As winter approaches and the weather becomes increasingly severe, the need for alternative travel grows. Fortunately, ISU provides students with several methods for getting around campus, Bloomington–Normal and beyond.

Connect Transit, the recently rebranded Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System, has a network of buses whose routes span across the area. Buses run Monday through Saturday, and fare is free for ISU students. A full map of Connect Transit routes can be found at www.connect-transit.com.

A schedule of pick-up times is also available at the Connect Transit website, but for patrons seeking up-to-the-minute updates on their route, the DoubleMap application lets them make sure everything is on schedule.

By logging onto www.IllinoisState.DoubleMap.com/Map/, patrons can find live GPS tracking of all Connect Transit buses. A smartphone app is also available for those checking routes on the go.

In addition to Connect Transit buses, a series of ISU-centric routes help patrons traverse the campus area. Redbird Express buses run on all school days, connecting the west, east and south campuses.

Antonio Vargas / Daily Vidette Staff Photographer: Find the nearest Hertz on Demand location near the Alamo II just next to Watterson Towers. Along with renting cars, students also have options with public transportation to get around campus.

Students seeking transportation around Bloomington-Normal or beyond may turn to ride sharing as an option. ISU provides a private online ride-sharing network at www.Zimride.IllinoisState.edu. The ISU Zimride allows students to post and search for carpools. Users can also post any preferences or cost requirements for riders.

For patrons who wish to drive themselves, renting a car is another transportation possibility. A pickup location for Hertz On Demand is conveniently located at the Alamo II parking lot. Hertz On Demand is a service that allows registered users to rent a car with very little advance notice.

“This program offers an economical, convenient and socially conscious alternative to owning a car,” alumnus Adam Rahn said in an informational video about the service.

To use the service, patrons must register at www.hertzondemand.com. After creating a membership, a key fob or swipe card will be sent to the patron’s home. From there, users may reserve cars online and pick them up at the designated area. Simply swiping the card or key fob across a sensor on the vehicle will unlock it, granting access to the ignition keys within.

Vehicles can be rented by either hourly or daily rates. A major advantage to renting through Hertz On Demand is that both insurance and gasoline are included in the rental rate.