Public Transit is a Vital Link 

Continued coordination of state-funded transportation programs will minimize duplication of services, and help to ensure maximum service delivery from limited funding. Public transit is a vital link in the success of other state-sponsored programs. Service availability allows increased access to government-funded, early childhood education programs. It also allows many elderly and disabled Iowans to remain living in their homes, thereby reducing the need for expensive, government-funded institutionalized services. The quality of life in Iowa would be greatly diminished without the basic access that transit provides for all citizens.

The Iowa Public Transit Association believes the following state actions are needed to address public transit needs:

1. Restore funding to $1.5 million for the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) for public transportation.
   
   
2. Support innovative financing options for bus and bus facility replacement.
   
   
3. Separate transportation services from the Medicaid provider tiered rate and allow transit services to be directly billed to promote better efficiencies and coordination with members.