Two new battery-powered buses wrapped in Shocker pride will soon be seen zipping through Wichita’s streets.
Wichita Transit recently unveiled the Wichita State University-branded buses, which are ecofriendly, filled with modern conveniences, and will circulate among the university’s main campus, as well as Wichita State South, WSU Tech and the Metroplex.
Wichita Transit took over Wichita State’s bus routes in August. Bus services and all Wichita Transit bus services come at no additional charge for staff, faculty and students. However, all Shockers MUST show their Wichita State ID card when they board the bus. Guests and visitors to the Wichita State campus can ride routes 21A and 202A at no additional charge.
The state-of-the-art eco-friendly buses are equipped with a fold-down bike rack on the front of the bus with spaces or positions to hold three bikes, free Wi-Fi and 24 seats per bus. Riders can also opt to stand and use the buses’ balancing handles.
“The battery-powered buses complement one of Wichita State’s fundamental values: sustainability,” said Ellen Abbey, Wichita State’s director of auxiliary services. “Additionally, the convenient routes and availability is an extra advantage to our students, faculty, staff and community.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wichita State has switched its classes to fully online formats until spring 2021. Once classes resume, the Shocker-branded buses will primarily run routes 21A and 202A. However, while most students are attending classes remotely, the buses might be seen around Wichita on any of Wichita Transit’s other routes.
Wichita Transit passengers should download the MyStop app to their smartphones or computers. The app offers information on bus routes, GPS tracking of buses and information on delays or changes to routes.
Information is also available on the Wichita Transit website and at wichita.edu/transit.
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wichita Transit has implemented several policies to protect the health and safety of passengers and drivers:
- Face masks are required to ride Wichita Transit vehicles.
- Passengers are encouraged to social distance by leaving an empty row between them and keeping 6 feet of social distancing between stops.
- Riders are asked to avoid using public transportation if they feel ill.
- Touchpoint surfaces of all buses are wiped down with a disinfectant after every trip.
- Bus interiors are sprayed with a disinfectant after each day as they cycle through routes.
- If a driver has a concern, buses will be swapped out immediately.
- Customers are encouraged to pay fares with bus passes rather than exchanging cash or change.
- Passengers are asked to exit through the rear doors unless a ramp assist is necessary.
- Many buses have hand sanitizer stations available for passenger use.
