In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, CAMBUS practices are being continually evaluated and adjusted so essential transportation services can continue to be provided. One area of focus to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is enhanced bus cleaning and sanitation practices. In addition to the disinfecting processes added in March, a UV light system has been implemented as part of the disinfecting process. Hand sanitizer dispensers also were recently installed near the rear doors. Transparent barriers are being installed to allow font door boarding to resume soon and to shield drivers. 

UV light system and cleaning practices

CAMBUS purchased and has implemented UV light systems to further reduce the spread of COVID-19. The UV lights are effective against viruses and bacteria and have been in use since August. The system emits significant UV energy that renders virus incapable of reproducing or infecting. Each vehicle receives the UV light treatment at least once every 48 hours.

The UV light systems are placed in the bus by a staff member and are powered to run on an automatic cycle. Safety controls prevent the UV lights from emitting light when a person is nearby.

In addition to the UV light treatment, all interior surfaces are sprayed with a disinfectant and wiped down nightly. Disinfectant is sprayed on all interior surfaces and then wiped down. 

First image shows student mechanic Jason Rathjen setting up a UV light system tripod; second image shows student dispatcher Luke Doyle spraying disinfectant.

Transparent barriers installed at driver's seat

Driver barriers are being installed in all buses to provide additional protections between drivers and riders. The barriers are currently being installed by CAMBUS technicians. Riders should continue to enter and exit through the rear, double doors of the bus until all barriers have been installed. When allowed, signage will be posted directing riders to enter through the front door and announcements will be made via Transit, social media, and the Parking and Transportation website. 

The driver barrier includes a panel that can be extended or stowed. The panel will be extended when riders are boarding the bus and stowed when the bus is in motion.  

The combination of the driver panel and mask-wearing may make it difficult for riders to hear driver responses to questions. In cases where a rider expresses difficulty hearing the driver, there are two options to improve sound: 

• The driver may extend the panel and temporarily move their mask away from their face. This may be particularly helpful for a rider who uses lip reading to understand verbal responses.
• The driver may stow the panel and keep their mask on their face. This may be helpful in a noisier setting or otherwise when volume is an issue.

First image shows the barrier panel stowed; second image shows barrier panel extended while passengers are boarding. 

Rider Information

Riders are encouraged to continue asking drivers any questions they may have and do so when the bus has arrived at a stop. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed near the back door of the bus for riders to use when exiting at their stop.  

Riders are encouraged to download and use Transit. In the app, users can favorite the routes they frequently ride to receive service alerts – including updates about COVID-19 practices and policies. 

These changes have been implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CAMBUS will continues to adjust services to ensure it can support travel needs across the campus. For more information about changes to CAMBUS service visit the webpage: CAMBUS service, process, and policy changes in response to COVID-19.

Accessibility

The Parking and Transportation Department is committed to promoting campus accessibility through mobility solutions for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. In addition to fixed-route bus services, CAMBUS also operates a door-to-door paratransit bus service, called Bionic Bus.   

Learn more about Bionic bus service.

Questions?

For questions about CAMBUS services, please call 319-335-8633 or email cambus-transit@uiowa.edu.