Features & Facilities

Student/Staff ID Cards

We’ve introduced a ‘tap-on’ system on the new Hopper buses, so if you have your ID card with you, please tap the machine next to the driver – if you’re unsure of it’s location, your driver can assist you in using it for the first time. Once accepted on the reader, it will make a beep and you will see a green tick on the screen.

If you don’t have a card, don’t worry, your driver will manually record your journey. We record passenger journeys to enable us to plan our services.

WiFi

All Hopper buses are fitted with free WiFi using the university wide eduroam network – if you are already connected to this, just turn your WiFi on and you will be connected automatically.

So, whether you want to tweet or update your Facebook status, check your e-mails, surf the web or crush some candy, simply connect when you get on the bus and surf away, saving your data allowance!

To connect for the first time if you are not already connected to the eduroam network:

  1. Go to Wi-Fi settings and select ‘eduroam‘
  2. When prompted, enter your University username followed by @nottingham.ac.uk. For example: abyab@nottingham.ac.uk
  3. Enter your University password
  4. Check certificate here if prompted

Bikes on buses

All Hopper branded buses can carry 2 bicycles, which are carried on the back of the bus in a special rack.

Our cycle policy:

Tips and advice for travelling with a bike:

  • Only 2 bicycles can be carried at any one time. If a bus already has 2 bicycles on when it arrives, you will not be able to travel with your bike.
  • Bicycles can never be carried inside of the bus
  • Take care and pay attention to traffic as you load and unload your bicycle on and off the bus
  • When your bicycle has been unloaded, wait for the bus to depart before cycling off to ensure you have a full view of the road

Steps for Taking Your Bike on a Bus:

Our drivers have been trained to assist you when travelling with a bike and we ask that you follow these steps:

  • When the bus approaches, signal the driver to stop and show them you are travelling with a bike
  • The driver will leave their cab to assist you once all the other passengers have boarded the bus
  • Take your bicycle to the rear of the bus. Remove all items that may come loose during the journey e.g. lights, saddlebags, pumps etc.
  • When asked by the driver, place it on the roadway so it is parallel with the rack and the bicycle is facing the right way (stickers show you the correct front wheel position)
  • When prompted by the driver, lift your bicycle on to the rack. Use the available rack nearest to the bus and ensure your wheels rest firmly in the guttering
  • The driver will extend the clamping arm and place it firmly on top of your front tyre as close to the forks as possible, but without contacting the frame
  • The driver will tell you when your bicycle is secure and you can board the bus to travel to your destination
  • When you arrive at your stop, wait until all other passengers have alighted the bus and new ones boarded, before approaching the driver to ask for your bicycle
  • Go with the driver to the rear of the bus and they will remove the clamping arm for you
  • Lift your bicycle from the rack and place it on the road first, before moving quickly to the pavement

Disclaimer

Cycle racks are to be operated by the driver only.

Use of this facility implies acceptance of Arriva’s Cycle Rack Policy (available above). Arriva accept no liability for any damage caused to, or theft or from, any pedal cycle whilst attached to, being attached to or detached from the cycle rack on any of its buses, unless caused through the negligence of Arriva Midlands Ltd or one of its employees.

Accessibility

All Hopper Buses are modern and low floor, providing easy access for staff and students.

Hopper Buses have a wheelchair bay on board, which can carry 1 wheelchair at a time. We also support the CPT Motor Scooter Code, which allows scooter holders with permits to travel. Contact us to be assessed.

Other passengers are welcome to use the tip-up seats if the wheelchair area is vacant.  Our driver will let you know if a wheelchair user wishes to board; in this case you are required to move from this area and make the space available.
All Hopper Buses have next stop announcements on board, to help you find your stop.

FAQs

Why is the Sutton Bonington Bus no longer going to the City Centre at the Weekend?

The decision to no longer go in to the city centre at weekends was taken to enable more frequent buses from Sutton Bonington throughout the day at weekends. Any passengers wising to visit the City Centre can get the bus to either the Clifton Park and Ride tram terminus and get a tram into the city or travel to University Park and get one of the public buses into the city centre, such as the No 34 – Uni link service.

Can visitors use the hopper buses?

Yes, visitors, conference delegates and members of the public can use the hopper bus. Simply mention to the driver that you are a visitor.

What happens if I don’t have my University Card with me?

Don’t worry you will never be refused travel on the hopper bus, simply mention to the driver that you have forgotten your card.

Coronavirus Update:
Our first priority is to keep you and our staff safe. Should there be any impact to our services or timetables, we will update you as soon as possible on our website and via real time data in our Arriva UK Bus app. Visit our Coronavirus page for more information.