and available resources. Part of the plan has already been implemented while other changes, pending consideration of TCAT’s current resources and/or conditions, will be made gradually. Please note: with any proposals that disrupt or significantly reduce service on any particular route, TCAT will again reach out to the public before  implementing changes. 

 

 

 

Click to view individual sections of the report below:
  • Section 1: Introduction
  • Section 2: Existing Conditions
  • Section 3: TDP Preliminary Recommendations
  • Section 4: Public Engagement and Feedback
  • Section 5: Final Recommendations
  • Section 6: Implementation Plan

TCAT’s Long-Term Blueprint for Better Service

Transit plan two years in the making

After more than two years of comprehensive analysis and planning, the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT) Board of Directors in early 2022 approved the agency’s most recent Transit Development Plan (TDP) as a guide to enhance service over the next several years.

Most U.S. transit agencies undertake the TDP process approximately every 10 years for a comprehensive review of their transportation network aimed at improving service.

The board approved the plan following a public feedback period and public hearing with most concerns centering around the realignment of TCAT’s main trunk line, route 30, which would impact the design for campus route 83. Lansing residents also expressed concern about the realignment of routes 36 and 37.

Route 30

The TDP called for the elimination of:

Service to the Highland Road/Parkway and Northway corridor in the Village of Cayuga Heights. This corridor and the village as a whole is and will be (with the TDP plan) continue to be served by other routes to include 31-41; 32; 37 and *83. (See more information regarding route 83 below.)

(See map of redesigned route 30 below.)

Routes 36 & 37

The TDP calls for the elimination of:

Service north of Lansing Schools for route 36* and service north of Lansing Town Hall for route 37.* These service reductions were recommended due to very low ridership on those corridors.

TCAT also heard concerns from a few Lansing area residents who want the routes 36 and 37 to return service to the corridors north of Lansing Schools and Lansing Town Hall. TCAT agreed to continue to study the potential for more ridership in those two areas.

*please note these alignments have already been in effect since summer 2021 as part of an emergency service reduction

(See map or redesigned routes 36 and 37 below.)

Route 83

*Please note that Route 83 has been completely eliminated at least through Fall of 2023.

Residents living in the Village of Cayuga Heights had previously expressed concerns about the route 83 traveling on White Park Road, a residential road that they said isn’t suitable for public transportation. In response, TCAT agreed to analyze routing and road conditions and has also agreed to use smaller buses for the route 83 whenever possible. See route 83 Q & A list.

About major service reductions

A “major service reduction” is defined by TCAT’s Title VI Program as one that reduces service by  20 percent or more in a distinct geographical area or corridor (even in low-service areas where percentage values can indicate a major impact.) TCAT’s Title VI policy requires TCAT to notify and provide a formal public comment period of at least 30 days before the TCAT Board considers approval.