OmniRide Questions

My OmniRide pass was free this year. Why will I have to pay for next year's pass?
In analyzing the data received from the t-GEIS survey, there is clear support for continuing to provide a no-fee pass to first year students. Right now, Cornell pays for over three-quarters of all the rides taken on TCAT. The employee portion of this expense is paid through the employee benefits pool, for students no funding has been in place until the formalization of the 2008-09 program. Rather than burying this cost in all students' tuition and/or fees, we feel it is much more straightforward and equitable to offer this large subsidy and charge those students who wish to take advantage of it.

Why isn't the University subsidizing OmniRide?
The OmniRide pass, at $200, represents a substantial subsidy by the University to it students. A similar pass from TCAT sells for $495 per year; a monthly pass is $45. At $1.50 cash fare per ride, a student who rides just twice a weekday for a (14 week) semester will get his or her full year's value (over $200 worth) from that pass by early December.

What about your commitment to sustainability?
The commitment we made upon signing the University Avenue parking lot agreement is continuing and is being given a more permanent role in our programs. The bus pass program has been made into a sustainable program strongly focused on impacting student behaviors and benefiting transit, the community, and the environment over the long-term.

How do OmniRide and night/weekend privileges work?
OmniRide and free night and weekend privileges are accessed using your CU ID card at the bus fare box, via a proximity chip or a magnetic stripe, similar to the one found on a credit card. To use your CU ID card on the bus, just hold it next to the fare box If the prox chip doesn't read (or your card doesn't have one), you can swipe the card through the mag-stripe reader--just like swiping a credit card at the store.

I tried to use my CU ID on the bus, but it didn't work. What should I do?

• If you are not a registered student, your CU ID card will not function as a bus pass. Call 255-4600 to check your eligibility status.
• If you are not a new-to-Cornell student, and did not purchase unlimited rides access (OmniRide), then you are only eligible for unlimited night (after 6 pm) and weekend access. You can purchase OmniRide privileges using the advance order site, or in our office at 116 Maple Avenue (after August 25, 2008).
• If you have lost a card and had it replaced, your old card is turned off, and can no longer be used as a bus pass (or key, or library card).
• If it does not work and you don't have the issues listed above, please contact the University Registrar for information on how to replace your card.

Can I share my bus pass?
No. Please note your pass is your CU ID card and is not transferable.

What if I lose my CU ID?
To to the University Registrar site for information on how to replace your card.

Advance Order Questions

How do I obtain my order?
Resident students will receive their parking permit or bike registration sticker through Campus Mail. For commuting (off-campus) students, we will use the local (Ithaca area) address you have on file with the University Registrar.

How do I make sure my address is correct with the University Registrar?
If you will not be living in University housing in fall 2008, you must verify or update your local address at the Registrar's "Just the Facts ." Even if your permanent "home" address is in the Ithaca area, you must complete the "local address" information.

Can I e-mail you my new address?
No. Commuter and Parking Services cannot change your address; it has to be done--by you--through JTF.

How do I pay for my order ?
All orders placed on the web that require payment will be charged to the student's bursar account in September 2008.

What if I want to cancel my order?
If you change your mind, you must cancel your request by August 1, 2008. Send an e-mail requesting that your order be cancelled.

What if I need to change my order?
You cannot use the online form to make changes or order a different item once the form has been submitted. Please send an e-mail to request a change to your order.

I had a free bus pass this year. Can I get a free bus pass for 2008?
No. As we stated in last year's OmniRide materials, this was the final year of the free OmniRide agreement. The no-fee bus pass program is now limited to students who are new-to-Cornell--incoming freshmen, transfers, graduates, and professional students.

What if I want to cancel my OmniRide privileges or return my parking permit?
If you want to cancel your OmniRide privileges or return your parking permit, you must do so by August 31, 2008, otherwise you will be charged beginning September 1, 2008. You can request cancellation of your OmniRide privileges in writing. Permits must be returned to our office.