CyRide serves as the bus system for Iowa State students and the residents of Ames.

The task of navigating the 13 routes can seem daunting, but there are several resources available to help students figure out where they need to go.

“CyRide is a great resource that will greatly ease the transition onto campus, and there are a lot of ways to learn how to best utilize the service,” said Juan Bibiloni, a Student Government representative on the CyRide Board of Trustees.

NextBus

NextBus is CyRide’s bus prediction service, allowing anyone to get on their website or app to see when the next bus will be arriving at a given stop. Live tracking of the buses is also available on NextBus. Because NextBus is directly affiliated with CyRide, routes are updated more frequently in case of construction.

MyState App

During orientation, students are encouraged to download and use the MyState app, which among other features, has all bus route maps and estimated arrival times, similar to the NextBus service. However, the route maps on the MyState app are updated less frequently to show changes in the routes.

Moonlight Express

The Moonlight Express is a free shuttle system that operates from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, after other routes have stopped running. Its primary function is to shuttle students who were studying late back home safely, and if a student would like to arrange a ride back on the Midnight Express, they can call 292-1100 after 10:15 p.m. and tell the dispatcher where they are and where they would like to go. If there is a Moonlight Express near the student, they will be directed to it. If not, a minibus will be sent to the student’s location.

Bibiloni said that CyRide’s website is a valuable tool with plenty of information and additional resources. Checking CyRide’s Twitter is also a good way to keep up to date with any changes being made to the bus system.

“It is daunting to see a map and not know what route to take, but CyRide is a service that strives to make it as easy as possible to understand,” Bibiloni said.