Bloomington, Indiana – As the fall semester approaches, students and residents in Bloomington are adjusting to a number of changes to bus routes and operations that affect Indiana University’s campus and the surrounding city. Both Bloomington Transit (BT) and IU Campus Bus Service have implemented modifications to better serve riders, accommodate new technologies, and improve overall efficiency.
Bloomington Transit has been rolling out a new fleet of electric buses, which has prompted adjustments to several existing routes. Most notably, routes 6 and 9 have undergone significant changes due to the new buses’ height, which prevents them from passing under the low clearance underpass on 10th Street.
Among the changes, the 6 Limited route has been discontinued, and its service was integrated into the main Route 6, which now includes additional stops in the afternoon to maintain accessibility for riders. Route 6 will now stop at key locations including the Student Recreational Sports Center and Campus View Apartments. Meanwhile, Route 9 has expanded to cover Jefferson Street and more of Third Street, although both routes will no longer service Tulip Tree Apartments.
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According to BT General Manager Bryan Fyalkowski, the adjustments to Routes 6 and 9 primarily impact IU students. “The bus would be frequently ahead of schedule, causing it to sit idle at some locations while waiting for time to pass,” Fyalkowski said in reference to Route 13, which underwent modifications mainly for Bloomington residents and Ivy Tech Community College students.
Route 13, which BT first introduced in January as a 60-minute loop, has been revised to make trips more consistent. The new routing ensures that the bus serves the Northwest YMCA on inbound trips, while both inbound and outbound trips now pass through Ivy Tech and Park 48 industrial park. This adjustment aims to make it easier for Highland Village residents to reach key destinations without long waits or inefficient detours.
Alongside route changes, Bloomington Transit is transitioning IU students to digital bus passes via the Umo Mobility app. Students who follow the instructions on BT’s website can ride fare-free throughout the academic year. Fyalkowski noted that physical CrimsonCards are still usable for now, but students are encouraged to switch to the digital format to avoid future complications. “There may be a time in the future where physical Crimson Cards don’t scan at all on our buses, so we are trying to get ahead of that in some respects and avoid any potential headaches,” he said.
Meanwhile, IU Campus Bus Service has adapted its routes to complement BT’s changes, ensuring that areas no longer serviced by BT remain accessible. In particular, the Tulip Tree Apartments are now included as a stop on IU Campus Bus routes, according to Director Justin VanLeeuwen.
Several IU Campus Bus routes have been revised to improve student access and efficiency. The E route now stops at Tulip Tree Apartments, filling the gap left by BT’s rerouting. The F route has been adjusted to start at the Stadium White Lot, providing convenient access to Third Street before continuing along Fee Lane. The X route, meanwhile, has been reversed to allow students to reach the Kelley School of Business more quickly than the expanded F route.
Both BT and IU Campus Bus officials emphasized that the goal of these changes is to create a more streamlined, reliable, and safe transit experience. Digital passes, updated schedules, and rerouted services are all intended to make commuting easier for students, staff, and Bloomington residents alike, even as the city adjusts to the growing demands of public transportation and new bus technology.
With so many adjustments happening at once, riders are encouraged to check the latest schedules and route maps online before heading out. Detailed information on both Bloomington Transit and IU Campus Bus Service can be found on their respective websites, including updated routes, digital pass instructions, and real-time service updates.
The coming semester will provide a test of these changes, and both transit organizations have expressed a commitment to evaluating the impact and making further adjustments if necessary. For students who rely on public transportation to get to classes, work, and other activities, the modifications represent a balance between modernizing the fleet, improving efficiency, and maintaining reliable access to essential destinations.
As IU students and Bloomington residents prepare for the fall semester, the combined efforts of BT and IU Campus Bus Service highlight a city and university working together to adapt to new technologies, evolving student needs, and the growing demand for safe, efficient public transportation.
