Purdue University Announces Reimbursement for Affiliated Riders’ Semester Bus Passes

Purdue University has recently approved a plan to reimburse a portion of the semester bus pass fees for affiliated riders, addressing the concerns that arose earlier this year regarding changes to the CityBus fare structure.

Background

Earlier in 2024, CityBus announced that Purdue-affiliated riders, including students, faculty, and staff, would be charged fares for off-campus routes starting August 19, 2024. This change came as a surprise to many, including Purdue University itself, which expressed disagreement with the approach.

New Fare Structure

To accommodate Purdue affiliates, CityBus introduced a $99 semester pass option, offering a more cost-effective solution compared to their existing 31-day pass. This new pass would be available through the CityBus mobile ticketing app, Token Transit.

Purdue’s Response

In light of these changes, Purdue University has taken steps to support its community:

• On-campus routes: The campus loops (13-Silver, 14-Black, 15-Tower Acres, 20-South Campus, and 28-Gold) will remain free for Purdue affiliates.
• Reimbursement plan: Purdue’s Board of Trustees has approved a plan to reimburse a portion of the semester pass fees for affiliated riders.
• Special consideration for off-campus students: Purdue will subsidize a significant portion of the pass cost for students placed in off-campus housing. These students will only need to pay $25, with Purdue covering the remaining $74.

Impact and Implications

This development represents a compromise between Purdue University and CityBus, ensuring that public transportation remains accessible to the Purdue community. While the solution may not be ideal for all parties involved, it demonstrates a commitment to maintaining crucial public transit options in the area.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in funding and maintaining public transportation systems, as well as the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and local transit authorities.

Looking Forward

As the Lafayette area continues to grow and evolve, there is a recognized need for expanded public transportation options, including light rail, trains, and ride-sharing services. The resolution of this issue between Purdue and CityBus serves as a stepping stone towards addressing broader transportation needs in the community.