Nov. 11, 2020
University of Iowa CAMBUS will be making service changes for the upcoming Thanksgiving break, virtual instruction period, and winter break, Nov. 23 through Jan. 23. At the start of the fall 2020 semester, CAMBUS modified service and added new routes to disperse riders across more frequent and more direct service. Many of the service modifications are ending as of Nov. 23. Pre-pandemic route structures, such as all-day Red and Blue Route, are being restored with some minor schedule changes. Special adjustments that remain in effect in response to COVID-19 include increased service on the Hospital-Finkbine Arena route. More information about service for each route is detailed in the announcement.
Data models using fall ridership information project that these changes will continue to allow for less than 50% occupancy on buses. Boarding data will continue to be monitored to determine if any adjustments are needed. Service details for the spring 2021 semester will be announced in early January.
A presentation of ridership data and service proposals was made to the UI Critical Incident Management Team and approved in October. Some changes implemented for the fall 2020 academic session – including name changes and route adjustments – are permanent changes and were implemented as recommendations from the Iowa City Area Transit Study.
| Dates | Academic period | CAMBUS Service |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 21 – Nov. 28 | Thanksgiving break | Modified break |
| Nov. 29 – Dec. 18 | Virtual instruction | Hybrid break |
| Nov. 29 – Dec. 18 | Winter break | Modified break |
| Jan. 24 – May 14 | Spring academic session | Modified academic |
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Bus stop closures
System map beginning Nov. 23
Break and fall virtual instruction service changes
Route details: Main Campus, Health Sciences Campus, Hancher Parking Lot and Arts Campus, Finkbine Commuter and Arena Parking Lot, Hawkeye Parking Lot and Hawkeye Campus, On-Demand Shuttle
Commuter parking lots route information
Rider information
Transit App
Temporary bus stop closures
Closing some bus stops was necessary to reduce occupancy during the pandemic based upon fall 2019 data and estimated trip reductions due to the blended class model. After actual fall boarding data was evaluated, CAMBUS opened three stops – IMU, Clinton & College, Church & Dubuque. On Nov. 23, CAMBUS will reopen the following bus stops: Burge/Currier Hall, Clinton & Prentiss, River Street/Riverside, and Theatre Building. The re-openings on Nov. 23 are based on fall boarding data and the shift to the virtual instruction period for the rest of the fall semester.
| Stops opening Nov. 23 | Notes |
| Burge/Currier Hall stops | |
| Clinton & Prentiss | |
| River Street/Riverside | |
| Theatre Building | |
| Stops remain closed until further notice | Notes |
| Pride and Cultural Centers | Remain closed due to center closures |
| ERF | Remain closed due to construction activity |
| Seamans Center | Remain closed due to construction activity |
| Main Library | Remain closed due to construction activity |
| Softball Complex |
Bus stops were strategically closed based on proximity to the next closest bus stop and whether that stop is a walkable distance for most riders. Walkable trips are defined as trips that do not exceed one-half mile or 10 minutes, but other factors – terrain, elevation, accessible paths – also are considered. Parking and Transportation is committed to providing campus access to all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If a stop closure or relocation impacts a person's access to campus, please contact CAMBUS. Students, staff, or faculty with a disability are eligible for the Bionic Bus, which provides door-to-door service in accordance with ADA requirements.
System Map
The system map displays all CAMBUS routes providing service Nov. 23 through Jan. 23.
Service changes as of Nov. 21, 2020
All schedule changes described below will begin Nov. 21 and run through Jan. 23. Some routes have schedule changes between break periods and the fall virtual instruction period. Routes with different schedules between break and the fall virtual instruction period are noted. During break periods, CAMBUS fixed-route services end at 9 p.m. and there is no weekend service. Transportation is still available on main campus via the On-Demand Shuttle until 12:30 a.m. on weekdays.
Important dates
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 21 – 28
- Fall Virtual Instruction Period: Nov. 29 – Dec. 18
- Winter Break: Dec. 19 – Jan. 23
Main Campus routes
Red Route and Blue Route
Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Routes operate 15-minute service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 30-minute service from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Fall Virtual Period
Routes operate 15-minute service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 30-minute service from 6 p.m. to midnight. Routes operate regular academic weekend service on weekends from Nov. 29 through Dec. 13.
South Campus Shuttle
Will continue operating year-round weekday service Nov. 21 – Jan. 23.
Interdorm-WCTC
Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Route does not operate during break periods.
Fall Virtual Period
Route operates 18-minute frequency 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 36-minute frequency 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There is additional main campus transportation via the Red Route and Blue Route service during the fall virtual period.
Mayflower Shuttle
Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Route does not operate during break periods
Fall Virtual Period
Route operates 20-minute frequency 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Dorm Shuttle
Route discontinued as of Nov. 21. Red Route and Blue Route provide transportation all day from West Campus residence halls beginning Nov. 23.
