Dubuque’s Jule Bus Waives Fares for College Students

Dubuque's instantly recognizable and most popular mode of public transportation is throwing area college students a bone by offering free rides for the fourth consecutive year.

College students will again be able to ride the Jule busses at no cost. In years past, college students were charged the adult fare of $1.50 per ride. However, the City of Dubuque revealed yesterday that fares for college students will again be waived to provide them with an opportunity to travel around Dubuque for shopping, entertainment, dining, recreation, and work.

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Why The Jule is Free for College Students:

In the press release issued by the City of Dubuque, City of Dubuque Transportation Director Ryan Knuckey said the move was about ensuring students, most notably those who do not have cars on campus, have access to the city in which they attend school:

Dubuque’s colleges and universities represent a continuing source of vitality for our community. By providing these free rides, we are excited to help make sure the students at those institutions can fully experience Dubuque while the city serves as their academic home - City of Dubuque Transportation Director Ryan Knuckey, per the City of Dubuque's website

College students will only be required to display a valid school ID for the 2026-27 school year to receive a free ride on the Jule.

Which Colleges are Included in The Jule's "Free Rides for Students" Program?:

Free rides aboard the Jule will be available for college students at the following Dubuque educational institutions:

• Capri College
• Clarke University
• Emmaus Bible College
• Loras College
• Northeast Iowa Community College (Town Clock Business Center)
• University of Dubuque
• Wartburg Theological Seminary

How Free Rides Extend to Other Students as Well:

K-12 students are also able to ride the Jule at no cost. Like college students, students in 6th - 12th grades must present a valid school ID for the current school year to be eligible for a free ride.

You can find everything you need to know about the Jule, including route schedules, maps, and bus tracking tools, on the MyJule app and on the City of Dubuque's website.