ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The UAW Local 2300 and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT) announced on Saturday, March 22nd that they have reached a tentative deal after months of negotiations and growing concerns over a possible strike. While details of the deal have yet to be released, both parties agreed to ensure the continued operation of essential services. 

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the UAW Local 2300 bargaining team, and our employees who remain committed to providing safe and reliable transit for the community,” said TCAT General Manager Matthew Rosenbloom-Jones. “We value the vital role our workforce plays in keeping Tompkins County moving and are pleased to have reached an understanding that allows us to continue serving our riders.”

The deal can not be finalized until UAW local 2300 membership votes on the deal, and then it has to be approved by the TCAT Board. No word yet on when those votes could happen. 

“Our members play a crucial role in keeping the community connected, and we are proud of the work we do every day,” said UAW TCAT Chairperson, Brandon Chamblee. “We are encouraged by the progress we’ve made at the bargaining table and remain dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable future for TCAT workers.”

TCAT is the product of three separate transit systems that combined back in the 1990s. As it stands, it provides services to over 100,000 people.