CyRide's public transit services are open to the general public, including persons with disabilities. In order for your trip on CyRide to be as comfortable and convenient as possible, we are providing these guidelines to help you to learn how to ride.

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. If you need to transfer to another bus, please tell the driver when you board (even if you have an unlimited ride pass). According to the policy below, the driver may help facilitate a transfer over the radio by holding a bus for your convenience.  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.

To help alleviate congestion on Iowa State University campus, CyRide will not guarantee transfers on campus on weekdays from the start of service until 6:00 pm. This means if two routes are scheduled to match up at a time point where a direct transfer could be made and one of these buses is running late, CyRide will not hold that bus up to guarantee the transfer. After 6:00 pm and on weekends, drivers will make all attempts to facilitate transfers within a reasonable amount of time. Off-campus, drivers will make all attempts to ensure transfers occur at any time throughout the day or evening, if informed by the passenger that they need a transfer, when buses arrive within two-minutes from one another.

Overloaded and Extra Buses

CyRide schedules are available on buses, in shelters and on the CyRide website. The schedule lists trips that allow a passenger to reach their destination on time. During busy times and 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 on a bus. If you need to stand, please move as far back as possible.

Be aware that trips during peak periods (i.e. right before class) may also overload. To arrive on time to your destination, arrive at your bus stop early or take an earlier scheduled bus trip. CyRide makes every effort to send out "extra" buses to help with routinely overloaded trips.

Runner Policy

To ensure buses remain on time, drivers cannot wait for late passengers running to the bus stop. Passengers should arrive at least 1 minute early to their bus stop.

Items Not Allowed

The following items are not allowed on our buses, for your safety and the safety of others:

• No open alcoholic beverages.
• No gasoline or other flammable liquids.
• No firearms, BB guns, tasers with projectiles, or air guns.
• No bicycles or tricycles (bicycles on the bike racks are allowed).
• No toboggans or sleds.
• No furniture (including mattresses).
• No large panes of glass or large pieces of lumber.
• No vehicle batteries.
• Passengers are not allowed to wear in-line skates on the bus. They must remove the skates before boarding the bus.
• Three grocery bags are allowed per adult. Baby strollers and shopping carts should be kept out of the aisle.

Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs

Non-alcoholic beverages are allowed on the buses, as long as they have a closable lid. We ask that you not eat food items on the buses. The following is prohibited on the bus or in a bus shelter for customer safety and comfort:

• Drinking an alcoholic beverage or possessing an open container.
• Smoking, vaping or carrying of any type of lit pipe, cigar, cigarette, etc.
• Possessing an illegal drug or substance.

Running Behind Schedule

Buses will occasionally operate behind schedule. We will make every effort to stay within 3 minutes of the posted schedule. Please plan to be at your stop 1 minute early. Use CyRide's real-time information to help track your bus.

Requesting A Stop

To request a stop, please pull the yellow cords located along the sides of the bus or next to the wheelchair securement positions. This will let the driver know you need to exit at the next stop. You may also tell the driver if you need a bus stop.

Exiting the Bus

The rear doors of the bus are for passenger exit only. After the light above the doors turns green you may exit the bus. Press the door handles or wave your hand to open the doors.

Windows

Windows may be opened in warmer weather for comfort. Do not throw anything out the windows. Keep hands, arms and other extremities inside the bus at all times.

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and cleaning supplies are on our buses. If you need one of these items please talk with the driver.

Passengers with Wheelchairs

Passengers in wheelchairs will be boarding CyRide's buses. Passengers in the seats over the wheelchair restraints will need to relinquish their seats so that the driver can secure the passenger’s wheelchair. We thank you in advance for this courtesy.