Downtown Ithaca Alliance · Community News
Getting around downtown just got easier — here's how to pay your TCAT fare.
At the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, we're always looking for ways to make downtown more accessible, less stressful, and more welcoming for everyone. TCAT has been quietly working on a big step in that direction — and the good news is people of all ages can ride for just $1.50, with a reduced fare of $0.75 for seniors 60+ and riders with disabilities.
Five ways to pay — no need to hunt for exact change
TCAT has rolled out a full menu of payment options so every rider can pick the one that fits their day. Whether you're a lifelong Ithacan or a first-time visitor coming in for a weekend on the Commons, here's the quick rundown.
-
Option 01
Cash
Exact change only — drivers and fareboxes cannot give change. Keep ones and quarters handy.
-
Option 02
Credit / debit or digital wallet
Tap your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Apple Pay, or Google Pay on the smart card reader. Perfect for visitors — no app or account required.
-
Option 03
TFare app
Download it on Google Play or the App Store — search "TFare Ithaca." Activate your pass right before boarding; QR codes expire after one minute.
-
Option 04
T-card — rechargeable
Set up an account at tcatbus.com/store and TCAT mails you a durable smart card to reload anytime.
-
Option 05
T-card — non-rechargeable
Disposable T-cards are available at TCAT and retail outlets across the county. Find locations at tcatbus.com/where-to-buy.
Pro tip: the easiest option for downtown visitors
If you're new to Ithaca, or just popping over from a neighboring town for dinner on the Commons, the simplest move is tap-and-go. A tap with your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet is the fastest way to board, and it's the option we most often recommend to first-time visitors.
"Tap, ride, enjoy downtown. That's the whole trip." — Downtown Ithaca Alliance
!Important for half-fare riders
If you qualify for the reduced $0.75 fare (seniors 60+ or persons with disabilities), you must tell your driver before tapping your credit or debit card. The system won't automatically apply the discount — a quick word to the driver before you pay does the trick.
Kids ride free
Here's a favorite for families: through TCAT's FreeRyde program, kids under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. It's a lovely way to turn a bus trip into part of the downtown outing — especially for our youngest future Ithacans. Learn more at tcatbus.com/freeryde.
Plan your trip to downtown
Routes that stop on the Commons, near Green Street Station, and along Seneca, State, and Cayuga Streets serve most of our downtown destinations. The Commons, Ithaca's pedestrian-only heart, is just steps away from several stops. Check live schedules at tcatbus.com/bus-schedules.
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance is proud to partner with TCAT as part of a vibrant, sustainable, and accessible downtown. When it's easy to get from every corner of the county to the Commons, more people can enjoy everything that makes this place special — the shops, the restaurants, the events, and the steady rhythm of a small city that feels like home.
Learn more about fares and payment options at tcatbus.com/fare-pass-options. For Downtown Ithaca events, dining, and more, visit downtownithaca.com.
— Downtown Ithaca Alliance
