The Viterbo University Student Government Association (SGA) and the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility (MTU) have collaborated to bring free bus service to all Viterbo students during the entire calendar year.
The Student Government Association (SGA) continues to work in conjunction with MTU to bring the best service to you that it can. If you have any suggestions or questions, please do not hesitate to contact your representative at 796-3802 or email sga@viterbo.edu.
Free Bus Rides – Ride the bus for FREE with your VU ID!
So, how does this work? All you have to do is show the bus driver your Viterbo student ID and you ride anywhere the bus routes go. All day long. All year long, if you want. Your student ID is valid for this service from any given year you are enrolled at Viterbo, and during the hours of service of MTU.
To facilitate your ride around the city, MTU has provided some very helpful materials. Just follow any of the following links to get the information you need to get where you need to go.
The buses run generally every half hour during weekdays and every hour evenings and weekends.
A special feature available to all students and their friends is the SAFE RIDE BUS that operates on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. No student ID is required. Use this bus if you plan to head downtown with your friends and don't want to drive or walk home. Click here for more information.
Q: Why should I ride the bus?
A: The TOP TEN reasons for riding the bus are...
You can treat the environment more kindly by leaving your car at home.
You don't have to buy a parking permit or hunt around for a place to park on the street.
You wouldn't need to bring your car to campus (if you are a freshman resident student) and hassle with the odd/even days for parking on the streets in the winter.
You could save a BAZILLION dollars on gas money! (for example: one roundtrip to Valley View Mall is about 10 miles; it costs minimally about $7 per trip. However, if you factor in any traffic time, or other stops, your gas mileage increases. You also have to factor in wear and tear on your car. With the bus, you ride for FREE!
You can commute to campus using your car and park in one of the park/ride lots for free and then take the bus.
You can have a little extra study time, or chillin' out time while riding the bus.
You meet new people on the same route everyday, especially if you ride it at the same time everyday.
The bus stops close to campus...on 7th, 9th, 10th and Market Streets.
You've already paid for it with your student activity money, so why not use it. (Without this service, it would cost you $1 per one-way ride to take the bus.)
You'd be CRAZY not to take the bus! It's something you can do that faculty cannot!
Q: Where do I catch the bus?
A: You can catch the bus at any bus stop in town. Pick up a copy of the MTU Bus Schedule and find the nearest stop. If you are not sure of the bus routes, or you need help figuring out where to go or how to transfer to another route, call 789-7350 for assistance.
Q: Where can I get a copy of the MTU bus schedule?
A: Schedules are available in the Student Union and at the Murphy Center front desk.
Q: Can I ride only to and from the Viterbo campus?
A: No, you can ride any of the 10 routes all around town. Route 2 serves Viterbo campus directly and you can easily transfer downtown to another route to get to Valley View Mall, the airport, downtown, La Crescent, French Island, or Shelby Mall.
Q: When should I be at the bus stop?
A: Plan to be at your bus stop five minutes before your bus is scheduled to arrive.
Q: When I am on the bus, how do I signal the bus driver to stop at my destination?
A: When you see the bus is getting close to your destination, pull the buzzer cord located above the windows. Try to signal the driver about one block before your destination so the driver has time to make a smooth, safe stop. Exit through the rear doors and step clear of the bus.
Q: Can I bring my bicycle to campus?
A: No problem! Every MTU bus is equipped with bike racks. Bike permits are required before you use the racks. Permitting will be done on campus this fall during the Club Fair. Once you have a permit, just ride your bike to the bus stop, load it onto the bike rack in front of the bus, and hop on.
Q: Do the buses still run during school breaks and holidays?
A: Yes, they do. However, schedules are modified. Check the bus schedule for exact times.
Q: What rules do I follow riding the bus?
A: You may bring a radio or CD player, but please use it only with headphones.
Eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed.
Seeing eye dogs or guide dogs are the only animals allowed on the bus.
Remain seated, or if you are standing, hold onto a support at all times while the bus is
moving.