Earlier this week, U of I System announced they would be utilizing their UI Ride shuttles, a service which typically provides rides between the Urbana-Champaign campus and Chicago campus for students and faculty, as wifi stations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They’ve designated four places in C-U, which are:
- Ivanhoe Estates (26 Ivanhoe Drive)
- Northwood Estates (1 Northwood Drive)
- Woodland Acres (2200 E. University Ave.)
- Shadow Wood Mobile Homes (1600 N. Market St.)
Here’s more info about the stations, as they have made the radius 60-feet in order for users to maintain proper social distancing while using the wifi zone. Though they are only available during particular times on certain days, this is a really nice utility for UI System to provide for those at home who do not have access to the internet.
UI RIDE COMMUNITY WIFI PROJECT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Illinois System UI Ride shuttles will be located throughout Champaign-Urbana to help provide free, public Wi-Fi hotspots to those in need of internet access.
Individuals can easily connect to the mobile network by coming within a 60-foot range of the vehicle. The Wi-Fi zone created by the shuttle will allow ample space for users to maintain proper social distancing throughout this process, such as remaining in nearby cars or setting up in adjacent spaces while using the service.
Please refer to the updated shuttle schedule below for current locations and times. The shuttle locations will focus on areas identified by Champaign Unit 4 School District, Urbana School District #116, and community organizations, where digital access may be unavailable or limited for students needing to complete e-learning coursework. The service will also provide greater opportunities for families to perform essential online activities as necessary.
Thank you for helping to share this information and lessen the digital divide for others at this time.
Connection Guide: Click here
UI RIDE WIFI SCHEDULE
Ivanhoe Estates (26 Ivanhoe Drive)
Times
Monday
9:00 a.m. – noon
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. – noon
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. – noon
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Northwood Estates (1 Northwood Drive)
Times
Monday
9:00 a.m. – noon
Tuesday
9:00 a.m. – noon
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. – noon
Thursday
9:00 a.m. – noon
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. – noon
Woodland Acres (2200 E. University Ave.)
Times
Tuesday
9:00 a.m. – noon
Thursday
9:00 a.m. – noon
Shadow Wood Mobile Homes (1600 N. Market St.)
Times
Monday
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
UPDATE: 5/20/20 at 9:17 a.m.:
It’s been brought to our attention that more locations have been added.
Photo from U of I System’s Facebook page.
