Come celebrate Tompkins County Consolidated Transit’s (TCAT) first electric buses launch on Earth Day, April 22.
Starting at 10:30 a.m. that day, TCAT will host a ceremony at Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons before it launches seven fifth-generation 40-foot ZX5+ buses.
During the ceremony, TCAT General Manager Scot Vanderpool along with state and local stakeholders will provide brief comments. Then, at about 11 a.m., TCAT will offer free rides on the new buses from neighboring Seneca St. Station around the Commons. (Due to the pandemic, each bus is limited to 25 passengers.)
“Earth Day is a fitting day for us to celebrate this important TCAT milestone and marks our community’s long-standing commitment toward lowering carbon emissions,” Vanderpool said. “TCAT’s aim is to transform what is now a mostly diesel-powered fleet to all-electric by 2035 and this day represents our first steps toward meeting that goal, thanks to the help of many of our stakeholders and supporters.”
The new buses, along with TCAT’s current fleet, are equipped with WiFi for passengers. California-based Proterra delivered the buses last month. The fleet was funded by proceeds from the Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil Settlement and federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportations No-Low or No Emission Program.
What: TCAT Earth Day Electric Bus Launch
When: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Bernie Milton Pavilion, Ithaca Commons
Want a sneak peek about TCAT’s electric buses, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVJAfj_FzY4
TCAT, Inc. (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides public transportation for Tompkins County. TCAT also offers complimentary ADA Paratransit through a contract with Gadabout Transportation Services, Inc. For more information about TCAT, please visit www.tcatbus.com or call (607)277-RIDE. Twitter: TCATrides. Facebook: EverythingTCAT. TCAT is a Tompkins County Certified Living Wage and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Passengers are advised to look for service information and updates at TCAT’s Bus Tracker.
