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Due to predictions of dangerously cold temperatures, TCAT General Manager Scot Vanderpool announced Wednesday that TCAT would offer free rides on all of its routes throughout Thursday, January 31.

The National Weather Service predicted wind chills temperatures as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero throughout most of Thursday. These windchills can cause frostbite on exposed skin within 30 minutes and hypothermia or death can occur if people do not protect themselves from the cold, the NWS said.

"TCAT is doing its part to make sure folks who happen to be out and about have an option to escape the elements by boarding a warm bus," Vanderpool said. "If you are out and about, please keep TCAT in mind as an option to protect yourself from these dangerous temperatures."

TCAT Assistant General Manager Mike Smith said passengers should still use their Cornell IDs or day-based Tcard passes to ride the bus on Thursday, which will enable TCAT to collect data.

Smith also noted that all passengers should be aware that, due to the frigid temperatures, bus operators may not be able to use the kneeling function on their buses. Air lines for the suspension can freeze, leaving the bus unable to return to the proper ride height. They will still be able to manually lower the ramps if necessary, which may cause slight delays, he said.

"We ask our passengers for their patience, to dress warmly and to be at their bus stops on time," Vanderpool said. "If you need to go out, be extra safe."

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