Bus Schedules

Continuing to build on the long-standing partnership between Eastern Kentucky University and KRFDC, Foothills Express is the provider of the on-campus Big E Transit Service. Students, faculty, and staff are able to traverse the Campus Beautiful and enjoy convenient stops free of charge. During the regular semester, Big E Transit offers 6 bus routes to service the needs of the campus community including popular campus routes Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and evening routes Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Big E Transit also offers a Sunday route from noon until 6 p.m., which gives students the opportunity to off campus and explore stops at the Richmond Centre, Wal-Mart and Meijer.

Click here for the current BIG E Transit Schedule 

Click here for EKU Parking & Transportation Services

DOWNLOAD THE BIG E TRANSIT APP

Download the Big E Transit App today. Simply download the “DoubleMap” app on the App Store (opens in new window) or GooglePlay (opens in new window) and choose “Big E Transit” from the system list.

For cancellations and delays due to inclement weather please turn to your local news stations.

The EKU Campus Transit Service is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and is passed through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Transportation Delivery. Eastern Kentucky University contributes to the operation of this program.

 

• Foothills Express offers Express Service (curb-to-curb) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• A 48-hour notice is required for all Express Service trips.
• Transportation requested for Monday MUST be scheduled no later than 2 p.m. Thursday.
• Express Service is available for $4.00 per round-trip if 4 miles or less, or $1.50 per mile for trips over 4 miles each way.
• Riders must have exact change for fare at the time of service and prepayment is not accepted.
• All trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.
• Door‐to‐door assistance is available upon request for riders who utilize this service.

Intercity Service: Foothills Express cannot perform a return trip from an airport if we did not perform the original trip to the destination.

Foothills Express offers Intercity Service, which provides riders a connection from smaller, more rural areas, to larger mass transit systems such as airports in Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, train stations in Louisville and Cincinnati, the urban transit systems of LexTran, TARC, and TANK, as well as nationwide bus networks such as Mega Bus in Louisville and Cincinnati, Greyhound Stations in Berea, Lexington, Louisville, London, and Cincinnati.

Intercity Service operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Reservations can be made by contacting the dispatch office at 800-819-7083 or (859) 624-3236. Intercity reservations require a 48-hour notice if traveling to the Lexington Airport or a 72-hour notice if traveling to Louisville or Northern Kentucky. These trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.

Intercity fares (with or without round-trip) are as follows:
• $30.00: To/from systems in the Lexington area
• $40.00: To/from systems in Louisville and Northern Kentucky

If traveling to an airport, you must provide dispatch with a flight number. For return trips, if your flight is delayed, please contact dispatch as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate any changes that take place but cannot guarantee availability.

All Intercity PICKUP TIMES are available to begin at 7:30 a.m., please factor this into your travel timeline before contacting dispatch.  Intercity RETURN trip cutoff times are listed below: Return trips outside regular business hours are available on a limited, case-by-case basis.

• Blue Grass Airport (Lexington) – Latest pickup time is 5 p.m.
• Louisville International Airport – Latest pickup time is 3 p.m.
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG) Airport – Latest pickup time is 3 p.m.

*Foothills Express can only perform Intercity trips that originate inside its service area, which includes the following counties: Clark, Estill, Madison, Montgomery, and Powell.*

Foothills Express provides non-emergency medical transportation to Medicaid clients in Clark, Estill, Madison, and Powell Counties. For information, scheduling, or eligibility, you must call Foothills Express’ broker, Federated Transportation Services of the Bluegrass (FTSB) at (859) 258-2722 or 888-848-0989. Medicaid paid transportation requires a 72-hour notice.

Click here for the Berea Bus Service Transit Schedule

Foothills Express operates a public, deviated-fixed transportation route in Berea. Stops include department and grocery stores, apartment communities, city and county offices, educational institutions, local businesses.

• The Berea Bus Service loops around the city every 60-minutes and operates Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding national holidays.
• For cancellations and delays due to inclement weather, please turn to your local news stations.
• The Berea Bus Route is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is passed through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Transportation Delivery. The City of Berea contributes to this program.

