Ithaca Transportation Guide

Written by Meredith Farley
8/26/2009Share this story on Facebook!

As much as you like the Ithaca College campus, you're bound to want to go somewhere else at some point.

Thankfully, there are so many different and affordable ways to get around town that you'll never feel stuck, whether you have a car or not.

One really convenient and inexpensive way to get around is on the TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit).

This bus system travels locally and can even bring you to Taughannock Falls. Fare is $1.50.

Monthly passes are available for $45 and annual passes cost $495.

As you might expect in a college town, there are a lot of cab companies in Ithaca. It’s pricier than a TCAT ride but more convenient when you’re in a hurry. Program these local companies in your cell phone.

Yellow Cab	(607) 277-2227
University Taxi	(607) 277-7777
Cayuga Taxi	(607) 277-8294

The Ithaca Carshare is a service that provides access to vehicles on a hourly basis. You must pay for membership, but doing so allows you to reserve a car -- fuel-efficient Nissan Versas --to run your errands and then return the car to the pick-up location.

Cars are conveniently located on campus, but can also be found in downtown Ithaca, Collegetown, Fall Creek, and on the Cornell University campus.

Prices vary by plan. The “It’s My Car” plan is $70 per semester and the “Just in Case” plan is $20 per semester.

Those who want the freedom of a car can park on campus, but parking can be tight and freshmen have to pay a higher price for a parking permit.

The cost of a parking permit is $113 a year for upperclassmen, but $500 a year for freshmen.

Freshmen also may only park in the lots farthest from the center of campus.

Fares and fees are current as of September 2009.