Campus Transit - FAQs

Purdue University partnered with SP Plus (SP+) to provide expanded on-campus transit services 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 SP+ service begin?

• SP+ will begin providing expanded West Lafayette campus transit service on Aug. 25, 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 SP+ operate the same schedule and routes that CityBus operated on campus?

• The routes and schedules are still being finalized, and additional details will be communicated at a later date.

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

• More details on off-campus transit and semester passes will be communicated at a later date. CityBus has historically handled off-campus transit, and current information on CityBus routes and schedules can be found online.

8. Will CityBus be changing regular routes that service the Purdue/West Lafayette area (4B Purdue West, 10 Northwestern, 1B Salisbury, 5 Happy Hollow, 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?

• Current campus loops will end May 10, 2025, as is the usual practice. Monthly CityBus passes may be purchased for the routes that will run over the summer. See the CityBus website or app for summer service route and monthly pass information.

10. What features will the new shuttles have?

• SP+ shuttles meet the requirements of ADA compliance and are equipped with bicycle racks.

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

• SP+ will have a mixed fleet with low-floor transit buses, midsized shuttles and electric transit vans.

12. Does SP+ have an app?

• SP+ will have an enhanced mobile app available for download that will include trip planning, live bus tracking, live bus capacity visuals and in-trip directions. More information will be shared when the app is available.