HOW TO RIDE THE BUS
The Berea Bus Service only stops at locations listed on the schedule. Plan your pickup according to times listed on the schedule and try to be early. Please notice that all times listed are DEPARTURE times and not arrival times. To utilize the bus service, stand at a bus stop and make sure you are visible to the driver. Have your fare or pass ready upon boarding the bus.

BUS PASSES
A bus pass is required to ride the Berea Bus Service. Passes can be purchased on the bus or at the Foothills office, located at 309 Spangler Drive in Richmond, KY. Bus fare is $1 per rider or $0.50 for college students with a valid ID. You must have the exact amount for your fare, as the driver does not make change. You may purchase one pass each day or save 30% and buy a bundle of 10 passes for $7! Kids 8 and under ride free. Each ticket is valid for one day only. Riders may use the ticket to get on/off the bus an unlimited number of times throughout the day.

OFF-ROUTE REQUESTS 
The deviated-fixed route will deviate for the general public, with and without disabilities. Riders can request an off-route (stop that is not listed on the schedule) by calling dispatch 24-hours in advance. All off-route stops must be within ¾ mile of the existing route.  Standing orders are not allowable as off-routes. *All requests are subject to availability.

SEAT BELT AND CHILD SAFETY POLICY
Kentucky State Law requires all riders to wear a seat belt at all times. Children under the age of 8, or who are less than 57-inches in height, MUST be secured in an appropriate child safety seat for their age, weight, and height. Additionally, all safety seats MUST be provided by and secured by the parent or legal guardian. Only children greater than 57-inches in height shall not be required to be secured in a child safety seat or booster.

GROCERIES
Three grocery/shopping bags are okay. Driver is not permitted to carry any passenger items.

Click here for the Richmond Transit Service Schedule

Foothills Express operates a public, deviated-fixed transportation route in Richmond. Stops include department and grocery stores, apartment communities, city and county offices, educational
institutions, local businesses.

• The Richmond Transit Service Bus A loops around the city every 90-minutes and Richmond Transit Bus B loops around the Exit-90 area of the city every 60-minutes. The Richmond Transit Service operates Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding national holidays.
• For cancellations and delays due to inclement weather, please turn to your local news stations.
• The Richmond Transit Service is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is passed through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Transportation Delivery. The City of Richmond contributes to this program.

HOW TO RIDE THE BUS
The Richmond Transit Service only stops at locations listed on the schedule. Plan your pickup according to times listed on the schedule and try to be early. Please notice that all times listed are DEPARTURE times and not arrival times. To utilize the bus service, stand at a bus stop and make sure you are visible to the driver. Have your fare or pass ready upon boarding the bus.

BUS PASSES
A bus pass is required to ride the Richmond Transit Service. Passes can be purchased on the bus or at the Foothills office, located at 309 Spangler Drive in Richmond, KY. Bus fare is $1 per rider or $0.50 for college students with a valid ID. You must have the exact amount for your fare, as the driver does not make change. You may purchase one pass each day or save 30% and buy a bundle of 10 passes for $7! Kids 8 and under ride free. Each ticket is valid for one day only. Riders may use the ticket to get on/off the bus an unlimited number of times throughout the day.

OFF-ROUTE REQUESTS 
The deviated-fixed route will deviate for the general public, with and without disabilities. Riders can request an off-route (stop that is not listed on the schedule) by calling dispatch 24-hours in advance. All off-route stops must be within ¾ mile of the existing route.  Standing orders are not allowable as off-routes. *All requests are subject to availability.

SEAT BELT AND CHILD SAFETY POLICY
Kentucky State Law requires all riders to wear a seat belt at all times. Children under the age of 8, or who are less than 57-inches in height, MUST be secured in an appropriate child safety seat for their age, weight, and height. Additionally, all safety seats MUST be provided by and secured by the parent or legal guardian. Only children greater than 57-inches in height shall not be required to be secured in a child safety seat or booster.

