Handling the Buff Bus: Tips & Advice

Through out our blog, we have shown you the good, the bad, and the ugly when dealing with the Buff Bus.  You are now prepared to use CU's main transportation system.  Whether you like it or not, if you are living off campus especially, the Buff Bus is one of your only options.  It is best you understand how it works and learn a few tips that might help you get through the day without having a meltdown.

Here are a few tips and pointers from someone who has had a year of first-hand experience with the bus:

• It is always convenient to memorize the hours the Buff Bus runs on both the week days and weekends.  (This way those of you who are coming home at 3:00 AM on a Saturday night are not surprised when a bus still has not shown up after waiting a half hour).
• It is also convenient to memorize each location where the Buff Bus picks up, whether you are off campus or not.  There are times when the Buff Bus can get you down to the Engineering Center faster than your two feet can.
• Keep in mind that the Buff Bus "supposedly" arrives at a stop every 10-15 minutes.  However, this time range applies to the period during the day when there are the most Buff Busses running.  During nights, for example, the Buff Bus can take up to 30 minutes to arrive.
• Playing off of the tip above, it is smart to consider wearing enough layers during the winter season that will keep you warm while waiting longer for the bus to arrive.
• Know the two different Buff Bus routes, the Colorado loop and the Regent loop.  The Regent loop will take you up Colorado Ave and will turn left at Regent, passing the Engineering Center, Koebel, and the UMC.  The Colorado loop, on the other hand, will continue up Colorado Ave, passing Benson, Mathematics, the Recreational Center, Muenzinger and back up toward the UMC.  Depending on where your next class is, one loop could get you to your destination faster than the other.
• Last but not least, give yourself extra time to wait for the bus when leaving your dorm.  Accidents happen, and busses frequently get backed up.  You might be that lucky one to go to class on the one day where only two Buff Busses are running, and there is a crowd of 70 people waiting for the bus outside of your dorm.  Prepare ahead of time for this scenario to happen and give yourself at least 30 minutes to wait for the bus.  

Written By:  Kaitlin Johnson, a Sophomore, who lived in Williams Village during her Freshman year and rode the Buff Bus to CU's main campus daily.