HomeMy WebLinkAboutPassenger Transportation Development Plan FY2015-2019
PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FISCAL YEARS 2015-2019
PREPARED BY
METROPOLITAN PLANNING
ORGANIZATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY
JANUARY 2014
2
Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC)
Passenger Transportation Development Plan 2015-2019
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board:
Tom Gill, Chairperson Coralville City Council
Michelle Payne, Vice-Chair Iowa City City Council
John Etheredge Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Rod Sullivan Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Jill Dodds Coralville City Council
Louise From Mayor, University Heights
Gerry Kuhl North Liberty City Council
Terry Donahue North Liberty City Council
Kingsley Botchway Iowa City City Council
Terry Dickens Iowa City City Council
Rick Dobyns Iowa City City Council
Susan Mims Iowa City City Council
Jim Throgmorton Iowa City City Council
David Ricketts University of Iowa
Steve Berner Mayor, Tiffin
Cathy Cutler (non-voting) Iowa Department of Transportation
Tuyet Dorau (non-voting) Iowa City School Board
MPOJC Transportation Planning Division Staff:
John Yapp, Executive Director/Transportation Planner
Brad Neumann, Assistant Transportation Planner
Kristopher Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Planner
Kent Ralston, Assistant Transportation Planner
Darian Nagle-Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee:
Vicky Robrock Manager, Coralville Transit
Dan Holderness City Engineer, City of Coralville
Kelly Hayworth City Administrator, City of Coralville
Chris O’Brien Director, Transportation Services, City of Iowa City
Mark Rummel Transportation Services, City of Iowa City
Rick Fosse Director, Public Works, City of Iowa City
Ron Knoche City Engineer, City of Iowa City
Jason Havel Civil Engineer, City of Iowa City
Dean Wheatley City Planner, City of North Liberty
Louise From Mayor, City of University Heights
Michon Jackson City Administrator, City of Tiffin
Greg Parker Johnson County Engineer
Tom Brase Director, Johnson County SEATS
Brian McClatchey Manager, University of Iowa CAMBUS
David Kieft University Business Manager, University of Iowa
Cathy Cutler Transportation Planner, Iowa DOT
Tracy Troutner Federal Highway Administration, Ames
Terry Dahms MPOJC Regional Trails & Bicycling Committee
Brock Grenis East Central Iowa Council of Governments
3
Table of Contents
Section One: Introduction and Process Discussion .................................................. 4
Introduction ..................................................................................................... 4
Process ........................................................................................................... 4
Section Two: Inventory and Area Profile .................................................................. 11
Public Transportation Providers ....................................................................... 11
Human Services Providers .............................................................................. 14
Private Transportation Providers ..................................................................... 14
Performance Measures ................................................................................... 16
Area Profile/Population Demographics ............................................................ 16
Section Three: Coordination Issues ......................................................................... 22
Service Needs ................................................................................................. 22
Fleet Needs ..................................................................................................... 23
Facility Needs…………………………………………………….. ......................... 23
Status of Priorities/Strategies……………………………………………………… 24
Section Four: Priorities and Strategies ..................................................................... 27
5 Year Priorities ............................................................................................... 27
Goals and Objectives ...................................................................................... 27
5310 Funds…………………………………………………………………………… 29
Section Five: Funding .............................................................................................. 30
Past Funding Summary/Funding Sources Sought ........................................... 30
5 Year Funding Program ................................................................................. 31
Attachments
Attachment 1: Public Transit Fleet Inventories
Attachment 2: Performance Measures/Public Transit
Attachment 3: Demographics/Maps
Attachment 4: Iowa City Transit diversity survey
Attachment 5: PTP Meeting Agendas/Minutes/MPOJC Board Agenda
4
Section One: Introduction and Process Discussion
Introduction
The Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) is intended to coordinate planning efforts for several
federal transportation funding programs while incorporating federal requirements for coordinated
planning efforts for public, private and human service transportation providers, as well as
address needs-based project justification. The PTP is required by the Iowa Department of
Transportation (DOT) of Iowa’s eighteen Regional Planning Affiliations (RPAs) and nine
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), which includes the Metropolitan Planning
Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC). MPOJC provides planning and grant administration
services to three fixed route transit providers in this urbanized area; Coralville Transit, Iowa City
Transit, and the University of Iowa Cambus. The PTP is included in the MPOJC transportation
planning work program each year.
The PTP covers a five year period and is intended to demonstrate where there are
transportation needs that can be served by both Federal and State funding assistance
programs. The Federal funding assistance utilized by the Iowa City Urbanized area includes
Urbanized Area Formula Program funding (5307), Statewide Urban Capital funding (5339),
Special Needs Formula funding (5310), Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding, and
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) funding. The State of Iowa funding assistance
includes STA Formula funding and STA Coordinated Special Project funding.
The MPOJC provides many administrative services to area transit providers as well as
preparation of planning documents. MPOJC took the lead in developing the PTP with a great
deal of input from Coralville Transit, Iowa City Transit, Cambus, Johnson County SEATS,
private transit providers, and local human service agencies within the Iowa City urbanized area.
Process
The planning process over the years has included a close working relationship with MPOJC,
Johnson County and the cities within the urbanized area. There have been many public input
opportunities through the planning process throughout the years within the urbanized area
providing transportation input on a regular basis. Because of the regular input we receive, we
can break down the planning process into three different categories; Past Planning Efforts, On-
Going Planning Efforts, and Current Planning Efforts.
Past Planning Efforts:
Surveys/Interviews:
o 2008 MPOJC public input focus groups and interviews with transportation
stakeholders; including human services agencies, transit riders and local
commercial establishments
o 2008 rider survey regarding the new North Liberty/Coralville bus route
o 2009 transportation survey of the local human services agencies
Local Plans Review:
o Urbanized area land use/comprehensive plans
o Iowa City STEPS (CDBG) public input (every two years)
Facility Development (all required public hearings):
o Iowa City Court Street Transportation Center (2006)
o Johnson County SEATS storage/maintenance facility (2008)
o University of Iowa Cambus storage facility expansion (2010)
5
o Coralville Transit/Maintenance Facility (2012)
MPOJC Ad-hoc Committees:
o Public Transit Expansion Committee (2008)
o Joint Transit Facility/Consolidation Committee (2008)
On-Going Planning Efforts:
Capital Equipment Replacement Plan (Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, Cambus)
Program of Projects (Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, Cambus)
Title VI/LEP (Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, Cambus)
DBE Program Plan/Goals (Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, Cambus)
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP/STIP) (Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit,
Cambus)
Transit Performance Statistics/Trends/MPOJC 5307 Operating Funds Formula
Public Participation Plans/MPOJC
Iowa DOT Consolidated Application (Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, Cambus)
Current Planning Efforts:
MPOJC PTP (TAG) Committee: In 2007, MPOJC created a steering committee made up of
eleven local human services organizations and the four local transit managers. In 2011 the
committee expanded to the current 16 human services/private transportation provider
representatives and four public transit representatives. The human service agencies were
selected by the MPOJC Human Services Coordinator (no longer a position in MPOJC) with the
intent of having as many different types of agencies represented in the planning process as
possible. The current committee members include:
o The Arc of Southeast Iowa
o Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
o Systems Unlimited
o Chatham Oaks Care Facility
o Hometies Childcare
o Reach for Your Potential
o United Action for Youth
o Big Brothers/Big Sisters
o Four Oaks Youth Homes
o Goodwill Industries
o Shelter House
o Iowa City Community School District
o Access 2 Independence
o Elder Services, Inc.
o Solon Senior Transportation
o Durham School Services
o Coralville Transit
o Iowa City Transit
o University of Iowa Cambus
o Johnson County SEATS
MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC)/MPOJC Urbanized Area
Policy Board: The MPOJC TTAC meets prior to each MPOJC Board meeting to review
agenda items and make recommendations to the Board. The TTAC is appointed by the MPOJC
Urbanized Area Policy Board. TTAC did review the PTP strategies, goals, and objectives. The
6
Urbanized Area Policy Board held a public hearing on the draft PTP at their January 29, 2014
meeting. A public hearing notice was published 30 days prior to the hearing and the notice went
through the Public Participation Plan process as well.
