University of Iowa CAMBUS is announcing service details for the spring 2021 academic session, Jan. 24 through May 14. Pre-pandemic route structures, such as all-day Red and Blue Route, with some minor schedule changes resumed Nov. 23 and will continue through May 2021. Service on the Hospital-Finkbine Arena route remains increased in response to COVID-19. Service details for each route are detailed in the service alert and are reflected on the route schedule pages.
Data models using fall ridership information project that spring 2021 service 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 Overview
| Dates | Academic period | CAMBUS service |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 19 – Jan. 23 | Winter break | Break service |
| Jan. 24 – May 14 | Spring academic session | Modified academic |
| May 15 – Aug. 20 | Summer session | TBD |
Jump to Section
Bus stop closures
System map beginning Jan. 24
Spring 2021 academic session service: Main Campus, Health Sciences Campus, Hancher Parking Lot and Arts Campus, Finkbine Commuter and Arena Parking Lots, 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. As of Nov. 23, most stops closed in response to the pandemic have been re-opened based upon fall 2020 boarding data.
| Stop closures | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pride and Cultural Centers | Remains closed due to center closure |
| ERF | Temporarily re-opened between construction phases |
| Seamans Center | Temporarily re-opened between construction phases |
| Main Library | Temporarily re-opened between construction phases |
| Softball Complex | Remains closed until further notice |
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 Jan. 24 through May 14.
Service details as of Jan. 24, 2021
All schedule changes described below will begin Jan. 24 and operate through May 14. Some routes have schedule changes between break periods and the spring academic session.
Main Campus routes
Red Route and Blue Route
On weekdays, routes operate 15-minute service from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 30-minute service from 9 p.m. to midnight. There are no changes to academic weekend service.
View Red Route academic weekday schedule
View Blue Route academic weekday schedule
South Campus Shuttle
Will continue operating year-round weekday service. There are no schedule changes for the spring 2021 session.
Interdorm-WCTC
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 spring semester. View Interdorm-WCTC schedule
Mayflower Shuttle
Route operates 20-minute frequency 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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
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. View Finkbine-Pentacrest schedule
Hawkeye-Pentacrest
Route operates 20-minute frequency from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. View Hawkeye-Pentacrest schedule
Hancher-Newton Road
Route operates 15-minute service 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Riders can make midday connections between Newton Road and Hancher with Red Route and Blue Route. View Hancher-Newton Road schedule
Hancher Parking Lot and Arts Campus routes
Red Route and Blue Route
On weekdays, routes operate 10-minute service from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 30-minute service from 9 p.m. to midnight. There are no changes to academic weekend service.
View Red Route academic weekday schedule
View Blue Route academic weekday schedule
Hancher-Newton Road
Route operates 15-minute service 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Riders can make midday connections between Newton Road and Hancher with Red Route and Blue Route. View Hancher-Newton Road schedule
Finkbine Commuter and Arena Parking Lot routes
Hospital-Finkbine/Arena
Route is continuing expanded service frequency during AM and PM peak commuting times. View Hospital-Finkbine/Arena schedule
Finkbine-Pentacrest
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. View Finkbine-Pentacrest schedule
VA Loop Shuttle
Route operates 12-minute service during AM peak service only. View VA Loop Shuttle 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. View Hawk Lot-Hospital schedule
After the Parking Lot 85 relocations end in Spring 2021, service on the Hawk Lot-Hospital route will be increased to 5-minute frequency during AM and PM commute times, and 10-minute frequency during midday and late evening service.
Hawkeye-Pentacrest
Route operates 20-minute frequency from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. View Hawkeye-Pentacrest schedule
Hawkeye Interdorm
Route operates 60-minute frequency 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays. Route operates regular academic weekend service on weekends from Jan. 24 through May 9. View Hawkeye Interdorm schedule
On-Demand Shuttle
View On-Demand Shuttle details
On-Demand Shuttle available 8:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weeknights. During academic sessions, the shuttle provides rides only to or from Hawkeye campus, including Parking Lot 85 (Hawkeye Commuter), and Parking Lots 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 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4p.m. 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.
CAMBUS and parking operations have aimed to reduce CAMBUS ridership during winter months by implementing temporary relocations for Hawkeye Commuter riders. Since Nov. 9, Hawk Lot-Hospital route service has been reduced due to the relocations. When the Parking Lot 85 relocations end in Spring 2021, service on the Hawk Lot-Hospital route will be increased.
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.