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Citilink is planning to begin a campus shuttle service this fall that would provide free rides to and around Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Citilink plans to use up to $500,000 of its federal stimulus money to buy three midsized buses for the new route. A $1.2 million federal grant aimed at reducing congestion and improving air quality will pay for operations. Transit officials also expect the two college systems will provide a combined 20 percent match.
Contracts with Ivy Tech, IPFW and Citilink to provide the matching funds have not been signed, said Ken Housden, the transit service’s general manager.
The new buses are expected to arrive within five months. Existing vehicles will be used to serve students for the fall semester, Housden said.
The shuttle service will pick up riders at campus housing and nearby apartments and take them to either campus and between campuses, Housden said.
Housden said the shuttles will be free and run frequently. Citilink also plans to provide discounted bus passes to students and faculty to use other Citilink services.
He hopes the three-year pilot program will reduce traffic congestion around the two sprawling campuses.
Often students drive a short distance to campus, park and go to class – then drive the short distance home. Using the shuttle will also mean fewer emissions, Housden said.
Citilink currently provides traditional bus service that travels past the two campuses.
“This provides a tremendous service to students and faculty,” he said.
