ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — TCAT’s general manager is retiring.

The transit company’s board of directors says Scot Vanderpool will step down March 1 after nearly seven years at the helm. In a news release on Monday, Vanderpool said the decision to retire was not an easy one to make.

“This was a difficult decision as I have cherished my seven years at TCAT, which is blessed with dedicated drivers, maintenance crew and administrative staff, all of whom care deeply about our riders. I am also grateful to our riders and community stakeholders who have shown TCAT extraordinary support over the years. Truly, Tompkins County has so much to be proud about.”

A search committee is being formed in the next few days to find a replacement for Vanderpool, who’ll join us Thursday on Ithaca’s Morning News.