What are People Saying about the Transit Commission proposal?
Comments from our Petition:
"I think the idea to have an Iowa City Transit Advisory Commission makes a lot of sense due to the large scale and vital impact of public transit resources here. I think this would be a good way to gather focused feedback and expertise to help maintain and improve an important resource in our city."
"As a senior who moved to IC from a large city on the East Coast with trains, subways, buses, ferries - I find it very hard to get around IC. Infrequent service, none on Sundays or some holidays. Impossible to get to some places entirely (sorry, I cannot volunteer there or work part time there, I cannot come to X event). I do not have a car."
"We need a transit commission to prevent gaps in service to residents most in need! When I job-coached for Goodwill of the Heartland, I had many clients who had no transportation home after the end of their work shift, which was around 9:30-11pm on weeknights and weekends. This was a compounding issue because then I would have to stay until the end of their shift just to provide transportation. That meant that their Medicaid funding had to be used on paying for me to drive them home instead of more coaching while they were actually on the clock. I even had many clients that could work independently towards the end of their shift, but I still had stay, and thus use up their Medicaid funding, in order to give them a ride home."
"The people who need the system should have a voice in how it runs."
"I am glad to hear that his is being proposed and hope that it produces tangible results. There are a lot of basic shortcomings to access buses that need to be standardized- reliable weatherproof sidewalk access, shelters or shading, and pushback on the elimination of stops that directly affect entire neighborhoods."
"The implementation of a transit commission would alleviate pressure on council members to collect/ aggregate data directly related to ridership and evaluate how effective it is. The commission would do the work on the ground, offering suggestions that are data driven to the council, who can vote to improve conditions of the transit system for riders. I am in support of the implementation of a transportation commission in Iowa City."
"Iowa City's bus system is not friendly to working class people. The buses don't run passed 9:00 leaving many folks working nights stranded. Buses don't run on Sundays, even though most businesses and jobs still require employees to show up Sundays, no matter what. Most jobs that pay a living wage around Iowa city don't have bus routes to take workers there."
Comments from our Petition:
"I think the idea to have an Iowa City Transit Advisory Commission makes a lot of sense due to the large scale and vital impact of public transit resources here. I think this would be a good way to gather focused feedback and expertise to help maintain and improve an important resource in our city."
"As a senior who moved to IC from a large city on the East Coast with trains, subways, buses, ferries - I find it very hard to get around IC. Infrequent service, none on Sundays or some holidays. Impossible to get to some places entirely (sorry, I cannot volunteer there or work part time there, I cannot come to X event). I do not have a car."
"We need a transit commission to prevent gaps in service to residents most in need! When I job-coached for Goodwill of the Heartland, I had many clients who had no transportation home after the end of their work shift, which was around 9:30-11pm on weeknights and weekends. This was a compounding issue because then I would have to stay until the end of their shift just to provide transportation. That meant that their Medicaid funding had to be used on paying for me to drive them home instead of more coaching while they were actually on the clock. I even had many clients that could work independently towards the end of their shift, but I still had stay, and thus use up their Medicaid funding, in order to give them a ride home."
"The people who need the system should have a voice in how it runs."
"I am glad to hear that his is being proposed and hope that it produces tangible results. There are a lot of basic shortcomings to access buses that need to be standardized- reliable weatherproof sidewalk access, shelters or shading, and pushback on the elimination of stops that directly affect entire neighborhoods."
"The implementation of a transit commission would alleviate pressure on council members to collect/ aggregate data directly related to ridership and evaluate how effective it is. The commission would do the work on the ground, offering suggestions that are data driven to the council, who can vote to improve conditions of the transit system for riders. I am in support of the implementation of a transportation commission in Iowa City."
"Iowa City's bus system is not friendly to working class people. The buses don't run passed 9:00 leaving many folks working nights stranded. Buses don't run on Sundays, even though most businesses and jobs still require employees to show up Sundays, no matter what. Most jobs that pay a living wage around Iowa city don't have bus routes to take workers there."
What is a Transit Commission?
A Transit Commission is a government body that oversees the planning and development of transportation issues within a city. It is typically made up of community members appointed by the city council and is responsible for advising the council on adjustments to transit routes, recommending fare changes, advocating for transit services, reviewing transit budgets, monitoring ridership, engaging in transit planning, and addressing service complaints.
Why does Iowa City need a transit commission?
Iowa City needs a transit commission to enhance equity, public participation, and ridership in its transit system. Establishing a diverse commission with representatives from various backgrounds and transit needs will ensure the system addresses the transportation challenges of all residents equitably. The commission will provide a vital platform for ongoing community engagement, empowering citizens to have direct input on routes, schedules, and services through transparent public meetings and outreach.
Moreover, a transit commission with members who are regular riders or from underserved communities can bridge the gap between policy and the real needs of those most impacted. Their first-hand experiences will guide data-driven improvements to increase accessibility and better serve transit-dependent populations. By prioritizing community voices and accountability, the commission can make the system more user-friendly, boosting ridership and working towards a more robust, sustainable transit future for Iowa City.
Why not just start a regional transit commission?
Local Focus and Accountability
A city-level commission can maintain a focus on addressing the transit needs, challenges, and priorities that are unique to Iowa City residents, workers, students, and neighborhoods. Transit is a local issue that impacts people's daily lives in very practical ways like getting to jobs, schools, medical appointments, etc. A city commission allows for deeper understanding of local issues.
Additionally, a city commission would have a direct line of accountability and advisory role to the municipal transit authority and city council that funds and manages Iowa City's public transit system. This clear line of responsibility is important for effecting change.
Local Membership
The membership on a city Transit Advisory Commission represents local stakeholders within Iowa City. This could include riders, nonprofits, major employers, neighborhood associations, university representatives, and other groups with a vested interest in the city's transit system. Their perspectives and lived experiences are intimately tied to Iowa City.
A regional commission's membership would inevitably be much broader, potentially diluting the ability to have localized representation and a unified vision for Iowa City's transit priorities.
Building Momentum
Advocating for a city-specific commission is a manageable and achievable first step in improving public transit governance and accountability. Once established and able to demonstrate its effectiveness, the momentum could then build towards creating a regional or multi-county transit commission down the road.
However, attempting to begin with a regional framework could prove overcomplicated and inhibit any short-term progress from being made for Iowa City residents who rely on public transit every day.
Ultimately, Iowa City's transit needs are distinct enough to warrant initiating this process at the municipal level before expanding to a regional approach. A city-focused Transit Advisory Commission allows for locally-driven solutions and oversight.
Take Action!
If you support an Iowa City Transit Commission, it's important to write to council members and let them know a Transit Commission is something you want to see happen. You can also write letters to the editors of local newspapers.
Link to IC city council emails
Link to DI letter to the editor page
If you support an Iowa City Transit Commission, it's important to write to council members and let them know a Transit Commission is something you want to see happen. You can also write letters to the editors of local newspapers.
Link to IC city council emails
Link to DI letter to the editor page