The Current Situation
There are a variety of public transit services in Johnson County (please visit the Resources tab to learn more). Low-income and disabled workers are reliant on these services for access to employment opportunities, housing, education, healthcare, and public services; but what happens when these services are not good enough?
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Imagine losing your job or not being able to accept a job because you have no affordable way to get to work. For those lacking transportation options, limited mobility can narrow available employment and housing, creating a major roadblock to securing a viable livelihood. Our 2015 survey revealed the disparities that exist in the current situation.

2015 Survey Research
In 2015 we conducted a study of community transportation needs in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. Our research has been referenced by transit officials and community leaders and has spurred a re-evaluation of bus routes and transportation services. ​

In our 2015 survey, 56% of respondents earned less than $10,000 per year.

The survey revealed that:
  • Among residents who lost, turned down, or gave up looking for employment due to transportation, 11pm was the most common time that their shift started, followed by 7am. 
  • The main challenges accessing public transit to get to work or a job interview reported by respondents were that the bus did not run when they needed it and did not run as frequently as needed.
  • The most difficult times to get to work were late night (9pm to midnight), early morning (midnight to 7am), and evening (6pm to 9pm).
    • These times all fall outside of regular hours of operation for Iowa City and Coralville Transit.
  • 7am and 11pm were the most frequently requested times for additional service.
  • The cost of bus passes can be a financial burden for many. Even if one finds employment, the cost of a bus pass can be impossible to cover until the first paycheck is received.

2015- 2020 Recommendations
​Based on what we learned, we believe these changes to the Iowa City and Coralville Transit systems would significantly benefit our community:
  • Bus Passes
    • In today’s system, only the most expensive pass works on both Iowa City and Coralville buses. 
    • Currently, 10-ride and single ride passes are not honored between Iowa City and Coralville systems and it is difficult and confusing to use them when switching transit systems.
    • All bus passes should be updated to work on both transit systems.
  • Review and Update Bus Routes
    • The current Hub and Spoke system does not provide convenient service. Many trips require multiple buses to reach destinations.
    • Those living in city fringe areas have little access to public transit.
    • Many bus stops lack shelters, exposing riders to the elements.
  • Options for Sunday and Night Transportation
    • Our current bus schedule does not adequately cover the needs of our citizens, especially those who work night shifts and weekends.
    • Night and Sunday workers deserve the same service that weekday 9 to 5 workers do.
    • Buses should run until midnight and on Sundays.
  • Review Bus Frequency
    • In our 2015 Community Transportation to Work survey, over 28% of our respondents said that the frequency of bus service was their most prevalent public transit problem.
  • Consolidation of Transit Systems
    • Some of the most successful transit systems in the United States are unified under one transit agency, even places with large universities, such as Athens (GA), Champaign (IL), and Eugene (OR).
    • If Coralville and Iowa City Transit systems were consolidated, riders would benefit.

Change obviously doesn’t happen overnight. However, we owe it to the people of Johnson County to explore these ideas. Transportation is a crucial element to a successful community. These changes would be beneficial for the city and its citizens. 

*Link to study- https://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/how-your-citys-public-transit-stacks-up/
**Link to CTC Survey Results- http://www.ctcjc.org/research.html