Where’s My Bus? Navigating Solutions for the TCAT Driver Drought

How many times have you checked to see when a bus would arrive, only for it to never come? Or, when it finally did arrive, the bus was too packed to let you in? 

In recent years, the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) has faced a series of staffing and driver shortage crises, resulting in service cuts and delays. For students in the surrounding colleges and residents of Tompkins County, TCAT buses are the main mode of transportation. As of 2022, the TCAT’s annual ridership has surged to a record high of 2,480,418 rides. Given the area’s mountainous topography and the difficulty of navigating through Cornell University’s campus, the TCAT driver shortages pose major challenges for students. With less transit directing these students and residents to shop at small businesses, the local economy suffers correspondingly.  

Students have been decreasing their general bus usage because of the lack and inconsistency of transportation, deeming the process of catching a bus ride a testament to luck. With the inconvenience of transporting students to stores, entertainment venues, and public events, the shortage inhibits economic growth. Additionally, it will decrease the city’s economic competitiveness and likelihood of attracting investments in new business developments.

So, what can be done to address TCAT driver shortages?

Currently, TCAT has around 60 full-time drivers. However, to provide sufficient and quality services, 20 additional drivers are needed. Short-term solutions are needed before the implementation of upcoming long-term solutions like the restructuring of the TCAT employment system. Placing a focus on recruiting part-time drivers to fill in peak service hours could attract individuals who are not able to commit to full-time hours but need a temporary job. Such a program might attract retirees, students, and individuals seeking additional income. Additionally, offering immediate incentives to current drivers to pick up extra shifts and overtime could help cover some of the scheduling gaps. Starting a recognition program can help keep the morale of the existing staff and prevent further loss of drivers. 

As for the long-term solutions, TCAT is already planning to increase the bus drivers’ starting pay to $25.66 hourly as of January 1, 2024. Increasing other benefits, such as health care, retirement plans, and paid time off, could add to the appeal of the driver position. With the four-year payment plan from the agreement between the TCAT Board of Directors and Cornell, which states that Cornell University will pay TCAT over $3.3 million per year through 2027, there is more than sufficient funding to cover any additional expense that comes with the wage and benefit increase. TCAT could work with local institutions and businesses to establish alliances for training programs. For example, Cornell could establish a workforce training program that establishes a pathway for students to receive the training and license needed to become part-time bus drivers. Incentives such as school credit or scholarships could be given upon the completion of the program. Unemployment offices could launch targeted recruitment campaigns to promote the benefits and job opportunities within TCAT. Community organization volunteers could be specially certified to become bus drivers for community service hours in place of or in addition to monetary compensation. The ultimate goal is to create a more appealing career option to attract potential drivers, ensuring the continuity and reliability of TCAT services. 

Public transportation plays a large part in advancing environmental sustainability and economic opportunities. Continuous investment from the surrounding community is strongly encouraged to help address the issue of TCAT driver shortage. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every dollar invested in public transportation has a five-dollar economic return. Addressing the problem with public transportation will not only enhance daily convenience and life quality but will also boost property values and increase business sales. 

As the community cultivates support and invests in public transportation systems like the TCAT, the benefits will exceed beyond just convenience, fostering a thriving and better-connected Ithaca. Every effort to solve the driver shortage crisis will improve the reliability of the TCAT services and contribute to the economic resilience of Tompkins County.