Johnson County Livable Communities Transportation Committee: The Johnson County
Livable Community for Successful Aging (JCLC) Policy Board partners with organizations,
businesses and individuals to address and facilitate personal independence and civic and social
engagement for seniors and those with disabilities. An initiative of the Johnson County Board of
Supervisors, JCLC serves in an advisory capacity.
A livable community is one where every resident can age successfully, which we define as living
as vital a life as possible with the opportunity to flourish. Our key purposes are to:
Prepare Johnson County to address the needs of an aging population.
Serve as a unifying structure which brings together common interests and collective
resources to foster efforts that build and sustain a livable community for successful
aging.
The JCLC Policy Board appoints five Action Teams, including a transportation action team.
Action Teams spearhead new initiatives in support of JCLC’s mission and meet on a quarterly
basis. The membership of the Transportation Action Team includes representatives from
MPOJC, all public transit providers, and some private transportation providers. The JCLC
Transportation Action Team has assembled an inventory of transportation services, “A Guide for
Seniors: Transportation and Mobility Options in Johnson County." The guide, now in its sixth
printing, identifies metro area and rural service providers and contact information.
The Transportation Action Team also partnered with RSVP, a program of Elder Services, Inc.,
MPOJC, Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and Johnson County SEATS to create the Medical
Transportation Program that offers transportation to vital medical appointments for those unable
to use other types of public transportation. New Freedom funding played a big role in getting
this program started.
Johnson County SEATS Paratransit Advisory Committee: The Paratransit Advisory
Committee consists of nine members; including two members appointed by the Iowa City City
Council; one member appointed by the Coralville City Council; two members appointed by the
Johnson County Board of Supervisors; and four SEATS consumers appointed by the Board of
Supervisors. MPOJC has an advisory role on the committee.
The committee’s role is to provide a forum in which consumers and elected representatives can
voice their concerns, ideas and proposed solutions for improving the Johnson County SEATS
paratransit service. The committee meets on a quarterly basis.
MPOJC Online Transit Survey: As part of the public input process for the MPO’s regional
Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan, MPOJC developed an online survey to solicit
input about various transportation-related topics during the summer of 2011. The survey
focused on current transit service in individual communities. Some of the input included:
Comments regarding lack of service in specific areas of the urbanized area
Raise gas prices and eliminate free parking in order to increase transit use
Need more bus shelters
7
More internet service on buses
More frequent bus service
More transit education and advertising
Develop park and ride lots
Need Sunday and late night service
Fewer bus stops on each route
MPOJC Transit Public Input Meeting and Panel Discussion: On June 16, 2011 MPOJC
hosted a Transit Panel discussion at the Coralville Public Library. The panel consisted of the
local transit managers and MPOJC staff. Comments/questions from the panel discussion were
as follows:
Concerns about elderly riders: rather see demand/door-to-door service than walk to bus
stops in the winter.
Questions about why Iowa City/University of Iowa service is not like in Ames/Iowa State
University with the student fees levied to the whole system and not just for the Cambus
Some ideas for new routes that bypass the downtown Iowa City interchange- Northgate
to Kmart along 1st Ave, Coralville to the Iowa City Airport down Mormon Trek Blvd.
Concerns that rural areas and booming areas along the outskirts of the urbanized area
are not being served. Could the county levy funds to pay for transit to these areas? Tiffin
and North Liberty eventually will need service and should be addressed.
Question about federal funding to help expand transit service
Concern about representatives on the MPOJC Transit Needs Committee.
MPOJC Future Transit Needs Committee (FTNC): In the fall of 2011, MPOJC established
Future Transit Needs Committee to discuss and make recommendations on future transit needs
in the Iowa City Urbanized Area. The committee had two main goals:
To determine where the urbanized area wants to be in terms of transit service in the next
20 years
What steps should be taken to get there
Each MPOJC Board voting entity appointed one person to the committee with two additional at-
large appointees. The FTNC developed recommendations for the MPOJC Board to consider.
The Board approved the FTNC’s recommendations in May of 2012 and approved an
amendment to include the FTNC’s recommendations in the 2012-2040 MPOJC Long Range
Transportation Plan in June of 2012.
In their discussions, the FTNC discussed public transit service levels and performance and how
they relate to residential and employment density, household income, availability of parking, trip
length, type of service, and funding. The FTNC acknowledged that maintaining current transit
service is important but also recognized that new and expanded services must also be planned
as the metropolitan area’s needs change. With this in mind, the FTNC developed their
recommendations in terms of short term goals and objectives and long term goals and
objectives.
FTNC SHORT TERM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (1-5 years)
Goal: Review and improve current fixed route and paratransit services in Johnson
County
8
Objectives:
Continue cooperative efforts between transit agencies and MPOJC. These
cooperative efforts have led to the highest ridership rates in Iowa. The
Metropolitan Area had over 6.5 million fixed route rides in FY2011.
o Continue planning efforts through the Passenger Transportation Plan
(PTP). This plan allows the transit providers the opportunity to create
partnerships between governments, private business, and human
services organizations.
Continue to review and improve existing routes and service by:
o Utilizing grant funds (including JARC and New Freedom) for route
extensions, targeting employment centers, and persons with disabilities
(ADA programs).
o Make annual adjustments based on transit performance statistics.
o Consider improvements to bus stop shelters, trip maker programs,
alternative fuels, education programs, and bus route frequency.
o Explore route expansion within metro growth area, including
manufactured housing and new housing developments as well as new
and expanding commercial areas.
Review opportunities to increase demand response service.
o Work with communities within Johnson County on ways to increase
SEATS service.
o Continue to work with the East Central Iowa Council of Governments
(ECICOG) on funding opportunities.
o Consider cab ride programs during times when fixed route service is not
operating.
o Develop more education materials regarding existing demand response
services.
Goal: Create new and expand current van pool programs in Johnson County
Objectives:
Review legal concerns regarding eligible riders in University of Iowa van pool
program.
Work with local business and other cities (Cedar Rapids) in the region to develop
van pool and ride sharing programs.
Continue to work with ECICOG, MPOJC, and the Corridor MPO on a corridor
transportation study between the Iowa City area and Cedar Rapids.
Goal: Explore Park and Ride programs
Objectives:
Locate park and ride lots for future use by both bus and rail services.
Include the Eastern Iowa Airport as a Park and Ride possibility.
Explore BRT service to Park and Ride lots.
Goal: Explore Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service
Objectives:
When implementing a BRT service, consider improvements such as:
o Traffic signal preemption program for BRT service.
o Reduce the number of stops for BRT buses.
9
o Modify intersections for BRT service.
Goal: Develop future needs transit index and procedures for reviewing proposed route
changes or expansions
Objectives:
A transit index can be used as a trigger to help determine when fixed route
service should be expanded to growing areas in the metropolitan area. The
transit index should use the following eight criteria:
o Population density: based on a population density of 4-6
households/acre.
o Employment density (employees/acre): higher employment densities are
more transit supportive resulting in more cost effective services, including
a number of large employers in Johnson County.
o Congestion (volume to capacity): congestion can support transit by
encouraging people to forgo travel by automobile (AM and PM peak
times).
o Parking availability: limited or restricted parking can encourage the use of
transit such as the situation with the UIHC.
o Connectivity and convenience: this refers to the roadway network, the
number of potential routes to travel between points, the distance people
need to walk to get to a bus stop (a quarter mile is the goal in the
urbanized area), convenience, and ridership.
o Income: persons with lower incomes are more likely to use and rely on
transit service.
o Transit Oriented Development/Development Plans/Comprehensive Plans:
local plans can encourage dense developments with high connectivity,
limited parking, and pedestrian oriented environments.
o Concentration of university employees: this is unique to areas such as the
University of Iowa. University employees are more likely to use high
frequency public transit service.
Apply transit index to current transit routes in metropolitan area, review findings,
and work with transit agencies to make route adjustments. (this item will be
included in the MPOJC work program for FY2013)
Apply transit index and procedures to growing areas outside the metropolitan
area (including manufactured housing developments) by establishing additional
criteria for areas outside the fixed route service area, including:
o Input from developers/realtors.
o Ridership surveys to determine type of service (fixed route, demand
response, van pool, etc.)
o Potential partnerships for the operation and cost of a new service.
