"Uber and Lyft have finally hit the streets of Ithaca — though they may not be here to stay.
As of June 29, Ithaca residents have access to the ridesharing platforms following their authorization by state legislation, according to a press release for Tompkins County. The press release said that legislation — approved in early June — permits the apps to expand to upstate New York. Counties like Tompkins with a population of 100,000 or more have the option to opt-out from permitting the services at any time.
Transportation Committee Vice Chair Dave McKenna said the apps will have to go through a ‘de facto’ trial period." …
http://cornellsun.com/2017/07/01/uber-lyft-begin-trial-period-in-ithaca/
With two college campuses in Ithaca, an affordable and readily accessible mode of transportation is needed. I really dislike that my son has limited options going to and from the airport from Cornell campus. Airbnb is already in the area so why not Uber and Lyft?
@CALSmom Here is the Cornell Bus to Syracuse Airport info. Its only $25 and refundable if the flight is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.
https://cornelltickets.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event.asp?id=891&cid=25
The Elmira/Corning Airport is closer to Ithaca,than Syracuse, and offers Delta Airlines flights to Detroit and then he could get to CA from there, but often more expensive than the flights from Syracuse.
Taxi service from Ithaca to Elmira Airport costs about $70.
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Ithaca/Elmira-Corning-Airport-ELM
I tend to think that Uber will stay, after visiting Ithaca recently. Its long overdue.
Thanks @Coloradomama. My son did take the Cornell bus but over winter break he had to take a taxi to hop from airport to greyhound station to another airport during the snow storm and it was so expensive!! Uber or Lyft would have been much cheaper
Syracuse for us is much cheaper
@CALSmom A few questions, as this is our student’s first year, he just started a grad program this week at Cornell. Which other airport did your son use? How much was the bus? How soon do you book the winter break flights? One other option is to overnight train to Chicago, and fly from O’Hare or Midway. The train leaves from Syracuse, as I understand it. I am sure this would be an expensive option as well. The convenience of the Elmira airport is nice, if your student can get a ride over there. Which airline does your son use from Syracuse? Delta seems to be the main carrier from Ithaca and Elmira’s regional airports.
@Coloradomama Over winter break he flew out of Albany only because the Syracuse airport was shut down for snow at the last minute. He decided to get an outbound flight out of Albany instead of spend the night at Syracuse airport. Hopefully that won’t happen again! Greyhound ticket was I think $40 from Syracuse to Albany, but the taxi ride from the Syracuse airport to the greyhound station was $27 for six miles!!
He typically flies American Airlines