As of late March and early April, ColumbusTransit has shifted into a new direction, officially unveiling its new bus routes to the community on March 23, 2026, with the Blue, Green, Orange, and Purple Loops and the Red Loops returning on April 6, 2026, with a fresh look. In light of these recent developments and new directions, questions have been raised about the bus loops. Bus driver for the ColumBUS, Derek Johnson, explains how he has communicated this with his passengers and what’s challenging about learning a new bus loop.

“For the first week, we had a second driver on each loop to handle the questions from the riders, so that the one driving the bus was able to concentrate on the driving. We have information printed out for the loops, and we direct them on how to use the transit app,” Johnson said. “I would say it’s not very challenging learning the loops. My only concern is falling back into the habit of an old route and making a turn that we no longer do.

Communication can go a long way when informing those who need to know about events that correlate with their daily lives. ColumBUS rider, sophomore, Cyrus Moore, elaborates on whether or not he had heard of the new loops and explains his opinion on the new system.

“I did know about the new routes. I feel like they informed everyone quite well with the signs around town/on the buses, and notifications on the app,” Moore said. “The new loops seem more put together and well thought out. I like the new range of where they start and end. Especially far from where I live, Shadow Creek, it makes everything more accessible.”

Moore adds to expand upon why he recommends ColumBUS to anyone searching for a form of transportation, and how the “ColumBUS Transit” app helps the overall process.

“I would recommend the bus to everyone at least once if they needed proper and reliable transportation. It’s easy to know when, at different times, when they won’t be operating, and the routes are easy to understand when you get used to them,” Moore said. “I’ve had the ColumBus app downloaded for a few years now. It definitely helps with times and corrects bus stops or routes. It tells me around the time the bus will approach, or if it’s going to be late as well.”

Giving an insider’s perspective, Johnson describes why he believes the new network of loops has had major success.

“I am sold on the new loops. We have been getting very positive feedback from the riders. We can extend our service to areas that were not covered before,” Johnson said.

Summarizing his thinking, Moore offers a look into what he loves about taking the bus, as well as anything he would change about the bus loops, and the positive benefits that come with those possible changes.

“I enjoy talking to the bus drivers and meeting all the different people. I recognize people around from the loops I’ve been on, and I’ve made some pretty good relationships with others. The bus is an easy form of transportation to get around Columbus. I feel as if it’s easy to comprehend, and the drivers are extremely nice and chill. I really do recommend people try the buses if they need to get somewhere with no ride available,” Moore said. “I don’t think there’s anything to change after they redid the routes. Before, my only problem was how the buses seemed to only go a certain distance. Now, everything seems to be okay.”