Fares

How Much Does It Cost to Take the Bus?

The answer depends on the route you want to take, your preferred payment method, and whether you qualify for discounted fare rates.

Once you’ve reviewed the routes here and decided which one you want to take, find the route on the chart below to see how much standard fare for that route costs. Standard fares vary depending on whether it is a local or commuter route.

Details on payment methods and discounted fare rates are available after the chart.

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Local Service Routes
Route 1 – Southtown:$1.75
Route 3 – Bulkhead:$1.75
Route 4 – Hospital Loop:$1.75
Route 5 – Crosstown:$1.75
Route 6 – Lake Road:$1.75
Route 7 – Shopper Shuttle:$0.50
Route 8 – Grand Central:$1.75
Route 9 – Mall Express:$1.75
Route 12 – Southside Loop:$1.75
Commuter Service Routes
Route 20 – Elmira to Corning:$2.25
Route 20E – Elmira to Airport Corp Park:$2.25
Route 10 – Elmira to Owego
  • Zone 1: Elmira to Sayre OR Sayre to Elmira:
$3.00
  • Zone 2: Sayre to Owego OR Owego to Sayre:
$3.00
  • Either Direction / Both Zones:
$6.00
Route 30 – Elmira to Ithaca
  • Zone 1: Elmira to Alpine Junction OR VanEtten to Elmira:
$3.00
  • Zone 2: Alpine Junction to Ithaca OR Ithaca to VanEtten:
$3.00
  • Either Direction / Both Zones:
$6.00
Period Passes
1-Day Pass
  • Full Fare (Local Routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 20, 20E):
$5.00
  • All Route Access Commuter:
$12.00
31-Day Pass
  • Full Fare (Local Routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,12, 20, 20E):
$60.00
  • All Route Access Commuter:
$75.00

Please note that Route #20 Elmira-Corning runs (#4: 7:30am) and (#8: 1:30PM) is only in service when Corning Community College is in session. Refer to the CCC schedule.

Paying Fares

You can pay bus fares with cash, a PAYG reloadable pass, a period pass, or bus tokens. See below for details on each payment method:

Paying With Cash

If paying with cash, please be sure to have exact change to pay your fare for each trip; our bus operators are not allowed to handle money or give change.

Paying As You Go (PAYG)

The “Pay as You Go” (PAYG) option allows you to add an amount of money ($5-$200) to a reloadable SmartTAP card. Every time you board the bus and tap the card on the farebox, the cash value is automatically deducted according to the fare structure.

See here for more details on how to purchase a reloadable SmartTAP pass.

Paying with a Period Pass

If you ride often, you can save money by purchasing a period pass added to a reloadable or disposable SmartTAP card. A 31-day pass entitles you to unlimited ridership on designated routes for 31 consecutive days. CTRAN also offers 1-day passes. Both types of passes are offered as local or commuter passes.

See here for more details on how to purchase a period pass with a SmartTAP card.

Paying with Bus Tokens

Bus tokens can be purchased at the CTRAN Administrative Offices, 1201 Clemens Center Pkwy, Elmira. Inquire by calling (607) 734-5212.

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Reduced Fares Are Available

Several groups are eligible for reduced fares, including seniors over 60 years of age, individuals with disabilities under 60 years of age, and youth from 14 to 18 years of age. Refer to CTRAN’s reduced fare policies below to see if you qualify and how to obtain reduced fare rates.