Consider alternative fuels when developing service.
Develop costs and means to pay for service. (consider service fees, tax levies,
FTA and STA funding, contracts, etc.)
Identify responsible agency for operation of expanded service.
Goal: Support Amtrak service to Iowa City
Objectives:
10
Support expansion of Amtrak service to Iowa City/Johnson County, Des
Moines, and Omaha by assisting the Iowa DOT with the Chicago to Omaha
Amtrak study. (study is due to Iowa Legislature by end of 2012)
Continue to work with Iowa DOT’s Passenger Rail Advisory Committee.
MPOJC appoints a representative to the committee.
LONG TERM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (5-20 years)
Goal: Review and study potential light rail service
Objectives:
Apply transit index to potential light rail service using the population density of
at least 9 households/acre along rail line.
Review past light rail service studies between Iowa City/Coralville and the
Oakdale Campus, North Liberty, Eastern Iowa Airport, and Cedar Rapids using
the existing CRANDIC rail line.
Study an east-west service between Tiffin and Iowa City using the Iowa
Interstate rail line.
Goal: Review and consider the operational needs for transit consolidation or a county-
wide authority
Objectives:
Review efficiencies and services.
Identify pros and cons of consolidation.
Review consolidation when opportunities arise.
Review current state legislation regarding transit authorities. Consider
proposing changes if necessary.
Include Cedar Rapids area in transit authority discussions.
Survey/interviews (Iowa City Transit/Diversity): In an effort to gather public input on diversity
and its relationship to transportation issues, Iowa City Transit, with assistance from MPOJC, has
developed a survey to solicit input about various transportation-related topics and Iowa City
Transit service. This survey was initiated through Iowa City’s Diversity Committee which was
formed to serve as an ad-hoc Iowa City Council committee to review issues relating to diversity
within Iowa City’s Transportation Services Department. The results of the survey will be
presented to the Iowa City City Council and will help identify community transportation needs
and guides decisions about transportation improvements in the future. The survey will be
completed by the Spring of 2014.
11
Section Two: Inventory and Area Profile
Public Transportation Providers
Iowa City Transit (includes University Heights): Iowa City Transit provides service on 17
regular routes from 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. All routes operate daily with 30-minute service during
peak periods. The Seventh Avenue (during a.m. and p.m. peak periods), Melrose Express,
Westside Hospital, Eastside Express, and Westport routes operate hourly all day long. Midday
service is hourly except on the Towncrest and Oakcrest where service is 30 minutes all day
during the University academic year. The Eastside Loop and Westside Loop operate when
Iowa City schools are in session. Hourly evening service is provided to the same general
service area using combined routes, from 6:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Saturday service operates
hourly all day with service ending at 7:00 p.m. There is no fixed route service on Sundays.
Iowa City Transit also extends service to Chatham Oaks Care Facility located on the west side
of Iowa City.
During peak periods Iowa City Transit operates 20 buses. Eight buses operate weekdays off-
peak and all day Saturday. During evening hours five buses are in service. The Downtown
Iowa City Transit Interchange is the hub of Iowa City Transit’s operations. All regular routes
arrive and depart at the interchange except for the Eastside Loop, allowing for coordinated
transfers between buses. There is one free-fare route, the Downtown Transit Shuttle.
The existing fare structure is a $1.00 base fare, $32 unlimited ride 31-day pass, and $8.50 for a
ten-ride ticket strip. There is a 75¢ youth fare for K-12 aged children. Children under five may
ride free accompanied by an adult. There is also a K-12 31-day pass available for $27 and a
student semester pass for $100 for persons attending the University of Iowa or Kirkwood
Community College. There is a monthly pass for University of Iowa faculty/staff for $28 per
month. Elderly persons may ride during off peak hours and all day Saturday for 50¢. Eligible
persons with disabilities and low income elderly persons may ride free during off peak hours. A
qualifying purchase from any merchant participating in the Bus and Shop Program entitles the
purchaser to one free ride any time of day. Free transfers are available and may be used on
Coralville Transit.
All Iowa City Transit fixed route buses are lift-equipped. Demand responsive paratransit service
is provided during fixed-route service hours, operated by Johnson County SEATS.
The Iowa City Transit fleet inventory can be found in attachment 1.
Coralville Transit (includes North Liberty): Coralville Transit operates two routes on
weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; one additional route weekdays during the a.m. and
p.m. peak hours; and one evening route until 12:00 a.m. An additional peak hour (tripper) route
provides service to the core area of Coralville during the a.m. and p.m. rush hours when the
University of Iowa is in session. The Lantern Park and Tenth Street routes operate in the core
area of Coralville with half hour headways except during midday when headways are one hour.
The Express Route operates on a 75-minute headway in the a.m. and p.m. peak, with no
midday service (no service at Coral Ridge Mall). Saturday service is provided on one route that
serves the Lantern Park/10th Street service area from 7:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Coralville Transit
offers a commuter route to North Liberty on weekdays from 7 a.m.-8 a.m. and 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
There is no midday service and this route does not service Coral Ridge Mall.
Coralville Transit operates seven buses during weekday peak periods, three buses off peak,
and one bus evenings and Saturdays. No service is offered on Sunday. The tripper route does
12
not operate during University of Iowa summer and interim periods. All Coralville Transit routes
interchange at Coral Ridge Mall, the Downtown Iowa City Transit Interchange, and at University
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The base fare on Coralville Transit is $1.00. Children under five, accompanied by an adult, ride
for free. A 31-day pass is offered for $32, and a 20-ride pass for $20. Saturdays and evenings
persons 5 to 15 years of age are eligible for a 75¢ youth fare. Elderly and disabled residents of
Coralville may be eligible to ride for free at any time with a Coralville pass. Medicare recipients
may ride at half-fare rates. Free transfers are available and may be used on Iowa City Transit.
The purchase of $10 or more from any of the merchants participating in the Bus and Shop
Program entitles the purchaser to one free bus ride any time of day.
All Coralville Transit fixed route buses are lift-equipped. Demand responsive paratransit service
is provided during fixed-route service hours, operated by Johnson County SEATS.
The Coralville Transit fleet inventory can be found in attachment 1.
University of Iowa Cambus: Cambus provides service on 13 routes Monday through Friday,
and four routes Saturday and Sunday during the academic year. Cambus is a no fare service
designed to facilitate circulation throughout the University campus. Although designed primarily
to serve University students, faculty and staff, Cambus is also open to the general public.
Cambus operates two separate levels of service throughout the year. Academic year service is
the highest level of service, summer/interim service is approximately 75% of academic year
service. Differences in level of service are in the amount of service provided, not in the areas
served. The service area remains the same during both periods.
The primary routes, Red and Blue, operate in nearly identical clockwise and counter clockwise
loops which serve the residence halls, University Hospitals, most academic buildings, Iowa
City, and commuter parking lots. The Red, Blue, Hawkeye, and Studio Arts routes are the only
routes which operate on Saturday and Sunday, for 28 weeks per year. The other routes are
designed for specific functions: providing service to Oakdale Campus, providing service to
residence halls, providing a shuttle between main campus and the hospital area, and service to
Mayflower and Hawkeye Apartments.
During the academic year Cambus operates 26 buses during daytime peak hours, 8-12 buses
between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and five buses between 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Weekend
service on the Red, Blue, Hawkeye-Interdorm, and Studio Arts routes operates between noon
and midnight with four buses. Cambus also operates a Safe Ride service on Friday and
Saturday nights from midnight to 2:20 a.m. with two buses.
All Cambus fixed route buses are lift equipped. Cambus operates a special paratransit system,
Bionic Bus. Similar to the fixed-route system, it is intended for University students, faculty and
staff, but is also open to the public. The Bionic Bus system operates small accessible buses on
a demand responsive basis. Service hours are the same as fixed route scheduled hours on
Saturday and Sunday. A reduced level of service is provided during summer and interim
periods.
