CAMPUS BUS FAQ

NEW BUS SERVICE FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) 

1. What is the universal transportation fee that the Bursar's Office is charging?

The universal transportation fee has been discussed and promoted by the Indiana University Student Association, the Residence Hall Association, and the Graduate Student Organization since 1997. The Board of Trustees approved the concept initially in February 1999 and gave final approval to proceed with full implementation at their May 2005 meeting. Full implementation means that a transportation fee will provide pre-paid access for all IU students to all bus service currently being provided by Bloomington Transit and Campus Bus Service. During a phase-in period, universal access applied to Bloomington Transit service and some selected services provided by Campus Bus but now the program covers all service from both operations. The program has also funded some improvements in service to provide longer hours, more frequent service and more reliability and also includes the Midnight Special. (See Question 16 for more about the Midnight Special.)

2. How much is the universal transportation fee?

For students taking more than 6 hours, the fee is $53.47 per semester.

For students taking between 3.5-6 hours, the fee is $26.73 per semester.

For students taking less than 3 or less hours, the fee is $13.36 per semester.

3. If I am a faculty or staff member and I am taking classes too, am I exempt from paying the fee?

No.

4. Are there any exemptions from the fee?

Yes, if you enrolled at the Bloomington Campus but are conducting your research or class work in another city, or out of the country and you do not live in Bloomington, then you qualify for an exemption.

5. How does the exemption work? How do I apply for the exemption?

If a class is coded as off-campus, the exemption is automatic. Otherwise, a form available from the Bursar's office should be completed and returned to the Bursar for submission to an appeals board.

6. Is there an appeal procedure in case my request for an exemption is declined but I still think I should qualify?

Not really. The Transportation Fee is identical to other mandatory fees that have very limited avenues for exemption. The Fee Policy Appeal Committee (Franklin Hall 023) is the final step for an exemption.

7. I like to drive to class. I don't ever plan on using the bus. Why should I have to pay the bus fee?

Traffic on campus is bad and parking is scarce in the areas closest to campus. If more people use the bus instead of driving their cars, everyone benefits. Fewer cars mean less traffic, more available parking, fewer automobile accidents, less air pollution, and less stress for lots of people. Everyone benefits; not just those who choose to ride the bus. We need to look at our transportation problems from a wider perspective, not just the perspective from a single mode. Just like we all pay taxes that contribute to construction and maintenance of our streets, we now pay a fee that contributes to a more efficient use of our streets.

8. How do I get the pass that allows me to use the pre-paid bus service provided by Bloomington Transit?

Your Indiana University Student ID card is your pass: just show it to the BT or Campus Bus drivers.

9. Where can I find out more information about the new bus service:

For Campus Bus Service, check out Campus Bus' web page at http://www.iubus.indiana.edu/

For Bloomington Transit Service, check out Bloomington Transit's web page at http://www.bloomingtontransit.com/

Check both web pages regularly because they will be constantly updated as the new service develops.

10. Where can I go to use park-and-ride service?

Campus Bus Service offers the Stadium Express from the White Lot on the west side of the Memorial Stadium to the Indiana Memorial Union in the center of campus. The Stadium Express operates every 5 minutes from 7:30am until 6:00 pm, every 10 minutes from 6:00 until 6:50pm; every 20 minutes from 6:50 to 8:10pm; and every 30 minutes from 8:00 to 11:40pm.

11. Do I have to pay for parking in order to ride on the park-and-ride shuttles?

To park in the Stadium White Lot at Memorial Stadium, your car must display any valid IU parking permit.

12. Where can I get route and schedule information about the bus service?

Printed maps and schedules for Campus Bus Service and Bloomington Transit are distributed at the Campus Card Office, at the Indiana Memorial Union activity desk, all dorm center desks, at the Bloomington Transit/Campus Bus offices at 120 W. Grimes Lane, and on each bus.  Additional information is also available on the Bloomington Transit web page at http://www.bloomingtontransit.com/ and the Campus Bus Service web page at http://www.iubus.indiana.edu/

13. How reliable is the bus service?

Both Campus Bus and Bloomington Transit do their best to offer reliable service. However, during class change times, buses that use 7^th Street and 10^th Street are often caught in very congested traffic conditions. Delays at certain times are unavoidable because of automobile traffic. One thing that is certain is that the more people we could get to ride the buses, the less traffic congestion there would be and the more quickly all traffic could move. Also, both transit systems will experience occasional delays caused by weather conditions, street closings, detours and construction equipment which are beyond their control.

14. What days do the buses run?

Campus Bus Service operates every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Memorial Day and July 4. Service is provided at a reduced level on Saturdays, Sundays, during class breaks and during the summer.  For more detailed information, see the Campus Bus web page at http://www.iubus.indiana.edu/

Bloomington Transit does not operate on Sundays or major holidays except when IU classes are in session. Reduced service is offered on Saturdays. One exception is BT's Route 6 which operates on Sundays. For more detailed information, see the Bloomington Transit web page at http://www.bloomingtontransit.com/ 

15. What about Summer service?

The transportation fee is charged during the summer but at a reduced rate. For students registered for 3 hours of less, the fee is $9.80. For more than 3 hours, the fee is $30.00. Just show your student ID to the bus driver.

  16.  What is the Midnight Special?

The Midnight Special bus service now has East, North, and South routes and runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. when classes are in session (except for summer.) All three routes start at the IMU Campus Bus shelter and run approximately every 20 minutes. The service is provided by Bloomington Shuttle Service under a contract with Indiana University that is funded by the transportation fee. All you need to do is look for the Bloomington Shuttle Service buses at all regular Campus Bus stops and at designated stops in the downtown area and show your student ID card. You can see maps for the three routes at the Campus Bus Service web page: http://www.iubus.indiana.edu.