TCAT FARES

The TCAT service area is divided into two fare zones, effective Sunday, January 15, 2012. The fare is based on where you board, not your destination or how far you travel. Single‑ride trips originating in rural areas (Zone 2) cost more than trips originating in the Greater Ithaca area (Zone 1). Those fares will increase from $1.50 to $2.50, whether traveling in Zone 1 or Zone 2. Single‑ride fares that originate in the Greater Ithaca Area (Zone 1) will remain at $1.50, whether traveling in either zone.

That being the case, rural trips at $2.50 inbound and $1.50 outbound will result in $4 round trips, up from the current $3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have existing passes that I won't use up or that won't expire until well after the January 15 changeover. Do I have to add more money to them?

A. No. Any ride‑based or day‑based passes purchased before the January 15, 2012 changeover will remain valid in both zones until passes are depleted or expired.

Q. May I use a Zone 1 pass in Zone 2 if I put extra cash farebox?

A.  No. Due to the way the TCAT farebox is structured, passengers will not be able to use cash in addition to a Zone 1 pass to pay for a Zone 2 fare. 

The more per‑day and per‑ride passes TCAT passengers buy, the more they save, as historically been the case with TCAT's fare structure. As an example, a yearly Zone 2 pass amounts to only $1.65 a day as opposed to a one‑time $4 day pass - a substantial savings!

Fare Structure

 

 

Cash Fare, Single Ride

Fare Type                                                                               Zone 1           Zone 2

Adult (ages 18-59)................................................................. $1.50              $2.50

Youth (ages 6-17) ................................................................. $0.75              $1.25

Child (5 and under)................................................................ Free               Free

Half-fare (seniors age 60+).................................................... $0.75              $1.25

Half-fare Medicare / persons w/ disability .............................. $0.75              $1.25

 

Exact Change Only

Drivers are unable to make change so you must have the exact fare. Dollar bills and coins are accepted. No pennies please.

 

 

Tcard Deals

The more rides or consecutive days of riding you purchase on your Tcard at one time, the more you save on your per-ride or per-day cost.

 

If you Purchase:                                                                    You Pay:

Fare Type                                                                             Zone 1            Zone 2

1-14 adult rides..................................................................... $1.50 / ride       $2.50 / ride

15+ adult rides                                                                       $1.33 / ride       $2.25 / ride                                                                                                                      

1-6 consecutive days........................................................... $3.00 / day      $4.00 /day

7-30 consecutive days......................................................... $2.50 /day       $3.33 /day

31-364 consecutive days..................................................... $1.50 /day       $2.00 /day

365+ consecutive days........................................................ $1.25 /day       $1.65 /day

 

Ride Card Options

Each ride is a one-way trip. A round-trip would cost two rides. Rides do not expire.

Fare Type                                                                             Zone 1            Zone 2

15 Ride card......................................................................... $20                  $33

Half-fare 15 Ride card.......................................................... $10                  $17
Seniors (age 60+)/ persons w/ disability / Medicare

Youth 15 Ride card............................................................... $10                  $17
Youth (age 6-17)

 

Day Pass Options

By-the-Day passes are good for unlimited rides on consecutive days beginning the first day the pass is used.

 

Fare Type                                                                             Zone 1            Zone 2

1 Day pass........................................................................... $3                    $4

2 Day pass.................................................................................................... $6                    $8

5 Day pass........................................................................... $15                  $20

Weekly pass......................................................................... $17.50             $23

Monthly pass........................................................................ $45                  $60

Annual pass.......................................................................... $450                $600

 

Youth Passes

The Youth Semester Pass is good for unlimited rides each semester on any TCAT bus

Fare Type                                                                             Zone 1            Zone 2

Youth Fall Semester

September 1 - January 31................................................... $30                  $40

Youth Spring Semester

February 1 - June 30........................................................... $30                  $40

Youth Summer Fun

June 27 - September 6........................................................ $50                  $65

 

Passes for College Students

Use your student ID at the farebox. Enjoy special pricing and added convenience by having bus privileges loaded right onto your student ID card. It's important to note that it may take 2-3 days for your new bus pass to work on the bus. In the meantime, please carry an alternate fare.

 

College Student Rates

Fare Type                                                                             Zone 1            Zone 2

TC3 Student Unlimited ........................................................ N/A                  $170
Semester Pass (fall or spring)

                   

TC3 Student Basic (limited) ................................................ N/A                  $110
Semester Pass (fall or spring)

                              

 TC3 Student Unlimited ....................................................... N/A                  $85
Semester Pass (summer)

                 

TC3 Student Basic (limited) ................................................ N/A                  $55
Semester Pass (summer)

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                            Zone 1            Zone 2

IC Student 15-ride pass ...................................................... $15                  $20

IC Student Monthly Pass ..................................................... $30                  $40

IC Student Semester Pass (fall or spring)........................... $110                $145

IC Student Semester Pass (summer)................................. $45                  $60

 

Transfers

If more than one bus route is needed to get you to your destination, transfer slips are available at no additional cost. You should request a transfer from the Bus Operator when you pay the fare or use a transfer slip. Riders are allowed up to two transfers to complete their trip. Transfers are good for a continuous one way trip on the day of issue and will only be honored on the next available bus. They will not be accepted on any trip that will return the passenger to the area in which the transfer was originally issued, nor to re-board the same route.

Day or semester pass holders do not need a transfer slip. Simply swipe your card again.

 

Youth Passes

High school students with valid student ID and youth ages 6 to 17 are eligible.
Home-schooled students over 17 years of age should contact TCAT customer service at 277-7433. The Youth Semester Pass is good for unlimited rides each semester on any TCAT bus

 

Children

Children five years old and under ride free and must be accompanied by a responsible adult (up to three children per adult).

 

Senior Citizens, Medicare cardholders and Persons w/ Disabilities

Persons 60 years old or older, medicare cardholders and persons with a disability currently receiving SSI, SSD, or disabled veterans benefits are eligible to pay half-fare on the TCAT bus. (This does not apply to Gadabout or ADA paratransit services.) The bus operator may ask for proof of eligibility. Acceptable forms of proof of eligibility are your Medicare card, Senior Citizen's Discount Card, drivers' license or your TCAT half-fare identification card (purple card).

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