Riders get ready to board Saluki Express. (Photo by Carson VanBuskirk)
November 06, 2024
SIU’s Saluki Express JAX Go app provides convenience for riders
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The JAX Go app is now available for anyone who rides Saluki Express, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s bus service providing safe, reliable transportation to community members and students throughout the region.
The app provides a wealth of information to assist Saluki Express riders, and anyone may download the JAX Mass Transit app for free at the Apple Store or on Google Play. Just search for “JAX Go.” Riders can check out the Saluki Express schedules, see the bus in real time, get estimated arrival times for bus stops, get instant updates and more.
Saluki Express changed its provider to JAX Mass Transit (formerly Jackson County Mass Transit District) and its routes in August due to a revised federal transportation classification and restructured funding as a result of the 2020 census.
SIU students ride for free with their student ID cards, which they must show to the driver (card reader technology is coming soon). Faculty, staff and community members must purchase a pass to ride the buses and can do so by calling JAX at 618-549-0304.
New route and options added
There are currently five regular Saluki Express bus routes, including the new Big Muddy Route, which provides access from the University Mall and Amtrak station to various locations in Murphysboro, including the Jackson County Courthouse. Other routes are:
- Saluki Route – a 30-minute loop that primarily circles to all of the main SIU housing areas and numerous main locations on campus.
- Pyramid Route – providing service around campus and to the west side of Carbondale with stops at the Southern Illinois Airport and Murdale Shopping Center.
- Sahara Route – providing service around campus and to the east side of Carbondale with stops at Carbondale Community High School and various retail spots including Kroger, Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree.
- Nile Route – a loop covering the south side of Carbondale to the center of campus.
Saluki Night Shuttle, formerly Night Safety Transit, offers students rides from 7 p.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, except during summer when hours are 8-11 p.m. The shuttle doesn’t operate on holidays or Sundays. Students can call 618-549-0304 as much as 24 hours in advance or the day of service until 11:30 p.m. to make reservations, although early reservations are encouraged.
Paratransit services are also provided. Students with short- or long-term issues that affect their travel abilities can work with SIU’s Office of Access and Accommodations.
RIDES Mass Transit District, which formerly covered Saluki Express, continues to transport SIU students to Veterans Memorial Airport.
As a bonus this year, SIU students can avail themselves of Thanksgiving and/or winter break bus transportation to the St. Louis and Chicago areas, with multiple stops along the way, for round-trip pricing of $95 or $170 respectively. Find more information online.
For additional details about the Saluki Express bus service, including schedules and maps for all bus routes, visit the website. Email studentaffairs@siu.edu or call 618-453-2561 with questions.