Iowa City phasing in public transit cuts

IOWA CITY – The city of Iowa City will implement cuts to a public transit service for the disabled and elderly over a longer period than first planned.

The City Council Tuesday night directed staff to phase in the elimination of discounted fares and Sunday rides for SEATS bus service.

City staffers earlier this summer recommended, for financial reasons, doing away with half-price rates and Sunday service starting Sept. 30 for financial reasons.

Now, the city will continue the half-price fare for qualifying individuals until July 1, 2014, when it will increase to three-quarters of the full price, which currently is $2 one way. On Jan. 1, 2015, the city will charge full price for all riders.

Sunday service will continue through Dec. 31 of this year.

Iowa City and Coralville officials clashed with Johnson County leaders the first few months of this year over the SEATS. The county runs SEATS on a contract basis for area towns, and it has reduced how much it gives the cities for the service.

County officials have criticized plans to cut Sunday service and half fares, although the county does not offer either of those. Coralville is eliminating Sunday service Sept. 30 but has not offered reduced rates.

The participating entities previously agreed to a new contract that took effect July 1.

The phased approach for Iowa City will result in an estimated $141,000 deficit for the paratransit service budget this fiscal year, with surpluses forecast the following two years.