How to Ride

Simplify Your Ride With CTRAN

Catching a CTRAN bus is made as easy as possible with on-request stop service, all routes available online, and a range of payment options. Whether you want to use CTRAN to commute or avoid the stress of a hectic parking situation, you’ll find a system designed for a frustration-free bus ride.

A joyful mother in a pink cardigan gently taps her smiling child's nose in a playful gesture while riding on public transit.

How to Ride with CTRAN

Find Your Route

Start by determining the route you want to take. You can review all available CTRAN routes on our Routes page. You’ll use the bus schedule to determine when the bus will be near you. PM times are in bold. On Request (OR) means that the bus will stop with no additional fare, but only through a prearranged request.

Need some extra help? Try out the Trip Planner or visit our FAQ page that addresses common concerns.

Board at a Bus Stop or At Any Point on the Route

You can catch a bus at any point on an established route with our on-request stop service. Just be sure to make it obvious that you want to catch the bus – either by waving your arms or your bus pass. The driver will pull over to the safest nearby spot so you can board. Try our real-time bus tracker while you wait.

Use Your Preferred Method to Pay

There are several ways you can pay your fare: by cash, a SmartTAP card loaded with Pay-As-You-Go funds or a Period Pass, or bus tokens. If you pay with cash, be sure to have exact fare amounts. Our drivers are not able to handle money. Please visit our Fares page for more information on cost and payment methods.

Schedule Bus Service Ahead of Time

CTRAN strives to serve as many people as possible, including seniors and those with disabilities who do not have easy access to an established bus route. That’s why CTRAN offers direct trips through the following programs:

  • Access Chemung: A round-trip, wheelchair-accessible service with direct pickup and dropoff
  • Route Deviation: A direct pickup service any rider can schedule ahead of time
A young mother in casual wear holds her toddler son in her lap on a sunny bus ride, both engaged with the toy he's holding.

Call CTRAN with Any Questions – We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about CTRAN service or purchasing a SmartTAP card, please contact our Customer Service Department at (607) 734-5211 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.