Faced with unprecedented increases in the cost of fuel as well as the doubling of its liability insurance premiums, the board of directors of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) has proposed a 25 cent basic fare increase and two service reductions, both of which would go into effect Jan. 1, 2001.

• The TCAT adult cash fare would increase from 75 cents to $1 for single zone trips and from $1.50 to $2 for multizone trips. There would be proportional increases to ticket and pass prices. (See fare comparison chart, last page.)
• TCAT proposes to eliminate Route 35 (Cayuga Heights/Cornell) and to reduce the frequency of service on Route 18 (Buttermilk Falls/Commons [Saturday only]).

These measures have been proposed to offset what otherwise will be a major shortfall in TCAT's 2001 budget. Factors leading to the shortfall include increased fuel and liability insurance costs.

Public informational meetings – hosted by TCAT staff – to discuss these proposals, will be held at Cornell and Ithaca College, in the city of Ithaca and throughout the county (see schedule, next page). The meeting at Cornell is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 24, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Biotechnology Building.

In addition, on Nov. 9 at 4 p.m., the TCAT board of directors will hold a public hearing at the TCAT facility (737 Willow Ave., in Ithaca) on the above actions, prior to its board meeting. A shuttle bus between the Ithaca Commons (Green Street and Seneca Street stops) and the TCAT facility will run from 3 to 6 p.m.

The general public is invited to send comments or request details on the proposed actions by contacting: Dwight Mengel, service development manager, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, 737 Willow Ave., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, at (607) 277-9388, Ext. 520; e-maildem11@cornell.edu .

Public comments will be posted on the TCAT web site and presented to the TCAT board of directors. People needing sign language translation are encouraged to call TCAT at 277-9388, Ext. 450, before Nov. 7, so TCAT can make arrangements.

Public information meetings:

• City of Ithaca, Tompkins County Human Services Building, Monday, Oct. 23, noon-1 p.m.
• Town of Lansing, Town Hall board meeting room, Monday, Oct. 23, 7-8 p.m.
• Newfield, Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 23, 7-8 p.m.
• Cornell University, G10 Biotechnology Building, Tuesday, Oct. 24, noon-1p.m.
• Ulysses, Town Hall board meeting room, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7- 8 p.m.
• Caroline, Town Hall board meeting room, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7- 8 p.m.
• Dryden,Town Hall board meeting room, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
• Village of Lansing, Village Hall board meeting room, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 7-8 p.m.
• Village of Groton, Village Hall, Thursday, Oct. 26, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
• Ithaca, City Hall Common Council Chambers, Monday, Oct. 30, 7-8 p.m.
• Ithaca College, to be announced
• Public hearing on fare increase and service reduction, TCAT facility conference room, Thursday, Nov. 9, at 4 p.m.

 Fare                          1 Zone                    Multi-Zone
 Category                     Current    Proposed      Current     Proposed

Adult -- Cash                 75 cents  $1.00           $1.50    $2.00
Elderly & Disabled, Cash  35 cents  50 cents        75 cents $1.00
Youth (6 to 18) -- Cash       50 cents  75 cents        $1.00    $1.50
1 day conference pass         $1.50     $2.00           N/A      N/A
2 day pass                    $3.00     $4.00           $6.00    $8.00
5 day conference pass         $5.00     $8.50           N/A      N/A
8 day pass                    $10.00     $13.00         $20.00   $26.00
1 Month Pass (unlimited rides for  31 consecutive days)     
                              $20        $27            $40      $54
Annual Pass (unlimited rides for 1 year)     
                              $220       $297           $440     $594
Youth Summer Fun Pass         $30        $40            N/A      N/A
ADA Paratransit               $1.25      $2.00          $2.50    $4.00