| The City of Iowa City Government |
Nice News - From cost savings to environmental concerns, there’s much to be said for taking the bus. So, it’s easy to see why a growing number of cities are offering free public busing. Many of these initiatives are found in international locales like Luxembourg and Montpellier, France, but the concept has also taken root in Iowa City, a college town in America’s heartland.
The city of under 183,000 residents slashed bus fares in August 2023 as part of a two-year pilot program aimed at lowering emissions and encouraging more people to try alternative modes of transportation, per The New York Times. Although some community members were initially skeptical, it has since garnered immense support, prompting the City Council to extend the program for another year.
And the effect on the environment has been notable: The local government estimates annual carbon dioxide emissions in the city have decreased by 24,000 metric tons thanks to the surge in ridership. “The transit system is one of the greatest tools communities have to combat climate change and reduce emissions,” Darian Nagle-Gamm, Iowa City’s transportation director, told The Times. “You can make a pretty immediate impact.” Learn more about the program’s impact.?
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