Archive: News

A TCAT bus became a temporary home Thursday morning after emergency officials were forced to evacuate an apartment building at the 300 block of Seneca Street due to a police incident.

TCAT Supervisor Cliff Ducey responded to a request around 9 a.m. from Ithaca City Police Department and New York State Police to drive a bus to the scene to provide shelter to the tenants. Ducey parked the bus across the street at the Salvation Army where 17 people and three dogs boarded the bus.

“They were unprepared to go out into the elements as they were awakened and told they had to evacuate,” said Ducey, adding that many of the dislocated apartment dwellers were still in their pajamas. “They were very grateful they had a nice comfortable place to sit down instead of sitting along the curb.”

Meantime, the Salvation Army pitched in as well and offered restrooms as well as refreshments to the dislocated tenants, Ducey said. He said they and their pets remained on the bus for an hour until police told them they could return to their apartments. 

Ducey said TCAT in the past has helped law enforcement and fire department personnel in other emergency situations. “We are happy to provide whatever we can to help out in those situations,” he said.

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