Beginning Monday, Oct. 20, CAMBUS Bionic Bus applicants can apply for service through an online portal called Spare Eligibility. In addition to submitting an application, the portal allows riders to track their Bionic Bus eligibility status.
Bionic Bus is the University of Iowa’s paratransit service for individuals with a qualifying disability. The service operates in accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Riders who want to use the service must apply and be certified as eligible based on a disability that prevents them from using fixed-route transit services. While riders can continue to use the existing PDF application if that best fits their needs, the new online hub offers more features for riders.
“Over the past few years, we’ve implemented new technology to improve the Bionic Bus rider experience,” says Mia Brunelli, Cambus manager. “Offering this option will help streamline the certification process for riders.”
With Spare Eligibility, riders can submit and track their applications through a rider hub that will allow riders to view their eligibility status and other important information related to their account. The rider hub also can be used by individuals applying for Bionic Bus on behalf of someone else – such as a parent, guardian, companion, social worker, or UI staff.
Before offering the Spare Eligibility service, all rider applications were submitted via a PDF form sent by email from the rider to Cambus staff for review. The PDF application system is still available.
The new Spare Eligibility rider hub launches under the same company that hosts the CAMBUS Now app for Bionic Bus ride scheduling. In addition to the new online certification form, rider hub features include:
Application status: Applicants can view the status of their pending eligibility
Online renewal or extension form: Current Bionic Bus riders can extend or renew their Bionic Bus eligibility online.
Eligibility expiration: Riders will receive notices when their Bionic Bus eligibility period is about to expire.
Caregiver access: Rider guardians or caregivers can submit applications to assist with managing Bionic Bus eligibility.
Growing Bionic Bus service
In addition to the rider benefits, Spare Eligibility will consolidate the multi-step review and approval of Bionic Bus ride applications entirely within the Spare Eligibility module. The new process streamlines internal processes for more efficient processing of applications and communication with riders.
“The current application process is completed via email and managed through physical paperwork and online databases,” says Brunelli. “We anticipate Spare Eligibility will allow for simpler communication between Cambus staff and riders who are waiting for approval.”
For questions about Bionic Bus service, the rider hub, or applications, contact the Bionic Bus supervisor at bionic-bus@uiowa.edu.
Bionic Bus
Learn more about paratransit service.
Eligibility form
Apply for paratransit service through the online form.