Case studies: How the new Cedar Rapids bus system will work

The Gazette analyzed four examples of public transit to and from high demand destinations. The below graphics compare the before and after changes in routes and schedules.

Scenario one: Marion to NewBo

It's 4 p.m. and a rider wants to get from downtown Marion to NewBo City Market.

New system: At 4:22 p.m., pick up the No. 20 Marion circulator at 10th Street and Seventh Avenue in Marion. to 4:22 p.m. Arrive at 4:30 p.m. at the Lindale Mall. at 4:30 p.m. At Lindale, pick up a transfer to the No. 5 bus at 4:35 p.m. Arrive at the Ground Transportation Center at 4:52 p.m. Take the No. 2 at 5:15 p.m. and get off along 12th Avenue SE about 5:20 p.m.

Current system: At 4:40 p.m., pick up the 5N at Marion Square Park and arrive at the Ground Transportation Center at 5:10 p.m. Take the No. 9 at 5:20 p.m. and arrive at 12th Avenue SE and Third Street SE about 5:25 p.m.

Result: Under the new system, the desired trip would take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including 58 minutes in transit. The compares with about 1 hour and 25 minutes, including 45 minutes in transit, under the current system.

Scenario two: Kirkwood to SW Wal-Mart

 It's noon and a rider wants to get from Kirkwood Community College to Wal-Mart on 29th Avenue SW.

New system: Pick up the No. 7 at 12:35 p.m. at Linn Hall and arrive at the Ground Transportation Center at 1:05 p.m. Transfer to the No. 10 at 1:15 p.m. and arrive at Wal-Mart at 1:35 p.m.

Current system: Pick up the No. 7 at 12:45 p.m. and arrive at 1:10 p.m. at the Ground Transportation Center. Transfer to the No. 12 at 1:20 p.m. and arrive at Wal-Mart at 1:37 p.m.

Result: Under the new system, the desired trip would take about 1 hour and 35 minutes, including 1 hour in transit. The compares with about 1 hour and 37 minutes, including 52 minutes in transit, in the current system.

Scenario three: Near Rockwell Collins to NE Wal-Mart

 A rider is trying to get from a neighborhood near Blairs Ferry Road and C Avenue NE (near Rockwell Collins) to Wal-Mart on Blairs Ferry Road NE by 9 a.m.

New system: Pick up the No. 30 circulator at 8:47 a.m. and arrive at Wal-Mart at 9 a.m.

Current system: Pick up the 5B at Blairs Ferry and C Avenue at 6:30 a.m. and arrive at the Ground Transportation Center at 6:55 a.m. Transfer to the No. 6 at the Ground Transportation Center at 8:20 a.m. and arrive at Wal-Mart at 8:41 a.m.

Result: Under the new system it would take about 13 minutes, compared with 2 hours and 11 minutes and then 19 minutes of waiting once you arrive under the current system.

Scenario four: 3000 J St. SW Apartments to SW Wal-Mart

A rider wants to get from the J Street apartments to Wal-Mart on 29th Avenue SW by 1 p.m.

New system: Pick up the No. 12 at 12:20 p.m. and arrive at Wal-Mart at 12:37 p.m.

Current system: Pick up the No. 11 at 11:27 a.m. and arrive at the Ground Transportation Center at 12:10 p.m. Transfer to the No. 12 at 12:20 p.m. and arrive at Wal-Mart at 12:33 p.m.

Result: Under the new system, it would take 17 minutes in transit and 23 minutes of waiting once you arrive. That compares with 1 hour and 6 minutes in transit and 27 minutes of waiting under the current system.