CAMBUS service will continue Interim Service with some adjustments following analysis of recent 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 in response to COVID-19. Adjustments allow department resources to be focused on areas of greatest need, including faculty and staff commuter parking lots.
These adjustments are effective beginning Monday, April 6 until further notice and are in addition to adjustments previously announced. The continuing cooperation and flexibility of the campus is appreciated, so this critical service can continue to operate effectively and remain adaptable to this rapidly changing situation.
New adjustments April 6, 2020
- East Campus Shuttle route is suspending service
- Hawkeye Interdorm route is suspending service
- Fixed route service will end at 9 p.m.
- Weekdays from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) a demand-response service will operate on the main campus, providing service from and to any main campus CAMBUS stop
- Pentacrest route between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will provide departures every 30 minutes
Previously announced adjustments that remain in effect
- Departures for Hospital Finkbine Arena service will continue to be increased during AM and PM peak in the interest of social distancing
- 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 (linked)
- Riders should board and exit using the rear doors (linked)
- Buses are cleaned twice a day using and EPA approve cleaner effective against COVID-19 (linked)
Route schedules effective April 6, 2020
To see which routes are operating and the schedule in effect visit the schedule page: CAMBUS route and schedule information
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 will also be replacing late night service with an on-demand shuttle. Fixed route service after 9 p.m. will be temporarily suspended and will switch to a demand-response service using a smaller bus. Weekday fixed-route service will continue to be provided on the routes currently in operation from 4:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
On-demand service will operate on weekdays from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., midnight. The on-demand service will be stationed at WCTC stall 3 and will provide 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.
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 will be also posted at the WCTC with the phone number and in an alert in Transit.
The change to on-demand service after 9 p.m. is in response to a decreased need and demand for late night service following classes being 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.
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.
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. If riding the bus, make efforts to practice social distancing as much as possible and use every day preventative actions identified by the CDC to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
Up to date information regarding the university's preparation and response to COVID-19 is available at coronavirus.uiowa.edu.