The University of Iowa Cambus fleet inventory can be found in attachment 1.
13
University of Iowa Employee Van Pool: The van pool program is for University of Iowa
employees only. Each rider pays a fee, lower than parking fees, to participate. Since the user
fee does not cover the full cost of the program, the University of Iowa Parking & Transportation
Department subsidizes 1/3 of the costs. The program utilizes both 15-passenger and 7-
passenger vans. Vehicles are leased through the University’s Fleet Services which also
performs all the maintenance work on the vans as well as provides fuel. Vanpool drivers have
their van fees waived. Drivers are responsible for the vanpool’s operation and keep the van at
their home.
In 2013 the program had 67 vans with 712 members (annual rides are not tracked). The vans
traveled a total of 1,101,092 miles. The average round-trip mileage is 65 miles. The vans are
currently coming from the following communities: Ainsworth, Amana, Cedar Rapids, Clarence,
Conesville, Davenport, Durant, Kalona, Marengo, Marion, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Vernon, North
English, Olds, Oxford, Riverside, Shueyville, Solon, Tipton, Washington, Wayland, Wellman,
West Branch, West Liberty, Williamsburg, and Wilton.
Currently, the University of Iowa employee van pool program vehicles are not ADA accessible.
Johnson County SEATS: Iowa City and Coralville Transit systems contract with Johnson
County SEATS for provision of complimentary demand-responsive paratransit service during
fixed-route service hours. Johnson County SEATS also provides scheduled demand response
service to all residents outside of the metropolitan area in Johnson County.
To qualify for SEATS service in the urbanized area, you must have a transportation disability
that precludes you from utilizing fixed-route service. While all fixed-route buses are now lift-
equipped, SEATS is available to pick up and drop off passengers who are unable to, or are not
mobile enough, to reach a standard bus stop.
Iowa City Transit provides 12 vehicles to Johnson County SEATS for use in Iowa City, Coralville
Transit provides 3 vehicles for use in Coralville, and ECICOG provides 10 buses for use in
Johnson County. All of the SEATS vehicles are ADA accessible.
School Bus Service:
Iowa City Community School District (Durham School Services): 118 buses (12 ADA buses)/
107 Routes/1 charter bus
Iowa City Regina School District (Central Iowa Transit): 6 buses (0 ADA buses)/
6 routes/1 charter bus/1 bus
for Hawk Ridge (University of
Iowa)
Clear Creek-Amana School District: 28 buses (4 ADA buses)/18
routes/4 vans
Willowwinds School: 1 vehicle (non-ADA)
The Iowa City School District is served by Durham School Services, the Iowa City Regina
School District is served by Central Iowa Transport, and the Clear Creek-Amana School District
provides in-house bus services (some service is outside of the Iowa City metropolitan area).
Durham School Services also offers charter services not under the current school district
contract. Central Iowa Transit also offers charter service and contracts with the University of
Iowa for transportation services between Hawk Ridge Apartments and campus. Willowwinds
Schools is a small private facility with 30 students and has 1 van for school activities.
14
Human Services Providers
Human Services
4Cs/Hometies (1 van)
Iowa City Housing Authority
Mayors Youth Employment Program (MYEP) (2 vans)
Pathways (adult daycare) (1 car)
Access2Independence (adult daycare)
Reach for Your Potential (adult daycare)
Chatham Oaks (4 vans, 2 cars)
Goodwill Ind. (2 vans)
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation
Crisis Center
United Action for Youth (2 vans, 2 cars)
Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
Johnson County Social Services
Johnson County General Assistance
ARC of Southeast Iowa
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Community Mental Health Center
Elder Services, Inc./RSVP
Four Oaks
Handicare
Neighborhood Services (2 locations)
Salvation Army
Kirkwood Skills to Employment
Systems Unlimited
Life Skills
Shelter House
Successful Living
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
MECCA
Conner Center Rights & Resources
ICCSD Family Resource Center
Solon Senior Advocates
Iowa City/Johnson County Senior center
Very few human service agencies have their own vehicles and when they do they have very
specific uses for those vehicles. Many human service agencies indicated that they would prefer
not to have their own vehicles since they are expensive to maintain and operate. From past
surveys and meetings, we learned that the most common issue facing human service programs
is the lack of public transit service options to meet their needs. Their clients often spend too
much time on certain bus routes before reaching their destination. Human service agencies
continue to utilize public transit as much as possible and work public transit into their daily
operations and programs.
Private Transportation Providers
Taxi Service
American Taxi Cab (32 vans, 1 car)
Big Ten Taxicab (7 vans)
15
Five Star Taxi (4 vans)
Jowan Taxi Cab (19 vans)
Marco’s Taxicab Co. (8 vans, 5 cars)
Number One Cab (4 vans)
Old Capitol Independent Taxi (1 van, 3 cars)
Pink’s Taxi (4 vans)
Red Line Cab (6 vans, 1 car)
VinaSun Taxicab (4 vans)
Yellow Cab (10 vans, 11 cars)
The list of taxi cab services comes from the City of Iowa City’s list of permitted taxi cab
companies. These cab companies operate throughout the Iowa City Urbanized Area but are
only required to have an operating permit in Iowa City. Most of these companies are very small
operations and do not operate on a full time basis. There are 120 cabs permitted to operate,
none are equipped with lifts or ramps for persons with disabilities. The high number of cabs in
the urbanized area offers more transportation service than most communities of similar size.
Airport Transportation Services
Eastern Iowa Airport-Airport Shuttle Service (11 vans)
Hotel Shuttles
Baymont Inn & Suites, Coralville (6 passenger van)
Clarion Inn (9 passenger van)
Coralville Marriott Hotel and Convention Center (13 passenger bus)
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Coralville (9 passenger van)
Travel Lodge, Iowa City (airport shuttle)
There were 24 hotels identified in the Iowa City Urbanized Area with 5 of them providing
transportation services for their guests.
Medical Transport/Ambulance Services/Hospital Transportation Services
Advanced Medical Transport
South East Iowa Ambulance
Corridor Medical Shuttle
VA Medical Center
Interstate Bus Services
Burlington Trailways (10 stops/day in Iowa City)
Mega-Bus (4 round trips daily during peak times)
Currently, the Iowa City Court Street Transportation facility contracts with one intercity bus
company, Burlington Trailways, for regularly scheduled stops in the Iowa City Urbanized Area.
Mega-bus also makes frequent stops in Iowa City but do not have a contract with the City.
Senior Living/Independent Living Facilities (*transportation)
Legacy Active Retirement Community-Iowa City*
Melrose Meadows Assisted Living-Iowa City*
Oaknoll Retirement Residence-Iowa City*
Walden Place-Iowa City*
16
Windmill Pointe Estates-Coralville*
Autumn Park Apartments-Iowa City
Bickford Senior Housing-Iowa City
Capitol House Apartments-Iowa City
Citizen Building Apartments-Iowa City
Concord Terrace Apartments-Iowa City
Coral Village Apartments-Coralville
Ecumenical Towers-Iowa City
Jefferson Point-North Liberty
Lexington Place-Iowa City
Liberty Housing Company-North Liberty
North Liberty Living Center-North Liberty
Regency Heights-Iowa City
Day Cares
Enchanted Neighborhood Day Care & Preschool (2 vans)
Kiddie Konnection (1 van)
La Petite Academy (3 - 15 passenger buses)
There are over 50 licensed childcare facilities in the Iowa City Urbanized Area. Only three have
their own transportation services. The services include pick up and drop off at schools and field
trips.
Performance Measures
Each year, MPOJC prepares transit performance statistics for Coralville Transit, Iowa City
Transit, and University of Iowa Cambus. The numbers come from the approved Iowa DOT
year-end report for each transit provider. MPOJC uses these numbers to calculate the 5307
operating funding apportionment each year as well. Information is summarized for fixed route
and paratransit service. The factors include:
Ridership
Total Operating Costs
Fare Revenue
Revenue Vehicle Miles
Revenue Vehicle Hours
Cost Per Ride
Cost Per Revenue Vehicle Mile
Cost Per Revenue Vehicle Hour
Fare box/Expense Ratio
Average Fare
Operating Deficit Per Trip
Riders Per Revenue Vehicle Mile
Riders Per Revenue Vehicle Hour
The FY2013 Performance Statistics Table can be found in Attachment 2.
