Job Information
TCAT - Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. Small Vehicle Operator - Open Interviews 4/7 at TCAT! in Ithaca, New York
Salary Range $25.00 - $25.00 Hourly
Position Type Full Time
Education Level High School
Category Transportation
Move Everyone You Meet!
Now Hiring – Small Vehicle Operators for eRide Ithaca
Drive with purpose. Serve your community. Grow your career!
Are you passionate about helping people and keeping them safe? TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) is looking for customer-focused, safety-minded individuals to join our team of professional operators serving the vibrant Ithaca community.
Introducing TCAT’s all-new all-electric Mobility-On-Demand team! TCAT, along with state and local partners, are teaming up on the Ithaca Electric Transportation Access (IETA (https://tcatbus.com/ieta/) ) project to expand on-demand transportation options in the city of Ithaca.
What You’ll Do:
As a TCAT Small Vehicle Operator , you’ll be more than just a driver – you’ll be a frontline ambassador for innovation in public transportation!
Safely operate electric sedans & passenger vans in on-demand zones in Ithaca
Deliver exceptional customer service to riders of all ages and backgrounds
Assist passengers with accessibility needs & ensure a comfortable, respectful ride
Communicate clearly with dispatch and respond safely to changing road conditions
Maintain trip schedules and manage fare collection and rider count technology
Who We’re Looking For:
Picture yourself in the driver’s seat! You’re someone who…
Thrives in a fast-paced, people-centered environment
Stays calm under pressure and handles difficult situations with professionalism
Values safety, punctuality, and service excellence
Has experience in customer service, transportation, or public-facing roles
Is ready to learn and grow with a supportive team
Training & Support
TCAT is a registered FMCSA training provider and offers paid entry-level CDL training for qualified applicants. We’ll help you earn your Commercial Driver License and passenger endorsement… and reimburse your licensing costs!
Take the Wheel of Your Future!
Requirements
Must be 21+ with a high school diploma or GED.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and sit comfortably for long periods of time.
Must work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must meet NYS 19-A (https://dmv.ny.gov/important-information-if-you-are-transporting-passengers) physical and legal requirements for commercial operators.
CDL Class C with passenger endorsements preferred—but not required to apply.
No CDL, no problem! We’ll train you!
Why TCAT? Good People. Great Work!
Competitive pay starting at $25 per hour
Opportunities for overtime and advancement
Union representation and pay transparency
A mission-driven team committed to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation
Health Insurance (Excellus BCBS) with medical FSA & HSA options
TCAT pays 75-90% of monthly premiums!
Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance (employer-paid)
Voluntary Employee, Spousal & Child Life insurance
Group Short- & Long-Term Disability (employer-paid)
Employee Assistance Program
Day Care Assistance Program
Retirement plan 401(k) account with direct employer contribution
Employee contributions are optional from day one
Employer contributes direct 10% (not a match!) after 2 years
Awesome PTO accrual up to: 10 Vacation days, 10 Sick days, 3 Personal days, 5 Floating Holidays, and more!
Apply today and start your journey with TCAT!
Apply In Person (https://tcatbus.com/careers/how-to-apply/) : Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 737 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850 or at our Green St. Station.
Apply Online (https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/7E97521A3FAE0CABD2C8544464F91176/career-page) or visit tcatbus.com/careers to learn more.
Apply by Mail or Fax (https://tcatbus.com/careers/how-to-apply/) – Click link for printable application (https://tcatbus.com/wp-content/uploads/TCAT-Application-for-Employment-02.13.2025-Basic.pdf) and mail to 737 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 or fax to 607-277-9551.
Please be sure to complete all fields unless otherwise indicated and print clearly so that all information is legible and/or free of typos. Incomplete applications will not be considered.