Tentative TCAT labor agreement avoids strike; county to roll out Transportation Scout app April 17

Council members received two transportation updates: a tentative labor agreement covering TCAT drivers and mechanics and an upcoming public rollout of Tompkins Transportation Scout, an integrated mobility tool funded with federal transit demonstration grant money.

A council member said TCAT and its unionized drivers and mechanics announced a tentative contractual agreement that, if ratified by union members, would avoid a planned strike authorized by worker votes earlier in March. The union had authorized strike action after reporting 84% of drivers and mechanics indicated support for a strike authorization; details of the tentative package had not been released at the meeting and ratification dates were not yet known.

Separately, county staff described Tompkins Transportation Scout as a multifaceted travel-planning program anchored by a smartphone app to help users plan trips by walking, biking, driving or public transit. A public rollout demonstration is scheduled for April 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the History Center; the project is funded by a Federal Transit Administration Integrated Mobility Innovation Demonstration Program grant approved in February 2020 and involves multiple partners including TCAT, Go Ithaca, Gadabout Transportation, the Human Services Coalition and the Center for Community Transportation.

Council members asked whether tutorials or additional demonstrations would be offered; county staff said a website and news release are available and that further information will be posted as the project is fleshed out.

No formal action was taken; members were encouraged to attend the April 17 demonstration to learn how the app and program will work.