GROCERIES
Three grocery/shopping bags are okay. Driver is not permitted to carry any passenger items.

Winchester/Clark County Transit Schedule

Foothills Express operates a public, deviated-fixed transportation route in Winchester. Stops include department and grocery stores, apartment communities, city and county offices, educational institutions, local businesses.

• The Winchester-Clark County Transit Service loops around the city every 90-minutes and operates Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding national holidays.
• For cancellations and delays due to inclement weather, please turn to your local news stations.
• The Winchester-Clark County Transit Service is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is passed through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Transportation Delivery. The City of Winchester and Clark County Fiscal Court contributes to this program.

HOW TO RIDE THE BUS
The Winchester-Clark County Transit Service only stops at locations listed on the schedule. Plan your pickup according to times listed on the schedule and try to be early. Please notice that all times listed are DEPARTURE times and not arrival times. To utilize the bus service, stand at a bus stop and make sure you are visible to the driver. Have your fare or pass ready upon boarding the bus.

BUS PASSES 
A bus pass is required to ride. Passes can be purchased on the bus or at the Foothills office, located at 309 Spangler Drive in Richmond, KY. Bus fare is $1 per rider. You must have the exact amount for your fare, as the driver does not make change. You may purchase one pass each day or save 30% and buy a bundle of 10 passes for $7! Each ticket is valid for one day only. Riders may use the ticket to get on/ off the bus an unlimited number of times throughout the day. BCTC students ride free with valid ID, courtesy of Bluegrass Community & Technical College. Kids 8 and under always ride free.

OFF-ROUTE REQUESTS
The deviated-fixed route will deviate for the general public, with and without disabilities. Riders can request an off-route (stop that is not listed on the schedule) by calling dispatch 24-hours in advance. All off-route stops must be within ¾ mile of the existing route.  Standing orders are not allowable as off-routes. *All requests are subject to availability.

SEAT BELT AND CHILD SAFETY POLICY
Kentucky State Law requires all riders to wear a seat belt at all times. Children under the age of 8, or who are less than 57-inches in height, MUST be secured in an appropriate child safety seat for their age, weight, and height. Additionally, all safety seats MUST be provided by and secured by the parent or legal guardian. Only children greater than 57-inches in height shall not be required to be secured in a child safety seat or booster.

GROCERIES
Three grocery/shopping bags are okay. Driver is not permitted to carry any passenger items.

Click here for the Madison County Connector Service Schedule

This service is a convenient, cost-effective option for Madison County residents who want an alternative commute or way to travel between Madison County’s two cities (Richmond and Berea) for shopping, entertainment, medical appointments, education, and business. The Madison County Connector makes 4 roundtrips each weekday from Berea Bus Service stops to Richmond Transit Service stops. The Connector bus leaves from Berea Bus Stops at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The Connector bus leaves from Richmond Transit Stops at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Riders must contact our dispatch office before 11:30 a.m. one business day prior to the scheduled trip. The Connector will pick riders up at a prearranged bus stop or off-route location, opposite of the city they are traveling to. Once on the Connector, riders are brought to a Berea Bus Service or Richmond Transit Service bus stop where they are then able to catch a ride on the transit bus and have access to other points along the route of their choosing. The daily fare includes a round-trip, therefore, the return trip would be provided at a later time on the same day.

• HOURS:  The Madison Connector Route operates Monday thru Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please see the schedule below.
• COST:  Connector fare is $2 for a round-trip.
• SCHEDULING:  Reservations on the Madison County Connector require a 24-hour notice. Riders must determine a pickup and drop off location at a Berea Bus Service or Richmond Transit Service bus stop. Off-routes are allowed within ¾ mile of the existing bus routes.

For cancellations and delays due to inclement weather, please turn to your local news stations or visit our Facebook page.

Richmond/Berea Connector Route is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is passed through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Transportation Delivery. Madison County Fiscal Court contributes to this program.

