The TCAT is receiving approximately $2.2 million from the federal stimulus plan to replace six of its oldest buses with new ones.

Joe Turcotte, TCAT general manager, said TCAT buses generally have a useful life of 12 years. With the new funding, six buses as old as 19 years will be replaced by new diesel, 40-foot buses, which each cost approximately $375,000. Turcotte said he hopes to see the new buses in use by March 2011. The main difference in the new buses, other than comfort and basic technologies, Turcotte said, is engine emission, which could rival those of the hybrid models.

“I know there is a lot of discussion locally about hybrid and diesel for emissions, but the diesels we’re going to receive will be very, very clean,” he said.

Turcotte said the major problem with the old buses is natural wear and tear. He said the old buses are on the road just as much as the newer ones but they ultimately cost more to maintain.

“Things generally wear out,” he said. “Over time, they just have more issues.”

Fernando DeAragon, director of the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council, said getting capital funds for replacement of buses is always a priority and most transit systems like the TCAT have a number of older buses and are very eager to update their fleets.

“They are older buses, less comfortable, older technology, less efficient, so we’re going to really benefit from having newer buses replace them,” DeAragon said.

Sophomore Sarah Stapperfenne lives off campus and has to ride the TCAT every day. She said she is glad TCAT is receiving funding for new buses.

“Sometimes the buses feel kind of rickety and sometimes the seats are torn,” she said. “I think it would make everyone more comfortable, especially the drivers, who have to be on a bumpy bus all day.”

Stapperfenne said she is glad the new buses will also be better for the environment.

“Public transportation in general is better for the environment than people driving in cars, so if you can have buses that are environmentally efficient, that’s even better,” she said.

Turcotte said TCAT is hoping to receive additional funding to replace seven more buses to officially get on a good replacement cycle.

Turcotte said when it comes to public transportation, people are more likely to use their service if the buses are nicer, so he wants to make it standard practice to continue to provide the best services and buses for TCAT passengers.

“As we replace the old buses, the environment that people ride with us will be that much nicer and I think that just sends a message out that we really care,” he said.