Tompkins Curiosities: Why are a bunch of TCAT buses permanently parked near the airport?

A. According to Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), the transportation company moved the seven decommissioned Proterra electric buses to the airport area to make more room in its garage for its new buses. 

Why were they decommissioned?

The Proterras were taken out of service in March 2024 not because of electric vehicle (EV) technology but due to a design flaw on one of the buses that affected the axle, making it unsafe. A consultant came afterward and declared that all of them should be taken off the road. 

What type of buses will replace them?

TCAT’s new buses include five new Gillig diesel buses and six new battery electric buses, also made by Gillig. The five diesels are now in service. 

When will the electric buses be in operation? 

Two of the six battery-electric vehicles have already arrived, with four on the way. 

Where are the new buses coming from?

They are being driven to Tompkins County from Gilling in California by professional drivers who are hired by Gillig.

Is it smart to reinvest in new electric buses, given that the old ones broke down? How are the new ones different?
“We do anticipate and have had questions about our decision to acquire EVs, given our experience with the Proterras,” Patty Poist, TCAT communications and marketing manager, said. 

The Gillgs are next-generation and have been tested in all manner of weather. TCAT General Manager Matthew Rosenbaum-Jones traveled to the Gillig manufacturing plant and closely scrutinized them from top to bottom, Poist said, adding that Rosenbaum is “very experienced with everything and anything related to buses and the bus manufacturing process.” 

Also, unlike Proterra, which ultimately went bankrupt, Gilling has been in the bus manufacturing business for a long time and has established an excellent reputation. 

How can TCAT afford new EV buses? 

The new electric buses are partly funded by the federal Low-No Emissions Program, which provides funds on the condition that transportation companies purchase EV or other no-or low emission buses. “We need to take advantage of any and all funding to replace our aging fleet,” Poist said. 

What to do with the permanently parked Proterras?

Since the Proterras were purchased with federal funding as well, TCAT will need permission from the FTA to discard them by selling them for parts or scraps. TCAT is awaiting and expecting permission, but Poist was not able to give a timeline. 

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