Ames’ bus system is gaining five electric buses this year, and new equipment must be installed to support them.
CyRide, the bus system collaboration between the city of Ames, Iowa State University and ISU’s student government, has five electric battery buses scheduled for delivery in fall 2025. Plans are to install two ChargePoint chargers and four dual dispensers at the CyRide facility.
CyRide currently has budgeted nearly $55,000 to install the charging equipment. The current cost estimate is about $165,300, leaving a shortfall.
On Sept. 9, the Ames City Council approved using funds from its Battery Electric Bus Reserve Fund to cover the shortfall. The reserve fund currently has over $1.2 million available.
The city has released the installation project out for bids, which are due on Oct. 8. The council plans to award the contract on Oct. 28.
Bus system is nearly 50 years old
CyRide started as a city department in 1976.
As of June 30, CyRide has 89 buses and 214 employees. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, CyRide expects nearly 5 million passengers, about 1.4 million revenue miles and over $14.4 million operating expenses.
CyRide operates 13 fixed routes, a Dial-A-Ride service for people with disabilities and a free late night service called Moonlight Express.
The fixed routes and Dial-A-Ride operate every day of the year except Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Moonlight Express operates from 10:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights when Iowa State is in session.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames bus system will gain 5 electric buses, but needs charging equipment
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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