CAMBUS service will continue Interim Service with some adjustments following analysis of ridership data and in-light of campus changes in response to COVID-19. CAMBUS operations are focused on supporting the critical operations of UI Hospitals & Clinics and the university. Adjustments allow department resources to be focused on areas of greatest need, including faculty and staff commuter parking lots. The continuing cooperation and flexibility of the campus is appreciated, so this critical service can continue to operate effectively and remain adaptable.
This notice provides a summary of latest rider information and details the services provided after Monday, May 18. These adjustments remain in effect until further notice. This information may become outdated. Please refer to the CAMBUS service changes in response to COVID-19 page for the most up-to-date information. Riders are encouraged to use the mobile app, Transit, to receive push notifications of service changes to the routes you frequently ride.
Rider Information
Riders are encourage to use everyday preventative actions identified by the CDC to prevent the spread of viruses. Riders are encouraged to wear a face covering and to make efforts to practice social distancing. Buses are cleaned twice a day with an EPA approved cleaner effective against COVID-19. CAMBUS also completes an intensive deep cleaning of each bus weekly.
Drivers are screened at the beginning and end of shifts, including taking temperatures. Employees are provided with PPE and cleaning supplies for their work areas. Drivers are encouraged but not required to wear a mask. The rear door boarding change allows drivers to avoid close contact with riders.
Service Adjustments beginning Monday, May 18
The Hospital Finkbine/Arena route will have six buses operating between 6 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 6 p.m. This level of service provides a departures approximately every two minutes so riders can decide to wait for the next bus depending on their comfort level.
Service adjustments previously announced that remain in effect
- Hospital Finkbine Arena service increased departures during morning and evening commute
- Demand-response service provided weekdays on main campus from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight)
- Riders should board and exit using the rear doors
- Buses are cleaned twice a day using and EPA approve cleaner effective against COVID-19
- East Campus Shuttle route is suspended
- Hawkeye Interdorm route is suspended
- Fixed route service will end at 9 p.m.
- Pentacrest route between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will provide departures every 30 minutes
- Hawk-Lot Hospital service is reduced by one bus during the AM and PM peak commute so service can be increased on Hospital Finkbine Arena
- All weekend service is suspended
Route schedules until further notice
To see which routes are operating and the schedule in effect visit the schedule page: CAMBUS Routes, Schedules, Maps
Riders are strongly encouraged to use the mobile app, Transit, for live tracking, departure predictions, and notifications.
Night demand-response service
In response to COVID-19, CAMBUS has replaced late night service with an on-demand shuttle. On-demand service is operated on weekdays from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., midnight. The on-demand service is stationed at WCTC stall 3 and provides service to and from any main campus CAMBUS stop. The demand response service after 9 p.m. does not provide service to the Research Park campus.
The change to on-demand service after 9 p.m. is in response to a decreased need and demand for late night service while classes are conducted virtually in response to COVID-19. Recent data shows that 20 riders per night on average boarded a CAMBUS between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. across the entire campus.
Fixed route service is anticipated to resume when demand increases and regular campus activities resume. In the meantime, the on-demand service allows resources to be used more efficiently. Service will be continued to be evaluated with UI Critical Incident Management Team and UI Hospitals & Clinics administration.
How to request a ride
A rider can contact a dispatcher via phone to request a ride from any main campus bus stop by calling (319) 335-8633. Rides may be requested up to an hour in advance of a rider’s desired pick-up time. A sign is also posted at the WCTC with the phone number and in an alert in Transit.
Questions?
For questions about CAMBUS service, please call the dispatcher at 319-335-8633 or email cambus-transit@uiowa.edu. Riders are encouraged to use the mobile app, Transit, for live bus tracking, trip-planning, and real-time departure predictions.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Parking and Transportation’s operations are focused on supporting the critical operations of UI Hospitals & Clinics and the university. Operations may quickly change. In response to COVID-19, CAMBUS evaluates daily boarding numbers at commuter parking lots by departure and will quickly implement changes as needed.
Up to date information regarding the university's preparation and response to COVID-19 is available at coronavirus.uiowa.edu.