Ithaca College

To the student body:

It has recently come to my attention that, at times, student behavior at TCAT bus stops on campus and aboard the bus has been rowdy and unsafe. While this is not a new issue, reckless behaviors at bus stops and on the TCAT are unacceptable and I am extremely concerned that they have recently escalated. 

As the Student Governance Council’s VP of Campus Affairs and as an Ithaca College student, I see that this issue is causing much irritation not only for our fellow Ithaca community members, but is an annoyance for our campus community as well. I am proud to be working with other members of the Ithaca College community committed to reducing incidents of inappropriate behavior on and around TCAT buses.

It is important to understand that the TCAT is not a private service to Ithaca College students, but a public privilege for all members of the Ithaca community. When you board the TCAT, you are not only among your peers, but community members as well. Our individual actions aboard the bus and at bus stations reflect an image on Ithaca College students as a whole. I am seeking the cooperation of all Ithaca College students to behave in a responsible and respectful manner when engaging with the TCAT bus service.

I am confident that you can empathize with the frustrations of community members, TCAT operators, and Ithaca College students. Initiatives by Public Safety and SASP are being taken to monitor multiple bus stops on campus particularly in crowd control. Additionally, the Center for Health Promotion is in the process of creating tip cards to help students deal with disruptive situations aboard the bus.

As a student, I take this issue very seriously as it affects the health and safety of IC students and the greater Ithaca community. If you have suggestions of additional ways you would like to see this problem addressed, I welcome you to contact me at sgccampusaffairs@ithaca.edu.

Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. Please respect the bus, the bus driver, fellow passengers, and yourself when riding the TCAT.

Anna Gardner ‘19

VP of Campus Affairs

Student Governance Council