Ames
Reimagined
A bold new vision for light rail connecting Iowa State University, Research Park, and Downtown Ames.
Phase 3 Priority
Rapid, reliable travel time regardless of traffic.
Turn up and go service all day.
100% electric light rail vehicles.
Why Light Rail for Ames?
CyTransit is a conceptual proposal for a modern light rail spine connecting Iowa State University, Research Park, and Downtown Ames. By introducing high-capacity, permanent transit infrastructure, we can unlock new housing opportunities, reduce campus congestion, and create a more vibrant, walkable city.
Campus Connectivity
Seamlessly linking student housing, academic buildings, and athletic facilities.
Urban Growth
Focusing development along a permanent corridor to prevent sprawl.
Network Snapshot
The Proposal
A two-line light rail network sized to Ames: connecting campus housing, Research Park, and Downtown along corridors people already travel every day.
Route Network
Two lines totaling 13.9 route miles and 38 stations, meeting at a central campus transfer cluster.
- Cardinal — Somerset ↔ Main St
- Gold — Wilder ↔ Kellogg
Service Plan
Low-floor, level-boarding light rail vehicles running every 8 minutes at peak and every 15 off-peak, with the campus bypass giving riders a quick pedestrian-mall shortcut across central campus.
Corridor Development
Fixed, permanent stations give the city a reason to upzone and invest along the corridor instead of at the edges — denser housing near campus, mixed-use near Downtown, and less pressure to keep expanding surface parking.
Follow the Project
CyTransit is a concept I keep iterating on for fun. Subscribe for updates on this and other projects.