Area Profile
The Iowa City Urbanized Area includes the municipalities of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty,
Tiffin, and University Heights. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population for the
urbanized area was 74,513 in 1990, 84,672 in 2000, and 102,961 in 2010. These numbers
17
represent an average annual population growth of 1.9%. Thirty-year forecasts for population,
projected number of households, and future developed acreage forecasts for the MPOJC
urbanized area and Johnson County can be found below. The method used to produce these
forecasts is based on the assumption that past population growth rates can be used to predict
future growth. Forecasts were derived using the 1990, 2000, and 2010 census population for
each community.
Population Projections/Demographics
Population Projections 2010-2040
Entity
Census Projections
2010 2020 2030 2040
Iowa City
Population 67,862 71,400 75,500 79,500
Household Units 29,270 30,254 31,992 33,686
Multi-Family Acres
Needed - 47 130 341
Single-Family Acres
Needed - 269 745 1,208
Coralville
Population 18,907 23,400 27,600 31,900
Household Units 8,310 9,915 11,695 13,517
Multi-Family Acres
Needed - 74 156 240
Single-Family Acres
Needed - 456 962 1,480
North Liberty
Population 13,374 17,700 22,900 28,100
Household Units 5,761 7,500 9,703 11,907
Multi-Family Acres
Needed - 61 138 215
Single-Family Acres
Needed - 595 1,349 2,103
Tiffin
Population 1,947 2,600 3,400 4,100
Household Units 848 1,102 1,441 1,737
Multi-Family Acres
Needed - 8 18 27
Single-Family Acres
Needed - 94 219 328
18
University Heights
Population 1,051 1,000 1,000 1,000
Household Units 512 512 512 512
Rural Johnson County
Population 27,741 31,300 34,400 37,600
Johnson County
(Total)
Population 130,882 147,400 164,800 182,200
Additional demographic information is available for each community in Attachment 3. Maps
showing transit routes and stops, as well as commercial and special needs housing areas are
also found in Attachment 3.
Commuting Characteristics
Municipality
2000
Population
2010
Population
%
Change Walked
Bike or
Taxi
Public
Transportation
Coralville 15,123 18,907 25% 3.0% 2.6% 7.8%
Iowa City 62,220 67,862 9% 14.9% 4.6% 8.2%
North Liberty 5,367 13,374 149% 1.7% 0.6% 1.1%
Tiffin 975 1,947 100% 0.5% 0.6% 1.1%
University
Heights 987 1,051 6% 22.6% 15.1% 2.4%
Senior Populations
There are more than 8,300 individuals in Johnson County over the age of 65. According to the
Census, 4,375 or 52% of Johnson County’s older adults live within the city limits of Iowa City.
Slightly more than 830 older adults (10% of the county population) live in Coralville, 218 and
200 older persons live in North Liberty and University Heights, and less than 100 older adults
live in Tiffin. Slightly more than 1,900 (23%) older persons live in unincorporated or rural areas
of Johnson County. According to a Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging
(JCLC) Policy Board survey, approximately 92% of the older adults in Johnson County rely on
private vehicles for their transportation needs, and 86% of these reported that they were able to
drive themselves. Among this group, 70% reported that they drove daily and the majority of
older adults were happy with their ability to get around the county.
Disabled Populations
The disabled population in the Iowa City metropolitan area is served by both fixed route and
complementary paratransit service. Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit track disabled riders
in their fixed route service through the sale of Senior/Disabled bus passes. Iowa City Transit’s
sales are split 74% seniors and 26% disabled. Coralville Transit is split 63% seniors and 37%
disabled.
19
Johnson County SEATS provides (by contract) complementary paratransit service for both Iowa
City Transit (University Heights has a separate contract with SEATS) and Coralville Transit
(includes North Liberty). Riders must qualify to ride SEATS through each community. The
metropolitan area’s ridership for FY2013 was as follows:
FY2013 Johnson County SEATS Ridership
Iowa City 101,743
Coralville 14,902
Rural (includes Tiffin) 1,725
North Liberty 590
University Heights 148
University of Iowa
The Iowa City Urbanized Area is a diverse community with most foreign-speaking residents
residing here due to their affiliation with the University of Iowa, either as an international student
or visiting scholar. The University has, on average, an international student population of 3,000
persons on an annual basis as well as approximately 450 visiting scholars, which represents
about 10% of the University of Iowa student enrollment. The largest national representations of
international students and scholars at the University of Iowa are from Asia, as shown below:
UI International Students and Scholars by World Region
National Representation Student Population Scholar Population
China (PRC) 1,737 97
Korea, Republic of 383 49
India 316 25
Taiwan 98 9
Malaysia 79 1
Source: The University of Iowa, Fall 2011 Profile of International Students and Scholars
According to the University of Iowa’s fall 2011 Profile of International Students and Scholars,
China, the Republic of Korea, India, and Taiwan remain the top represented countries in the
international student population. Malaysia (79 students) rounds out the top five, replacing
Japan (45 students) from the fall 2001 largest international student enrollment representations.
While the same data is not available for the international scholar population, it can be assumed
that past national representation trends found among the student population can be applied to
the international scholar population, as four of the top five represented countries are the same
for both international students and scholars in 2008.
The University of Iowa’s Intensive English Program (IIEP) reports 200 international students
enrolled in the intensive English language classes, while other visiting students speak and
understand, at minimum, some English. The International Students and Scholars Services
(OISS) director stated that the student population from India generally speaks advanced-to-
fluent English. Visiting scholars have no English speaking requirements and often speak little-
to-no English. The scholars attend the University to conduct research with an affiliated
University member who speaks the scholar’s native language. There is an additional
international population of approximately 500 dependents and spouses that accompany
international students and scholars.
20
Iowa City Community School District
The Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) and the Iowa Department of Education
compile information regarding the number of students receiving English Language Learning
(ELL) services. The following charts show how the use of ELL services, largely attributed to an
influx of Spanish, Bosnian, and Vietnamese speakers, and is increasing in Iowa’s schools. In
the ICCSD the number of students receiving ELL services is 3.78% (482 students) for the 2012-
2013 school year.
Ten Year English Language Learner (ELL)
Student trends in Iowa
Source: Iowa Department of Education, PK-12 Student Data
In Iowa, students receiving English Language Learning services have increased 63% in the past
decade. According to US Department of Education 2008-2009 school year data, the native
language of most Iowa ELL students is Spanish (73.8% of all Iowa ELL students). The second
most common native language in Iowa is Bosnian (4.3%), followed by Vietnamese (4.1%).
Ten Year English Language Learner Trends
in the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD)
21
Source: Iowa Department of Education, PK-12 Student Data
Iowa Public School PK-12 Limited English Proficient Students
(LEP) by District and Grade
For the 2012-2013 school year, there are 12,751 students (IA Dept. of Education Certified
Enrollment) in the Iowa City Community School District. Of those, 3.78% (482 students) receive
English Language Learning services.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
In determining the number or proportion of Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons in the Iowa
City area, the 2007-2011 U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) data was evaluated.
According to ACS data, 15,837 persons in Johnson County (12.1% of the population) spoke a
language other than English at home. Of the 15,837 persons residing in Johnson County who
spoke a language other than English at home, 5,329 (4.07% of the population) reported
speaking English less than “very well”, or in other words, would be considered to have limited
English proficiency. The table below shows the language subgroups as follows:
Persons in Johnson County Who Reported Speaking English Less Than “Very Well”
Language Spoken Number of Persons Percent of Total
Population
Spanish 1,791 1.37%
Other Indo-European language 873 0.67%
Asian & Pacific Island language 2,010 1.54%
Other languages 655 0.50%
Source: 2007-2011 American Community Survey, 2011 ACS 1 Year Estimates
After analyzing the area’s population characteristics, University of Iowa population, and school
district population, both the Hispanic/Latino and the Asian/Pacific Island populations were
identified as needing language assistance. As a result, the local transit providers offer
information in Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
22
Section Three: Coordination Issues
As a result of public input, transportation organizations, and advisory group meetings, the
following service needs, fleet needs, and facility needs have been identified consistently over
the years.
