Eau Claire Student Transit: A Comprehensive Guide

The city of Eau Claire offers a variety of transportation options for students, faculty, and staff of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UW-Eau Claire), as well as residents of the surrounding area. These options include city bus routes, campus shuttles, intercity buses, and specialized services for individuals with mobility disabilities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Eau Claire student transit system, including its history, services, and accessibility features.

A Legacy of Transportation in Eau Claire

The story of transportation in Eau Claire has an interesting history. In 1939, Rey Fey Sr. and his son, Fred Fey, demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit when they purchased the public transport buses from the city of Eau Claire after the program experienced a loss of funding. At the time, the Feys were also managing a number of other city bus companies, including those in La Crosse and Winona.

Following World War II, Ray Fey Jr. joined his father and brother, and the school bus system saw considerable expansion in the region due to school consolidation. As the Eau Claire area continued to grow and managing the other facilities became more challenging, the Feys made the decision to concentrate solely on the Eau Claire region. Shortly after, the Eau Claire Area School District reached out to the Feys and requested that they take over their bussing operations. In 1975, the Feys divested themselves of the city buses, selling them back to the City of Eau Claire and shifting their focus entirely to school bus transportation.

In 1982, Phillip "Flip" Fey took over as President, succeeding Ray Fey Jr. Today, the company stands as a fourth-generation family business, with brothers Jim and Ray Fey currently at the helm. While the Fey family's primary focus is now on school bus transportation, their history is intertwined with the development of public transit in Eau Claire.

Eau Claire Transit: Serving the City and Students

Eau Claire Transit routes serve the cities of Eau Claire and Altoona. A significant benefit for UW-Eau Claire students, faculty, and staff is that these routes are fare-free with a valid Blugold ID. Several routes pass through or near the UW-Eau Claire campus, providing convenient access to various parts of the city.

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Accessibility Features

Eau Claire Transit is committed to providing accessible transportation for all riders. All buses are equipped with kneeling features and are capable of transporting wheelchairs and other mobility equipment, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can travel comfortably and safely. Furthermore, all buses have bike racks that can accommodate two bicycles, promoting sustainable transportation options for students and residents.

Route Information and Planning

To help riders navigate the Eau Claire Transit system, several resources are available:

Eau Claire Transit Maps & Schedules: Detailed maps and schedules are available to help riders plan their trips.
Google Maps Trip Planning: Riders can use Google Maps to plan their trips on Eau Claire Transit, providing real-time information and directions.
Transit App: The Transit app provides live tracking and route planning for both the Campus Bus and all Eau Claire Transit buses. This app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

Campus Bus: Fare-Free Transportation on Campus

The Campus Bus system provides fare-free transportation for students, faculty, and staff with a valid Blugold ID. This service is particularly useful for navigating the UW-Eau Claire campus and accessing nearby areas.

Routes and Schedules

Campus Bus routes serve the Eau Claire campus, Haymarket Landing, The Sonnentag, Bollinger Fields, the downtown Transfer Center, and neighborhoods near campus. Routes 9 and 19 operate Monday through Friday while classes are in session, with limited routes available during Winterim.

Transit App Integration

The Transit app provides live tracking and route planning for the Campus Bus, allowing users to see the real-time location of buses and plan their trips accordingly.

Intercity Busses & Shuttles: Connecting Eau Claire to the Region

Several companies provide bus service between Eau Claire, major airports, and other regional and national destinations. These services are ideal for students traveling to and from Eau Claire for breaks or other purposes.

Badger Bus (Karlgaard Towers stop)
Megabus (Karlgaard Towers stop)
Amtrak Thruway Bus (Karlgaard Towers stop)
FlixBus
Greyhound
Green Fleet (MSP Airport shuttle)
Groom Transportation (MSP Airport shuttle)

For more information on routes, schedules, and ticketing, it is recommended to contact the companies directly. Additional information on intercity bus service can be found on the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation long distance intercity bus service page.

Campus Shuttles: Additional Transportation Options

In addition to the Campus Bus, UW-Eau Claire offers other shuttle services for students, faculty, and staff. These shuttles are fare-free and provide convenient transportation to specific locations on and around campus.

SafeWalk/SafeRide

The UW-Eau Claire Police Department, in partnership with Housing and Residence Life, provides a walking and riding safety escort for all UW-Eau Claire students, faculty, and staff. This service ensures a safe and secure way to travel around campus, especially during evening hours.

Conveyance Van

The Conveyance Van provides on-call and pre-scheduled service between campus buildings for UW-Eau Claire students attending classes with mobility disabilities, whether temporary or permanent. Eligibility is based on medical need only, and there is no fixed shuttle route or hourly schedule.

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Priory Shuttle

The Priory Shuttle provides service from Lower Campus to Priory Hall and the Children’s Nature Academy, facilitating access to these locations for students, faculty, and staff.

Additional Transit Services

Beyond the standard bus routes and shuttle services, Eau Claire offers a range of additional transit services to cater to diverse needs.

Paratransit Services

Paratransit services, such as those provided by Abby Vans, are available for individuals who are unable to use the regular fixed-route bus system due to a disability. These services provide door-to-door transportation for eligible individuals.

Charter Bus Services

For group outings and events, charter bus services are available. These services are ideal for transporting groups to destinations such as sporting events, concerts, and other attractions. Charter bus rates vary depending on the distance traveled and the length of time the bus is needed. Typically, these are reserved for local service traveling within a 150-mile radius of Eau Claire.

Whether it's a trip to a Minnesota Wild, Twins, Brewers, Packers, Badgers, or Vikings game, a visit to the theater or zoo, or an excursion to Valleyfair, the Science Museum of Minnesota, or the Mall of America, charter buses ensure everyone arrives safely and together.

Important Policies and Guidelines

To ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all riders, Eau Claire Transit has established several policies and guidelines. These policies are enforced by drivers, who may issue warnings, assign seats, or eject passengers from the bus if necessary.

Video and Audio Recording: Riders should be aware that video and audio recording systems are in use on ECT buses.
Passenger Conduct: Passengers are expected to behave respectfully and follow the instructions of the driver.

Fares and Passes

While many transit options are fare-free for UW-Eau Claire students, faculty, and staff, it is important to understand the fare structure for other riders. Reduced fares may be available for passengers with disabilities and those over 65 years of age.

How to Ride the Bus

For those who are new to riding the bus in Eau Claire, the following tips can be helpful:

Plan Your Trip: Use the Eau Claire Transit maps, schedules, or the Transit app to plan your route and determine the best bus to take.
Arrive Early: Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early to ensure you don't miss the bus.
Signal the Driver: As the bus approaches, signal to the driver that you want to board.
Pay Your Fare: If a fare is required, have your fare ready when you board the bus.
Find a Seat: Once on board, find a seat and enjoy the ride.
Signal Your Stop: As you approach your stop, signal the driver by pressing the button or pulling the cord.
Exit Safely: When the bus comes to a stop, exit safely and be aware of traffic.

Addressing Concerns and Providing Feedback

Eau Claire Transit is committed to providing excellent service and addressing any concerns that riders may have. A complaint form is available for riders to submit feedback or report issues.

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