Campus Transit - FAQs

Purdue University partnered with SP Plus (SP+) to provide expanded on-campus transit services, called Purdue Campus Transit, beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. Frequently asked questions are included below.

1. Why did Purdue release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for campus transit?

• Purdue’s goal for the RFP was to improve the transit experience for the campus community through the adoption of technology, operational enhancements and elevated service through a competitive bidding process. By issuing an RFP, vendors are able to offer new ideas and demonstrate how they can effectively meet campus needs.

2. What were the results of the RFP, and who was engaged in the process?

• Purdue received eight proposals, including a proposal from CityBus. Representatives from Student Life, the Office of the Provost, Campus Planning and Architecture, and Parking Operations made up the evaluation team. SP Plus (SP+) was selected as the preferred vendor. It has a three-year contract with the possibility of two, one-year renewals.

3. Who is SP+?

• SP+ is a Metropolis company. Metropolis is an artificial intelligence company whose computer vision platform enables checkout-free payment experiences for the real world. Continuing its trajectory as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the United States, Metropolis envisions a future where people transact in the real world with even greater ease than experienced online. Following its take-private acquisition of SP+, Metropolis is now the largest parking network in North America, with more than 4,000 locations.

4. When will Purdue Campus Transit service begin?

• Purdue Campus Transit service will begin on Aug. 14, 2025.

5. Who can ride the buses/shuttles, and is there a fee?

• Anyone with a valid Purdue ID is eligible to ride the shuttles at no cost. This includes Purdue West Lafayette and Indianapolis students, faculty, staff and retirees.

6. Will Purdue Campus Transit operate the same schedule and routes that CityBus operated on campus?

• Purdue Campus Transit routes and schedules are listed online.

7. How will off-campus transit service be impacted?

• CityBus is continuing to offer off-campus transit, and Purdue is subsidizing the cost of off-campus student passes for the fall 2025 semester. Details about the reduced off-campus passes are available online, and CityBus routes and schedules are listed on their website.

8. Will CityBus be changing regular routes that service the Purdue/West Lafayette area (4B Purdue West, 10 Northwestern, 1B Salisbury, 5 Happy Hollow, 41 (formerly) 23 The Connector) or express routes that service the Purdue/West Lafayette area (21E Lark & Alight, 24E Redpoint Express, 35E Lindberg Express)?

• Purdue does not control non-campus loops, and any changes are at CityBus’ discretion. CityBus route maps and schedules are available online.

9. Is CityBus service available over the summer?

• Refer to the CityBus website for routes and schedules.

10. What features will the new shuttles have?

• Purdue Campus Transit shuttles meet the requirements of ADA compliance and are equipped with bicycle racks.

11. What is the fleet like that will serve campus routes?

• Purdue Campus Transit has a mixed fleet with low-floor transit buses, midsized shuttles and electric transit vans.

12. Does Purdue Campus Transit have an app?

• The Purdue Campus Transit app is available for download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Through the app, riders are able to view the fixed transit routes, track vehicles in real time, schedule an on-demand ride and more.

13. How do I load my bike on a Campus Transit bus, shuttle or van?

• You can bring your bike on Campus Transit buses, shuttles and vans. The short videos below show loading basics, and the Bike Loading Guide provides step-by-step visuals.
  • How-to: Buses and Shuttles (0:53 video)
  • How-to: Vans (0:51 video)
  • Bike Loading Guide (PDF)