Health Sciences Campus routes
Research Park
Route is continuing the year-round modified schedule with 30-minute frequency during morning and evening peak commuting times, and 60-minute frequency during the midday.
Finkbine-Pentacrest
To align with other route naming structures, the Pentacrest route name will be changed to Finkbine-Pentacrest as of Nov. 23.
Route operates 15-minute frequency from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Finkbine-Pentacrest route will only serve the WCTC after 7 p.m.
Hawkeye-Pentacrest
As of Nov. 21, the Hawkeye-Pentacrest route is changing permanently following rider feedback and route analysis. Some stop times have been adjusted and the route will travel both east and west through Newton Road all day.
Hancher-Newton Road
The Hancher-Newton Road route is returning to AM and PM peak service only. Peak PM service hours are expanded. Riders can make midday connections between Newton Road and Hancher with Red Route and Blue Route.
Hancher Parking Lot and Arts Campus routes
Red Route and Blue Route
Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Routes operates 15-minute service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 30-minute service from 6 to 9 p.m.
Fall Virtual Period
Routes operates 15-minute service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 30-minute service from 6 p.m. to midnight. View Red Route break schedule View Blue Route break schedule.
Hancher-Newton Road
The Hancher-Newton Road route is returning to AM and PM peak service only. Peak PM service hours are expanded. Riders can make midday connections between Newton Road and Hancher with Red Route and Blue Route.
Hancher-Downtown
Due to low ridership and all-day Red Route and Blue Route service resuming, this route is discontinued as of Nov. 21, 2020.
Finkbine Commuter and Arena Parking Lot routes
Hospital-Finkbine/Arena
Route is continuing expanded service frequency during AM and PM peak commuting times.
Finkbine-Pentacrest
To align with other route naming structures, the Pentacrest route name will be changed to Finkbine-Pentacrest as of Nov. 23, 2020.
Route operates 15-minute frequency from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Finkbine-Pentacrest route will only serve the WCTC after 7 p.m.
VA Loop Shuttle
Route operates AM peak only with an updated route schedule.
Hawkeye Parking Lot and Hawkeye Campus routes
Hawk Lot-Hospital
Route is operating reduced service due to the relocation of Parking Lot 85 permits. Hawk Lot-Hospital will operate 20-minute frequency from 4:40 a.m. to 8:40 p.m. Riders needing to travel to or from the Hawk Lot after 8:40 p.m. should use the On-Demand Shuttle.
Hawkeye-Pentacrest
As of Nov. 21, the Hawkeye-Pentacrest route is changing permanently following rider feedback and route analysis. Some stop times have been adjusted and the route will travel both east and west through Newton Road all day.
Hawkeye Interdorm
Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Route does not operate during break periods.
Fall Virtual Instruction Period
There are no changes in service. Route operates 60-minute frequency 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays. Route operates regular academic weekend service on weekends from Nov. 29 through Dec. 13.
On-Demand Shuttle
View On-Demand Shuttle details
Thanksgiving and Winter Break
On-Demand Shuttle available to Main Campus, UI Hospitals & Clinics area, Newton Road, and Hawkeye Campus 8:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. weeknights. The shuttle only picks up and drops off at CAMBUS stops.
Fall Virtual Instruction Period
On-Demand Shuttle available 8:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weeknights only to and from Parking Lots 85 (Hawkeye Commuter), 65 (Finkbine Commuter), 75 (Arena), and 55 (Hancher).
Commuter Parking Lot service information
CAMBUS continues to evaluate boarding data of the Hawk Lot-Hospital and Hospital-Finkbine/Arena routes. An analysis of boarding data has found that during peak commute times—6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.—the average number of riders on commuter routes is 12 to 15 riders. About 98% of trips had fewer than 30 riders on the bus. Bus capacity on commuter routes is 70 passengers.
CAMBUS and parking operations aim to reduce CAMBUS ridership during winter months by implementing temporary relocations for Hawkeye Commuter riders. As of Nov. 9, Hawk Lot-Hospital route service is reduced due to the relocations.
CAMBUS service on commuter routes is provided at a frequency where riders may choose to wait two to five minutes for the next bus with less occupancy. Trips tend to have more riders during these times: 6:35 to 6:45 a.m.; 7:35 to 7:45 a.m.; and 4:30 to 4:45 p.m.
Rider Information
Riders are required to wear a face mask on the bus. Riders are asked to board through the front door and exit through the rear door to reduce face-to-face foot traffic during the boarding and exiting process. Driver barriers have been installed on buses to protect drivers and riders.
Interior surfaces of the buses are sprayed with a disinfectant each night and wiped down. Each bus receives a UV light treatment to disinfect the interior every 24 to 48 hours.
Transit App
CAMBUS has a new passenger information system, Transit, that includes guided navigation and trip planning. Using the Transit app can help riders understand how to navigate the service beginning Nov. 23, including walking directions and locating nearest bus stop.