Who are we?
The Community Transportation Committee is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding inclusive transportation options for residents of Johnson County, Iowa. The Community Transportation Committee is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff.
Our Mission
We strive to expand inclusive and affordable transportation options for under-served communities in Johnson County.
Why Transportation?
Transportation is essential for finding and maintaining employment. Our research suggests there is a need for affordable transportation options for under served communities in Johnson County. According to our survey, forty percent of respondents reported turning down a job because of poor transportation in 2015. Thirty-five percent reported that they had lost a job and thirty percent reported that they gave up looking for a job they wanted due to lack of transportation options. Improving transportation options has many benefits for working households and for the economic prosperity of the region.
Transportation and Employment
Expanding affordable and inclusive transportation options benefits workers by increasing job opportunities, promoting self-sufficiency, and extending pathways for career advancement. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless Employment Report, 30% of survey respondents reported that transportation was a barrier to employment (Acuña and Erlenbusch, 2009).
Economic Growth
Expanding diverse transportation options benefits the local economy by providing an adequate workforce and enhancing investment. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales, and every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs.
Transportation and Housing
Transportation provides a vital link between employment and housing. Improving transportation options to housing that is affordable allows workers to maintain a sustainable livelihood. In addition, home values perform 42 percent better on average if they are located near public transportation with high-frequency service (American Public Transportation Association, 2016).
