Ball State University Expands Campus Transportation Options with New Shuttle Route and Accessibility Initiatives

Ball State University has recently enhanced its campus transportation system by introducing a new bus shuttle route, known as the orange route. This route connects the south commuter lot to key locations including the Anthony apartments, Oakwood building, and the baseball parking lot. This addition complements the existing three shuttle routes, providing students with more options to navigate the campus efficiently.

Unlike many universities, Ball State allows underclassmen to have cars on campus, which is a significant advantage. However, having a car is not a practical option for all students. According to a 2016 report by U.S. News & World Report, only 48% of students have access to a vehicle on campus, highlighting the importance of reliable on-campus transportation for students pursuing higher education.

Research conducted by Anthony Schuette, a research associate at Trellis Strategies, emphasizes that inadequate transportation can hinder students' academic success. In a July 2023 study, Schuette noted that students who struggle with commuting may fall behind in their studies or even drop out. He stressed that colleges have a responsibility to provide safe and accessible transportation options, which is essential for making higher education affordable and sustainable.

Recognizing the challenges students face, Ball State offers four distinct bus routes: red, green, blue, and purple loops. Each route operates on its own schedule, with variations on weekdays and weekends. Students can find schedule information online through the Ball State Transportation Services website. The shuttle service is free for all Ball State students, and no identification is required to use it.

Despite the availability of these bus routes, the university has recently discontinued the use of the TransLoc app, which allowed students to track bus locations in real-time. This decision, announced in an August 23 press release, was made to accommodate the growing number of shuttles and loops on campus. However, some students, like Reagan Helmholz, a third-year vocal music education major, have expressed concerns about this change. Helmholz stated that the app was particularly useful for navigating longer distances, especially in inclement weather. She worries that the lack of tracking options could disproportionately affect international students and those unfamiliar with the campus.

Helmholz noted that the inability to track buses has led many students to rely on the Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) for transportation. She explained that learning the most efficient routes to and from class has been challenging without the app, which previously aided her in planning her commutes.

In addition to the weekday bus shuttles, Ball State provides Charlie’s Charter, a shuttle service available Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. This service offers a safe transportation alternative after the campus buses stop running at 11 p.m.

Ball State University is recognized as one of Indiana's leading institutions for accessibility. In 2023, it was ranked among the top 10 "wheelchair-friendly colleges" in the Wheels on Campus edition of New Mobility magazine. The university also offers an on-demand shuttle service for students with disabilities, available through the Office of Disability Services (DS).

The Muncie community further supports accessible transportation with the MITS bus system, which includes the MITS Plus program for individuals with disabilities. This on-demand service allows students to explore the city while ensuring their transportation needs are met.

While Ball State has made strides in providing transportation options, the discontinuation of the TransLoc app has raised concerns about student awareness of available services. Helmholz emphasized the need for the university to consider how such decisions impact all students, faculty, and staff rather than focusing solely on cost savings.

For more information or to confirm eligibility for disability services, students can visit the DS office in the student center, call (765) 285-5293, or email [email protected].