Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (Tcat) is holding a series of public meetings to present fare structure recommendations that are scheduled to go into effect by the end of this summer.

Over the past year, Tcat has been working on a service and fare consolidation study with the help of Weslin Consulting Services, a national public transportation consulting firm. 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. This past November and December, Tcat presented the findings of the study and revealed the latest route proposals to the public. A final public hearing on these bus service changes is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at Ithaca City Hall.

Throughout the next few weeks, another series of public meetings will focus on explaining Tcat's plans for a new fare structure. Tcat's General Manager Rod Ghearing explains, "Since we consolidated over a year ago, almost all of the buses have been painted to look the same, but depending upon which route you get on -- city, county or Cornell -- the fares are still different. We needed to develop a uniform fare structure that would work for all of the routes. The main reason we consolidated was to provide more efficient and expanded service to area transit riders. Changes, such as a uniform fare structure, will make riding Tcat buses less confusing and, we hope, less intimidating to new riders in town."

TCAT's fare structure meetings will be held at several locations in Ithaca and surrounding communities. Public input is highly encouraged. The following dates and times have been confirmed (see next page):

Tcat fare structure meetings

· Cornell University

Biotechnology Building,

Room G10

Monday, Jan. 25, noon to 1:30 p.m.

· Dryden Town Hall

Board Meeting Room (65 E. Main St.)

Monday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

· City of Ithaca

Human Services Building

(320 W. State St.)

Tuesday, Jan. 26, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Human Services Building

(320 W. State St.)

Thursday, Jan. 28, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

· Ithaca College

Textor Hall

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 12:15 to 1 p.m.

· Caroline Town Hall

Board Meeting Room

(2670 Slaterville Road)

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.

· Town of Lansing

Town Hall Board Meeting Room

(159 Auburn Road)

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.

· Ulysses Town Hall

Board Meeting Room (Elm Street)

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m.

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