CityBus ending bus service to IU Health Arnett Hospital

CityBus will discontinue bus service to IU Health Arnett Hospital on Lafayette’s east side beginning Monday, January 9. General Manager Martin Sennett said the bus route was poorly used during the two years that CityBus operated it resulting in a high cost per rider.

Sennett said the cost was nearly $1,200 per weekday with an average cost per rider of about $55. “This cost was far in excess of our system average of $2 per passenger, so discontinuation of service is warranted from a financial perspective,” he said.

The service was partially funded by a federal grant designed to improve job access in suburban developments. The fact that heavy use of the bus route never developed led CityBus to end its pursuit of the grant funding and discontinue the service, Sennett said.

CityBus could resume bus service in the future if further development near the hospital increases demand. “Right now, the hospital exists more than 1.5 miles away from other developments that drive public transportation demand,” Sennett said, indicating that the low density suburban development is not yet ready to support efficient use of public transportation.

CityBus will continue to operate service along St. Rd. 26 E. to the Meijer store, which is where service will end.

The change also requires the relocation of bus stops at Walmart on Lafayette’s east side. The bus will no longer serve the front door of Walmart and will instead stop at bus stops along Commerce Drive. Sennett said this change is necessary to help the bus keep its new schedule.

The new schedule is available online at http://www.gocitybus.com/regularroutes/7.htm.