Campus bus riders on routes 82, 85, 92 and 93 may face a few changes as early as next fall. That is because Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) is reviewing its bus routes for the first time in 10 years, a process that will shape the region's public transit for years to come.

The alterations are minor and would retain most of the current system's footprint, said Joe Turcotte, TCAT's general manager. "We looked at our existing structure and realized there was a lot of duplication and long-winding routes," Turcotte said. "We've come up with streamlined routes, which will enable us to provide more frequent direct service so people will be on the buses for less time."

A final plan is scheduled for this summer, with new schedules to be implemented next fall or winter, Turcotte said.

Maps of the proposed routes can be found online at http://www.tcatbus.com.

Proposed changes to campus routes include extending route 82 to East Hill Plaza. The revised route would replace a section of route 54 and offer bus service every 15 minutes during the academic year. Other efficiencies would include the consolidation of routes 85, 92 and 93 into one evening and weekend route, to be called route 85. It would operate every 30 minutes evenings and hourly on weekend days.

TCAT continues to solicit comments from current and potential riders before it makes final decisions. It has received some 300 written comments so far and is reviewing input from six recent public forums, Turcotte said. "The success of our plan depends upon the public's participation," he said.

Comments can be e-mailed to tcat@tcatmail.com, mailed to TCAT, 737 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14886, or telephoned to 607-277-RIDE.