The Clark County to Lexington Commuter Route provides commuter service from Clark County to different locations in the Lexington area Monday – Friday. Through a partnership between KRFDC Transportation Department and the KY Office of Transportation Delivery, commuter routes were established to assist employees in getting to the workplace. Commuter route schedules are displayed in their designated buses and available in print. Any changes in the route will require a 30-day notice to the riders.

AM DEPARTURE TIMES for Clark County to Lexington drop-off:

• 6:30 a.m. Promptly Depart from Winchester Walmart
• 7:05 a.m. KET Kentucky Educational Television
• 7:10 a.m. VA Hospital, UK Hospital, and KY Clinic (Rear Entrance)
• 7:15 a.m. Good Sam Hospital – (Front Entrance)

 PM DEPARTURE TIMES for the Clark County return schedule is as follows:

• 4:30 p.m. KET Kentucky Educational Television
• 4:35 p.m. VA Hospital, UK Hospital, and KY Clinic (Rear Entrance)
• 4:40 p.m. Good Sam Hospital (Front Entrance)
• 5:00 p.m. Arrive at Winchester Walmart

PARKING TAGS
Each commuter will be assigned a parking tag to better distinguish Foothills clients’ vehicles from the general public. Please ensure your tag is visible before you depart on the commuter bus. This will assist store employees with identifying vehicles affiliated with Foothills Express. Should you ever decide to cancel or temporarily inactivate your commuter program membership (ex. summer months), the parking tag must be returned to your driver or the Foothills Express central office.

MONTHLY FEE
Clark County Commuters pay a fee of $40 per month. Again, the $40 payment is due to the Foothills Express office by the fifth working day of each month. If a person does not make that payment on time, they will need to contact Foothills Express staff at (859) 624-2046, x1102 to confirm that a seat will be available for them. This requires a 48-hour notice (two working days). The $40 will be expected before the person is permitted to begin riding the commuter bus and the payment only covers the remainder of the month. There will not be a refund or for unused days and riders will not incur additional costs for months with more than 20 working days. Riders can cancel or temporarily inactivate their commuter membership at any time.

PAYMENT POLICY
Beginning April 1, 2018, drivers will no longer be permitted to accept payment for Commuter Service. In an effort to streamline the payment process for Foothills Express, commuters should send in their monthly payment (check or money order) to the address below by the fifth working day of each month. Even if a rider does not begin commuting until after the fifth day, payment is due at that time. A receipt will be provided to you electronically (via email) each month after the office receives payment.

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO FOOTHILLS EXPRESS:
Foothills Express
309 Spangler Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

RIDERSHIP
Riders will be asked to complete a registration form to be kept on hand. They will complete a new registration form each July. It is important that staff have contact information for the riders, as well as their emergency contacts. Foothills Express is committed to providing a 30-day notice for any changes to the route costs or schedule. Foothills Express’ participation to provide commuter service is contingent upon funding from KY Office of Transportation Delivery.

DAILY NEEDS
If you miss the bus in the mornings, please contact dispatch if you plan to ride back in the evening. If you have a large item you need to transport, please ask staff prior to bringing it on board. The deciding factor will be how the item can be secured without affecting other riders. The buses are not currently fit for bicycles.

INCLEMENT WEATHER
Clark County Commuter Service will follow the Clark County school system’s weather cancellations. Any weather-related delay or cancellation will render a cancellation of commuter services. When severe weather develops during the middle of the day, all riders will be contacted by dispatch, or they can contact dispatch if their employer is going to dismiss early. Every attempt will be made to bring riders back to Clark as planned.

For information regarding closings, please tune to your local TV station, sign up for closing alerts through WKYT, LEX, or news station of your choosing. You may also visit our Facebook page for updates or changes in service.

SUGGESTIONS, COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS
Riders are encouraged to let Foothills Express know how the routes are working and if there are suggestions for improving the routes. Suggestions, complaints, or concerns can be addressed by calling the dispatch office or by e-mail to Tyra Harbut.

The Clark County to Lexington Commuter Route is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is passed through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Transportation Delivery.