Reading Bus Schedules and Maps

The System Map

If you are not familiar with the transit system, this is a good starting point because it allows you to see the entire system. Identify your starting point and your destination and look for the bus routes that “connect” these points. Bus routes are labeled and color-coded on the system map. When using the online system maps, click on the route that connects your origin and destination to view specific map and timetables for that route.

The Route Map

The route map shows key points of interest served by the route with “timepoints” shown as numbers inside of circles. These are the significant designated stops along the route that the schedule “reference” times for. Bus stops located between the timepoints are indicated on the route map.

The Bus Schedule

The bus schedule shows the time of day that the bus will pass by each timepoint shown on the route map. If you catch the bus at one of these points, you know just when you need to be there. If your stop is in between two timepoints, you can estimate arrival times using published times. There are separate schedules for routes that run on weekday and weekends.

Most buses operate on “arterial” routes that run between downtown or the University and outlying areas. Note that these routes have split schedules that show departure times by the direction (east, north, west, south) the bus is operating.