Throughout the next three months, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (Tcat) will hold a series of public meetings to present route, service and fare recommendations.

Over the past year, Tcat has been working closely with Weslin Consulting Services, a national public transportation consulting firm, on a service and fare consolidation study. During the study, public input on how to improve the current transit system was collected through 23 meetings and the distribution of "Tell Us Where To Go" surveys. Now, in this next phase, Tcat is ready to present the study's findings and reveal their latest proposals.

"The main focus of these meetings will be on introducing and discussing our intended route plans. This is a chance for transit riders and potential transit riders to see where Tcat is headed at this time and to give further suggestions, as well," said Rod Ghearing, Tcat's general manager.

This month's public meetings will be held at several locations in the city of Ithaca, at Cornell University, Ithaca College and in surrounding communities. So far, the following dates and times have been confirmed:

• Human Services Building (320 W. State Street) - Tuesday, Nov. 10: noon-1:30 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 20: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• City of Ithaca, Common Council Chambers (108 E. Green Street) - Thursday, Nov. 12: 3-5 p.m.
• Cornell University, G10 Biotechnology Building - Monday, Nov. 16, noon-1:30 p.m..

For the most up-to-date information on Tcat public meeting locations and times, look for signs on all Tcat buses and bus shelters, call 277-RIDE or visit the web site .