How to Ride
In order for your trip to be as comfortable and convenient as possible, we are providing these guidelines to help you in using our bus system.
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CyRide's Carbon Footprint Calculator
To help the environment and lessen the impact of global climate change, we ALL need to reduce our individual carbon footprint. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is to ride CyRide!Every time you choose the bus as your ride, you save carbon dioxide (CO2) from being emitted into the atmosphere. Calculate your potential reduction below!
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Miles per gallon (MPG): | |
Number of miles driven per week: | |
Miles reduced
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Your weekly CO2 savings: |
How to Ride Video
Our buses are clean, reliable, and easy to use. Learn the basics in our “How to Ride” video. Learn how to locate bus stops, where to wait, how to get on the bus, and how to make it stop.
Reading the Schedule Video
Schedules are available on the buses, in our shelters, and online. Learn about timetables, route maps, and timepoints. Schedules include an Ames route map, an ISU map, and timetables for service. Watch the "Reading the Schedule" video to learn how it all comes together.
Rackn' Roll with CyRide
CyRide has a majority of buses wtihin our fleet equipped with bike racks. Check out your route timetable for a bike symbol to ensure your trip has a rack. For more information on biking and riding the bus, go to CyRide's Rackn' Roll page or brochure for all the details!
Transferring Buses
A transfer is needed when one bus will not take you to your ending destination and you need two buses to get to where you're going. IIf you need to transfer to another bus, please tell the driver when you board. A transfer occurs when you need to ride two buses to complete get from one location to another. Sometimes buses may be running behind, and we wouldn’t want you to miss your transfer to the other bus. If you are unsure of whether or not you need to transfer, or where you are going, please feel free to ask the driver, and they can help you get to your destination.
Items Not Allowed
The following items are not allowed on our buses, for your safety and the safety of others:
- Car batteries
- Firearms
- Gasoline or other flammable liquids
- Large pieces of lumber
- Large boxes (A projection TV just won’t work)
- Animals other than service animals
- Other items that cannot be kept out of the aisles of the buses
Food and Beverages
Beverages are allowed on the buses, as long as they have a closeable lid. Pop cans will be allowed, but any other beverage must have a closable lid. We ask that you not eat food items on the buses, as they can be messy.
Moonlight Express
CyRide’s Moonlight Express service operates after 10:15 PM, ending at 2:30AM on Friday and Saturday evenings, while ISU is in session. This is a free service that offers passengers a free, safe ride. When you call for a ride, please have the following information ready:
- Where you are at
- Where you need to go
- How many people are with you
- How soon you would like to go
The dispatcher will take this information, and schedule a call for you. This may take a few minutes, as many people are riding our service. Please be prepared to hold, and as soon as the dispatcher has your call set up for you, they will let you know where to wait for the bus, and what time the bus will be there to pick you up. There are several buses running our service, and the first bus you see may not be the one that is coming to pick you up. Please wait at the location the dispatcher tells you to, and your bus will be at your location within a few minutes of the time we have given you.
Overloaded Buses
During busy times and/or inclement weather, buses will occasionally get overloaded. Please make as much standing room as possible, and fill seats from the back of the bus to the front of the bus, so that we can carry as many people as we can. If you need to stand, please move as far back as possible.
Running Behind Schedule
Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond CyRide’s control, buses will run a few minutes behind. We will make every effort to stay within 3 minutes of the posted schedule. Please plan to be at your stop 5 minutes early to avoid variances in schedules. Schedules for fixed route operations are available on buses, on the CyRide website, (As if you didn’t know that, since you’re already here) several local merchants, and at City Hall. Feel free to take one for your personal use.
Stopping the Bus
To request a stop, please pull on the stop cords located along the sides of the bus. This will let the driver know that you need off at the next stop. A polite verbal request is also acceptable.
Exiting the Bus
The rear doors of the bus are for passenger exit only. After the green light above the doors is lit, you may exit the bus.
Windows
Please keep everything (including yourself) inside of the windows. Windows may be opened in warmer weather for comfort, but we ask that you not throw anything or hang anything out of the windows.
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and cleaning supplies are equipped on our buses. If the need arises for one of these items, please talk with the driver.
Passengers with Wheelchairs
Occasionally passengers in wheelchairs will be boarding. Passengers in the seats over the wheelchair restraints will need to relinquish their seats so that the driver can secure the passenger’s wheelchair.
