CyRide wants your input on service options

By Anne Krapfl
November 08, 2018

CyRide is asking for public input on eight possible service tweaks to the new route structure -- dubbed CyRide 2.0 -- it implemented in May and August following nearly two years of study. Iowa State faculty, staff and students are invited to fill out an online survey before Dec. 3 and/or attend a public forum Nov. 13 (6-7:30 p.m., Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave.), at which transit staff will summarize the possibilities and receive feedback. All of the options increase service levels.

CyRide director Sheri Kyras said the options respond to a majority of comments received during spring, summer and early fall. In addition to the eight, individuals may propose other changes to CyRide 2.0 service. There is no guarantee any changes will be implemented, due to costs, but she said board members want to know what customers think of the proposals before they weigh their options. Any changes would take effect next August.

Here's a quick summary of the eight proposals:

  • Two for the Cherry route, which provides service between campus and southwest Ames via South Dakota Avenue and Lincoln Way on ISU class days. One proposal adds evening service (through 10 p.m.), the other adds service during ISU breaks.
  • One for the Lilac route, which which provides service between campus and southwest Ames via Mortensen Road and State Avenue on ISU class days. It extends service through midday (currently service halts between 9:45 a.m. and 2:35 p.m.).
  • Two for the Peach route, which provides service from North Grand Mall to the Veterinary Medicine campus via the east part of campus on weekdays. One shortens the service interval from 60 to 30 minutes all day, the other applies the shorter interval only during peak hours (7-10 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.).
  • Two for the Gold route, which provides service between Schilletter University Village (SUV) and the Towers residence communities via central campus on ISU class days. One adds service from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., the other adds summer and ISU break service only between campus and SUV.
  • Add early morning service to three yet-to-be-determined existing routes to allow employees to get to work by 7 or 7:30 a.m.

The survey lists the estimated cost of adding each option and asks participants to rank them in importance. It also provides space for participants to suggest up to three other service options.

Kyras said it will be up to the transit board to determine whether CyRide can afford any or some of the changes. Declining enrollment at ISU means less student fee revenue for CyRide, but she also expects additional federal funding next year.

"The information we gain from the public meeting and online survey will assist the board in determining the best service level it can provide in light of the funding available next year," she said.

Related stories