Service Needs
Lack of public transit service during late night and early morning hours, Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays.
Public transit may be very inconvenient for some due to time consuming rides on public
transit.
Public transit may not provide frequent enough service to certain employment and/or
shopping centers in the urban area or surrounding communities.
Distribute more training and education material to potential users of public transit.
Including the Livable Communities Transportation brochure.
Evaluate the need for fixed route and/or demand response transit service to Tiffin.
Consider options to pay for service.
Evaluate need for additional bus shelter facilities, including future shelters in North
Liberty and Tiffin. The implementation of the Bongo program may reduce the need for
more shelters. Reduced budgets and increased maintenance costs are also prohibiting
the placement of more shelters.
More park and ride facilities are necessary to reduce vehicle congestion and the growing
need for more parking in the downtown Iowa City area and at the University of Iowa.
Consider the need for a bus/light rail service between Iowa City urbanized area and
Cedar Rapids.
Evaluate business demand for transportation services outside of the Iowa City urbanized
area, including Riverside Casino and Amana.
Continue to support the Volunteer Transportation Coordinator position with Elder
Services. This service targets persons with disabilities that cannot utilize fixed route or
paratransit service. This position coordinates a door-through-door service with the
support of the local medical community.
Lack of bus shelters in metropolitan area.
Consider more partnerships in order to provide late night, holiday, and weekend transit
service.
Lack of an ADA accessible vehicle for use by private sector for service after fixed route
and paratransit service hours end.
23
Fleet Needs
The spare ratios for the three transit systems in the urbanized area including fixed route
and paratransit buses. The total number of buses for the Coralville Transit fleet is 13,
Iowa City Transit 38, and Cambus 34. Almost half of the buses in the three fleets are
older than 12 years. The following spare ratios are currently in effect for each system:
o Coralville Transit: 30% (3 spares/ 13 total/ 10 peak)
o Iowa City Transit: 23% (7 spares/ 38 total/ 30 peak)
o University of Iowa Cambus: 17% (5 spares/ 34 total/ 29 peak)
The local human service agencies have limited fleets and little funding to expand or
repair existing fleets. Many agencies must rely on public transportation, donations, or
resort to using personal vehicles when transporting clients.
As the need for service grows so does the need for equipment. Newer and more
efficient buses are needed in order to keep costs down. New routes are anticipated
where expansion will be necessary.
Facility Needs
Coralville Transit has plans for an intermodal facility to be located in their new Iowa River
Landing Development Area. This redevelopment area will include not only the new
intermodal facility but also a hotel and conference center (completed in 2006),
professional office and retail space, public recreation, open space, and trails. This
intermodal facility will include a transit interchange/hub for Coralville Transit and will be
fully operational for paratransit services for Johnson County SEATS and Cambus. The
facility will also provide taxicab and intercity bus accommodations, a park-and-ride
program, bicycle facilities, and will include administrative offices for transit and parking.
Coralville has already received three “earmarks” for design and engineering totaling
about $1,500,000. The total cost for this facility is over $18,000,000. Coralville Transit
has recently hired a consultant to design and engineer the intermodal facility. Earmark
funds will pay for the D/E. Coralville Transit has received four earmarks for the
intermodal facility totaling $2,466,980. In 2011, the City of Coralville received a $4
million Livability Grant from FTA to be used in the construction of the intermodal facility.
Coralville is currently designing the facility to be built in phases. Construction will begin
in 2014.
The Iowa City Transit facility is undersized and has significant environmental issues due
to it being constructed on top of an old dump site. Cracks in the utilities infrastructure
underneath the building cause significant air quality issues. The flood of 2008 also
damaged the pipes underneath the facility. Driveways and parking areas have settled 4
to 6 feet. Settling and methane gas issues have made it difficult to expand the facility
and maintenance costs continue to increase. Iowa City plans to implement a feasibility
study for a new transit facility in 2012 with construction to begin in 2015 if funding is
secured through federal earmarks. The cost of the project is estimated at $20 million.
Iowa City Transit received $64,000 for building repair through PTMS in FY2007. These
building repairs were completed in the spring of 2008. Iowa City Transit invested over
$200,000 in improving the air quality at their current transit/maintenance facility in 2000
and 2001.
24
In FY2007, Cambus received $64,000 from PTMS to install a sprinkler system in their
existing maintenance facility. The facility is located along the Iowa River and was
damaged by the 2008 flood. In FY08 Cambus received $880,000 in funding through the
State’s RIIF program to expand their current bus storage facility. Cambus also utilized
$230,000 in 5310 funds (FY2007 and FY2008) in the expansion project. Before the
expansion Cambus could not house their entire transit fleet inside, leaving 25% of the
fleet outside. A site and program study has been conducted by the University of Iowa
and it has been determined that a joint use facility, along with the University of Iowa’s
Fleet Services Division, would provide the opportunity for a more efficient and cost
effective facility. Staffing and equipment would also be shared by the two university
divisions. Cambus has started a new location analysis for this facility and plans to begin
construction in the next three to five years.
The need for additional bus stop shelters was identified by the Johnson County Livable
Communities Transportation Committee and the Johnson County SEATS Paratransit
Committee.
Cambus continues to monitor the changing parking situation due to the many
construction projects taking place on campus.
Status of Past Priorities/Strategies
Service Projects:
An AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) system, as well as signage, has been installed in
Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and Cambus buses.
Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit completed a joint fare box replacement project in
FY2013.
Established a Volunteer Transportation Coordinator position with Elder Services using
New Freedom funding. This project was a joint effort between Elder Services, Iowa City
transit, and Coralville Transit. The service targets persons with disabilities that cannot
utilize fixed route or paratransit service. This position coordinates a door-through-door
service with the support of the local medical community.
Met with Corridor MPO and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments to consider
the need for a transportation service between the Iowa City urbanized area and the
Cedar Rapids urbanized area. Funding for a comprehensive study of the issue is being
considered.
Coralville Transit and Iowa City Transit have determined that they will continue to use
Special Needs Section 5310 funding for elderly persons and persons with disabilities by
putting the funding toward their SEATS paratransit contract. Cambus does not contract
for paratransit service so they will continue to use the funding for bus replacement in
their Bionic Bus fleet and for the operation of the program.
Fleet Projects:
In FY2007 Cambus received funding for 11 new heavy-duty buses ($2,921,600 federal
funds) through the Public Transit Equipment and Facilities Management System (PTMS
5309). In FY2008 Cambus received three additional heavy-duty buses ($801,000
federal funds). Iowa City Transit received one new light-duty bus ($61,420) through
25
PTMS in FY2007 and no new buses in FY2008. Coralville Transit purchased one heavy-
duty bus ($287,000 federal funds) through PTMS in FY2008.
In March of 2009, Coralville Transit received $848,659 in ARRA funding for 2 – 40’
heavy-duty replacement buses (one partially funded with 5309 funds), 1 – 40’ expansion
bus, and 1 light-duty expansion bus. Iowa City Transit received $1,062,000 in ARRA
funding for 3 – 40’ heavy-duty expansion buses. Cambus received $1,800,000 in ARRA
funding for 2 – 40’ replacement buses, 3 – 40’ heavy-duty expansion buses, and 4
passenger shelters.
In 2010 Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and Cambus received ARRA funds for
buses. Iowa City Transit received 3 heavy-duty buses. Coralville Transit received 1
light-duty bus, 2 heavy-duty buses, and partial funding of a third heavy-duty bus.
Cambus received 5 heavy-duty buses and 4 bus shelters.
In 2011 Iowa City Transit received 3 heavy-duty buses through PTMS, Cambus received
8 heavy-duty buses through PTMS, and Coralville Transit did not receive any funding for
buses in 2011.
In 2012 Iowa City Transit received 2 heavy-duty buses through PTMS, Coralville Transit
and Cambus did not receive any funding for buses in 2012.
