JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa — In a proactive move to enhance mobility for residents who rely on public transit, Horizons, a nonprofit organization based in Cedar Rapids, has rolled out an innovative transportation service called Trip Connect. Officially commencing operations in December 2024, this service is set to revolutionize transportation across Johnson County by offering affordable, convenient, and reliable rides to those traveling for work, school, or job training.
The launch of Trip Connect is part of a collaborative pilot program involving Johnson County and several local partners. It operates from Sunday to Friday, between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight. According to Jim Miller, director of development at Horizons, this schedule is specifically designed to bridge critical gaps in public transportation services that exist outside of the standard Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. window. “You have limited options for public transportation during those hours,” Miller highlighted. “We’re really trying to fill that gap at the most affordable costs we possibly can.”
Service Area and Accessibility
Trip Connect has partnered with Johnson County to service the Iowa City metro area and northern Johnson County, encompassing communities such as North Liberty, Solon, Swisher, Oxford, and Shueyville. These towns often experience challenges when it comes to securing reliable transportation. Riders have the option to book trips in advance either through a user-friendly smartphone app or by phone during business hours. Presently, two accessible vans are in operation, ensuring inclusivity for all riders, including those who require wheelchair access.
“For folks going to work or school, Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City is a key partner,” Miller noted. “If you live in Swisher, you can get a ride to Iowa City, making it convenient for you to commute to and from work.”
Brandon Schulte, who manages Horizons Neighborhood Transportation Service (NTS), emphasized the broad positive implications of the expanded transportation options. “Transportation is a necessity for everyone in Iowa,” he stated. “Just because we’re a little more spread out doesn’t mean everyone can afford a car.”
Schulte further elaborated on the initiative’s potential to support various populations, from students to individuals transitioning from difficult situations. “We take people to the homeless shelter on Sundays when there’s no bus service,” he explained. “We’re also providing transportation to halfway houses, helping those individuals reintegrate into society. It’s a really rewarding job.”
Funding the Initiative
This ambitious two-year pilot program carries a projected cost of over $700,000, supported through a combination of local, state, and federal funding sources. The initial financial framework includes allocations from Johnson County pandemic relief funds ($60,000), North Liberty ($15,000), Kirkwood Community College ($10,000), a grant from the National Center for Mobility Management ($75,000), and an Iowa Department of Transportation special projects grant ($175,000).
Nonetheless, estimated passenger revenue is anticipated to be around $14,000 annually, given the low fare of $2 per ride. “The funding model illustrates a collaborative approach to meet the transportation needs in our community,” Miller pointed out. “It’s a significant investment from various organizations, all committed to making this work.”
Despite the existing funding structure, concerns about long-term sustainability linger. “Funding sustainability is a key concern for us,” Miller admitted. “We need to account for vehicle maintenance, driver salaries, fuel, insurance—every expense involved. The challenge will be how we can continue to provide this service while keeping it affordable for those who rely on it.”
Addressing Community Needs
The development of Trip Connect was informed by a thorough stakeholder engagement process conducted in 2021, which identified specific gaps in existing public transit services. Schulte emphasized the importance of reliable transportation, stating, “Without it, individuals could easily find themselves in precarious situations. It’s vital for our community.”
Students are a significant demographic benefiting from this initiative. “For those attending night classes at Kirkwood, this service provides a much-needed solution,” Schulte added. “It allows those who work during the day the opportunity to continue their education at night—creating a win-win scenario for all involved.”
Expanding Horizons
Although presently a pilot program, Miller believes that demand will drive its future growth. “We expect the number of riders to continue increasing, and we’ll monitor this to evaluate the effectiveness of the service,” he explained. Monthly updates will be sent to the county, documenting ride statistics, pick-up locations, and usage times to identify opportunities for future enhancements.
Schulte emphasized the importance of visibility in the project’s success. “Creating awareness of our service encourages community engagement,” he noted. “It makes it easier for people to recognize and trust us.”
For both Miller and Schulte, Trip Connect represents not just a transportation solution, but a vehicle for social and economic stability in the region. “Not everyone works traditional hours, so having this service available opens more opportunities,” Miller said. “Whether you need to go to work, school, or elsewhere, providing accessible transportation is crucial.”
To book a ride, interested individuals can use the Trip Connect app or call (319) 363-1321 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. The app is available for download from the App Store here and from the Google Play Store here.
Horizons is also actively seeking more bus drivers to support their growing operations. If you are interested in joining the team, please visit this link to learn more about employment opportunities.
