ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Some TCAT bus routes are changing.

TCAT and Ithaca city officials have agreed on a plan to ease traffic congestion and relieve problems that businesses have experienced since the closure of the Seneca St. garage, which was announced in April.

After speaking with business owners downtown over the last few weeks, officials reached an agreement on the following changes:

  • Route 10 will remain on N. Tioga Street.
  • 1st E. Seneca St. stop: Relocating about 60 yards east from the corner of N. Cayuga St. to the area between Dewitt Mall and Tompkins Financial. This stop will serve TCAT routes 11, 11S, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 31W, 40, 43, 51, 52, 65 and 67.
  • 2nd E. Seneca St. stop: Relocating to the corner of E. Seneca St. and N. Tioga St., now the intercity bus location. This stop will serve TCAT’s high-frequency routes 30, 30W and 90.
  • Intercity bus stop will be relocated to South Cayuga Street on the 200 block. This will allow passengers to board and exit closer and help put all intercity travel south of the Commons.

“The new plan also includes the addition of two handicapped parking spaces on the 100-block of E. Seneca St., near Dewitt Mall, behind the space designated for Ithaca Carshare. With the Cayuga Street Garage located at 245 S. Cayuga St. there are over 300 parking spaces within a 5-minute walk of the commons,” officials announced. “We will continue to assess parking usage during peak hours and understand how parking users navigate our downtown and what can be done to support our local businesses.

The changes will take effect on Monday, Nov. 9.