In 2013 Cambus received 3 30’ buses and 2 40’ buses using congressionally designated
funding.
Facility Projects:
In the spring of 2008, the Coralville Transit facility was totally destroyed. The facility was
inundated by 5.5 feet of water for 10 days. Coralville Transit is temporarily working out
of two metal pole buildings which are not adequate for bus operations. Coralville Transit
is working with FEMA, FTA, and the Iowa DOT to replace the flooded facility with a new
facility. Coralville Transit has applied for and was awarded Public Transit Infrastructure
Funding through the Iowa DOT for both FY2009 ($880,000) and FY2010 ($880,000).
Coralville opened their new transit facility in the spring of 2012.
Iowa City Transit completed their $13 million dollar intermodal facility in 2006. Federally
earmarked funds were used for the project. With the increase in use of MEGABUS,
which boards at the intermodal facility, Iowa City Transit may need to investigate
expanding their staging area for interstate buses. Trailways continues to operate at the
intermodal facility.
Johnson County SEATS has completed construction on a new facility to be shared with
the Johnson County Secondary Roads Department. The facility includes bus storage
and office space for SEATS at a cost of $1,200,000. The maintenance part of the facility
is a shared expense. SEATS portion of the maintenance facility was about $500,000.
SEATS received a federal “earmark” of $100,000 in FY2006. The new facility is located
in Iowa City.
University of Iowa Cambus completed construction on a new joint transit
administration/transportation services facility. This new facility is also the new bus hub
26
on campus and opened in 2013. The old facility was demolished to make way for
expanded athletics facilities on campus.
Coralville Transit has hired a consultant to design and engineer (D/E) their proposed
intermodal facility in a phased approach. Coralville has received four earmarks and a
Livability Grant through FTA for the D/E and construction. The overall cost of the project
is approximately $18 million. Construction should begin in 2014.
Iowa City Transit continues planning for a new transit facility. The new facility will be
located south of Iowa City at the new public works campus. The existing facility has
many environmental issues due to the building siting on an old dump site.
In 2008, University of Iowa Cambus received $880,000 in funding through the State’s
RIIF program to expand their current bus storage facility. Cambus also utilized $230,000
in 5310 funds (FY2007 and FY2008) in the expansion project. Before the expansion
Cambus could not house their entire transit fleet inside, leaving 25% of the fleet outside.
A site and program study has been conducted by the University of Iowa and it has been
determined that a joint use facility, along with the University of Iowa’s Fleet Services
Division, would provide the opportunity for a more efficient and cost effective facility.
Cambus has started a new location analysis for this facility and plans to begin
construction in the next three to five years.
27
Section Four: Priorities and Strategies
At their December 18, 2013 meeting, the MPOJC PTP (TAG) Committee made the following
recommendations to the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board. The Urbanized Area Policy
Board held a public hearing and approved the following recommendations at their January 29,
2014 meeting. The following recommendations include 5-Year Priorities, other Long-Term
Priorities, Goals and Objectives, and 5310 funding.
5 Year Priorities
Continue to meet with the PTP Committee when necessary and at least twice each year
prior to updating the PTP. Include business/industry representatives.
Continue to develop new transit facilities for Coralville Transit, Iowa City Transit, and
Cambus.
Continue to update and modernize transit vehicles and equipment.
Evaluate existing service and coordination of both fixed route and paratransit service;
include current and new developments with low income housing and/or persons with
disabilities.
Promote Bongo and trip-maker programs throughout the urbanized area.
Evaluate the need for a lift-equipped cab for use during fixed route off hours.
Reevaluate Iowa City Transit’s Cab Ride Program for workers that need late night and
weekend transit service; include Coralville Transit.
Extend bus routes to more commercial areas in the urbanized area.
Investigate the need for more bus shelters in the urbanized area and develop an adopt-
a-shelter program.
Evaluate bus/light rail service between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
Other Long Term Priorities:
Distribute human services/school/senior rider education materials.
Develop programs for senior riders through Johnson County Livable Communities
Senior Transportation Committee.
Develop park-and-ride programs in existing and planned intermodal facilities.
Develop light rail passenger service within the urbanized area.
Extend bus routes to residential areas outside of the urbanized area.
Establish park-and-ride facilities outside of the urbanized area; additional rolling stock
will be required.
Look for corporate partners in transportation programs.
Develop regional Amtrak rail service to Chicago.
Goals and Objectives
From the above identified deficiencies and needs, the following goals and objectives
were developed:
Goal: Extend late night, Sunday, and holiday service to commercial areas.
o Objective: Evaluate private transit or SEATS service options since Iowa
City Transit and Coralville Transit will no longer provide paratransit
service on Sundays.
o Objective: Pursue a joint venture with a local cab company to provide
ADA accessible cabs and cab-ride program. Since New Freedom grant
funding is no longer available, identify new funding sources.
28
Goal: Provide new and/or expand transit facilities and equipment.
o Objective: Plan for new transit storage/maintenance facility for Iowa
City Transit. Include quality standards for the work place. A location
study has been completed. Completion of a feasibility study is scheduled
for FY2014 with construction planned for FY2016. FTA is encouraging
Iowa City Transit to pursue federal funding for a new facility.
o Objective: Plan for new and/or expanded transit maintenance facility for
Cambus. This would be a joint effort within the university.
o Objective: Consider joint projects for the three fixed route transit
operations, including equipment upgrades. The Bongo system and fare
box equipment replacement have been completed.
o Objective: Evaluate placement of additional enclosed bus stop shelters
near human services organizations, neighborhoods, and future bus
routes making the use of the fixed route bus system more convenient for
human services clients. Include AVL/Nextbus program in shelters and
consider partnerships for maintenance.
Goal: Extend existing bus routes or create new routes.
o Objective: Talk to developers about future developments for low income
and/or persons with disabilities and plan for bus service facilities and
schedules.
o Objective: Coralville Transit will continue to explore expansion
possibilities of existing routes to commercial areas north of Coral Ridge
Mall/I-80, the Iowa River Landing, and North Liberty. The North Liberty
Transportation Committee is currently discussing expanded service within
North Liberty.
o Objective: Iowa City Transit will continue to explore the expansion of
existing routes to better serve the commercial areas on South Riverside
Drive, Pepperwood, Sycamore Mall, downtown Iowa City, and the new
Johnson County Administration/Human Services Campus. Iowa City
Transit is working with MPOJC in developing a route evaluation program
as well as considering a more detailed comprehensive study.
o Objective: Expand existing bus routes to residential areas just outside
the urbanized area. Consider school and childcare activities. The City of
tiffin has expressed interest in fixed route transit service.
o Objective: Provide new routes for specific job access; include
commercial and industry partners that provide a large number of jobs that
have late or shifting hours. A funding source will need to be found after
the elimination of the JARC funding program.
o Objective: Work with ECICOG and the Corridor MPO (Cedar Rapids) in
evaluating the need for a bus/light rail service between Iowa City and
Cedar Rapids. Both MPOs and ECICOG are pursuing funding options for
29
a comprehensive study to identify transportation needs between Iowa City
and Cedar Rapids.
Goal: Provide more transportation related training and education programs.
o Objective: PTP Committee will continue to meet and consider expanding
membership to include business/industry.
Objective: Continue to upgrade and coordinate the Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and
Cambus Trip-Maker Programs, Bongo system, and educational videos.
5310 Funds
Each year, Coralville Transit and Iowa City Transit receive Special Needs Section
5310 funding for elderly persons and persons with disabilities. This year (FY2014)
the funding levels increased with the addition of New Freedom funds to the 5310
formula funds. Both transit providers direct these funds to their paratransit service
contract with Johnson County SEATS. In FY2014, Iowa City Transit received
$113,742 and Coralville Transit received $32,654. These same funding levels are
anticipated for FY2015.
CAMBUS also receives Special Needs Section 5310 funding each year. Since
Cambus does not contract for paratransit service they will continue to use the
funding for bus replacement in their Bionic Bus fleet and for the operation of the
program. Cambus received $166,460 in FY2014 and anticipates the same funding
level in FY2015.
