On Monday, the program that allows free rides to Ithaca College staff on TCAT buses was expanded on a trial basis. The college now supports routes 20 and 52 in addition to already supported routes within Tompkins County.

Marian Brown, a chief organizer of the program, said it helps improve the environment and parking lot crowding, though it primarily helps the staff.

“It started as a staff benefit; something to help underwrite the costs of our employees,” she said.

This announcement followed TCAT’s January upgrade to plastic bus passes. Dining Hall supervisor Spencer Harper uses his ID card often for rides, but said the cards do not always work.

“I liked the old system better,” he said. “They still have some glitches to work out.”

TCAT representative Patty Poice said the company is happy to work with the College.

“Ithaca College has once again stepped up to the plate to increase TCAT ridership among the IC community,” she said.