30
Section Five: Funding
Past Funding Summary/Funding Sources Sought
Urbanized Area Formula Funding (5307):
The 5307 funds will be distributed through the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board using their
adopted formula for apportionment. The FY2013 funding amount was $1.7 million and the
FY2014 funding level increased to $2.2 million with the addition of JARC funds.
FY2015-2019 funding levels are anticipated to remain at FY2014 levels.
Capital Investment Program Funding (5339):
Iowa DOT funding levels are not yet known for bus replacement in FY2015. FY2014 funding
levels are anticipated to be at about $900,000 (same as FY2013 funding) state-wide (85%
federal funding). Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, University of Iowa Cambus, and Johnson
County SEATS participate in the Iowa DOT’s PTMS program for bus replacement. $3 million in
CMAQ funding will be used for bus purchase (80% federal) after the 5339 funds are used.
FY2015-2019 funding levels are unknown at this time since MAP-21 ends after FFY2014.
Special Needs Formula Funding (5310):
Coralville Transit and Iowa City Transit will continue to use Special Needs funding for their
paratransit service contract with Johnson County SEATS. In FY2013, Iowa City Transit
received $88,838 and Coralville Transit received $25,359. These funding levels increased to
$113,742 for Iowa City Transit and $32,654 for Coralville Transit in FY2014 with the addition of
New Freedom funds to the 5310 formula funds. FY2015
CAMBUS will continue to program their Special Needs funds toward bus replacement in their
Bionic Bus fleet and operating. Cambus received $136,925 in FY2013 with an increase to
$166,460 in FY2014 due to the addition of New Freedom funds to the 5310 formula funds.
FY2015-2019 funding levels are anticipated to remain at FY2014 levels.
JARC Funding (5316): The JARC funding program was eliminated under MAP-21. The funds
were be added to the 5307 formula funds in FY2013 and FY2014. However, Iowa DOT will
continue to fund Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit JARC projects through the FFY2014.
New Freedoms Funding (5317): The New Freedom funding program was eliminated under
MAP-21. The funds were added to the 5310 formula funds in FY2013 and FY2014. However,
the Iowa DOT has funded the Elder Services Volunteer Transportation Coordinator position
through the first quarter of FFY2015 using leftover New Freedom funds.
Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funding: No transit funding requests are anticipated
at this time.
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) Funding: ICAAP funding levels for FY2014
were at $4 million and are anticipated to remain at $4 million for FY2015-FY2019.
Coralville Transit anticipates preparing an application for bus equipment and operating in
FY2015.
31
STA Formula Funding: These funds will be used for transit operations and in FY2015-2019
are anticipated to increase slightly (3%) each year.
STA Coordinated Special Projects Funding: No transit funding requests are anticipated at
this time.
Local Tax/Transit Levy/Student Fees: In FY2014, Iowa City Transit used a $.95/$1,000
valuation transit levy to provide local funding for transit service. Coralville Transit utilized a
$.71/$1,000 valuation transit levy. Cambus is a no fare service and provides local funding
through an annual per student fee of $56.30 (less for part-time students) and parking revenue.
The parking revenue amount is based on commuter services on campus.
Fare Revenue: The existing fare structure for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit is a $1.00 base
fare plus other programs designed for students, the elderly, and disabled (page 11-12). Cambus is a no
fare service.
Contracts/Other Revenue: Iowa City Transit has a transit service contract with the City of
University Heights, generates revenue at the Court Street Transportation Center (intermodal)
through the sale of parking permits and commercial space rental, and additional income from
the sale of advertising, used oil, and scrap metal. Coralville Transit has a contract with the City
of North Liberty for transit service and collects revenue from the sale of advertising, used oil,
and scrap metal. The University of Iowa Cambus does not contract for service and generates
revenue from the sale of advertising, used oil, and scrap metal.
5 Year Funding Program
Iowa City Transit
Funding Program FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
State Transit $428,200 $441,046 $454,277 $467,905 $481,942
Assistance
Urbanized Area $1,400,381 $1,400,381 $1,400,381 $1,400,381 $1,400,381
Formula (5307)
Special Needs (5310) $120,523 $120,523 $120,523 $120,523 $120,523
New Freedom (5317) $10,595 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Tax/Levy $4,038,581 $4,200,124 $4,368,129 $4,542,854 $4,724,568
Fare Revenue $1,520,344 $1,581,158 $1,644,404 $1,710,180 $1,778,587
Contracts/Other $1,023,107 $1,064,031 $1,106,592 $1,150,856 $1,196,890
Total Revenue $8,541,731 $8,807,263 $9,094,306 $9,392,699 $9,702,891
Total Operating $7,186,479 $7,473,938 $7,772,896 $8,083,812 $8,407,164
Coralville Transit
Funding Program FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
State Transit $233,527 $240,532 $247,748 $255,180 $262,835
Assistance
Urbanized Area $374,623 $374,623 $374,623 $374,623 $374,623
Formula (5307)
Special Needs (5310) $34,882 $34,882 $34,882 $34,882 $34,882
Local Tax/Levy $605,689 $629,917 $655,114 $681,319 $708,572
Fare Revenue $494,328 $514,101 $534,665 $556,052 $578,294
Contracts/Other $121,066 $125,909 $130,945 $136,183 $141,630
32
Total Revenue $1,864,115 $1,919,964 $1,977,977 $2,038,239 $2,100,836
Total Operating $1,792,061 $1,863,743 $1,938,293 $2,015,825 $2,096,458
University of Iowa Cambus
Funding Program FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
State Transit $608,964 $627,233 $646,050 $665,431 $685,394
Assistance
Urbanized Area $600,537 $600,537 $600,537 $600,537 $600,537
Formula (5307)
Special Needs (5310) $175,788 $175,788 $175,788 $175,788 $175,788
Local Tax/Student
Fees $2,533,861 $2,635,215 $2,740,624 $2,850,249 $2,964,259
Fare Revenue $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Contracts/Other $19,140 $19,906 $20,702 $21,530 $22,391
Total Revenue $3,938,290 $4,058,697 $4,183,701 $4,313,535 $4,448,369
Total Operating $3,676,630 $3,823,695 $3,976,642 $4,135,708 $4,301,136
33
Attachment 1: Public Transit Fleet Inventories
Iowa City Transit Fleet Inventory Report/Odometer Report
Coralville Transit Fleet Inventory Report/Odometer Report
University of Iowa Cambus Transit Fleet Inventory Report/Odometer
Report
34
Attachment 2: Performance Measures/Public Transit
Summary Table of FY2013 Performance Statistics: Coralville Transit
Iowa City Transit, and University of Iowa Cambus
35
Attachment 3: Demographics/Maps
Iowa City
American Fact Finder: 2010 Demographic Profile of General
Population and Housing Characteristics
American Fact Finder: 2010 Means of Transportation to Work by
Selected Characteristics for Workplace Geography
Coralville
American Fact Finder: 2010 Demographic Profile of General
Population and Housing Characteristics
American Fact Finder: 2010 Means of Transportation to Work by
Selected Characteristics for Workplace Geography
North Liberty
American Fact Finder: 2010 Demographic Profile of General
Population and Housing Characteristics
American Fact Finder: 2010 Means of Transportation to Work by
Selected Characteristics for Workplace Geography
Tiffin
American Fact Finder: 2010 Demographic Profile of General
Population and Housing Characteristics
University Heights
American Fact Finder: 2010 Demographic Profile of General
Population and Housing Characteristics
MAPS: -Transit Routes and Stops
-Transit Routes and Stops with ¼ mile buffer
-Existing Industrial and Commercial Land Uses
-Special-Needs Housing
36
Attachment 4: Iowa City Transit Diversity Survey
37
Attachment 5: PTP Meeting Agendas/Minutes
Passenger Transportation Plan Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes:
December 4, 2013
Passenger Transportation Plan Committee Meeting Agenda/Minutes:
December 18, 2013
Public Input/Public Notice regarding PTP Public Hearing: MPOJC
Urbanized Area Policy Board meeting, January 29, 2014
Agenda/minutes from MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board meeting-
January 29, 2014