News & Press

News & Press https://members.iapublictransit.com/news/default.asp Sat, 6 Jun 2026 08:27:52 GMT Fri, 29 May 2026 17:39:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 Iowa Public Transit Association May 2026 IPTA Newsletter https://members.iapublictransit.com/news/news.asp?id=728260 https://members.iapublictransit.com/news/news.asp?id=728260


	May 21, 2026


	Executive Director Update


	As we move into a busy and exciting summer for Iowa public transit, I want to personally invite you to join us for the IPTA Annual Training and Roadeo, June 17–20, 2026. This event continues to be one of the most valuable opportunities of the year to sharpen skills, connect with peers from across the state, and celebrate the incredible professionals who keep Iowa moving every day. I look forward to seeing many of you there.


	Carl Lingen, IPTA Executive Director


	On the legislative front, we are proud to report progress this session with the successful securing of $1.6 million in gap funding to help stabilize transit fleet in Iowa and fully recognize our historic $77 million award. This outcome reflects strong advocacy efforts and continued engagement from our members and partners. At the same time, we recognize that more work remains. Over the summer and into the fall, IPTA will be developing and executing a strategic advocacy plan focused on restoring Rebuild Iowa’s Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) support for public transit. Your continued involvement and voice will be critical as we build momentum heading into the next legislative cycle along with developing champions with businesses in your area to help tell our story. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to strengthening Iowa’s transit systems and the communities they serve. Carl Lingen Executive Director Iowa Public Transit Association


	Transit News


	House Transportation bill Unveiled with Wins for Bus Transit Updates from the Bus Coalition state that the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee released its five-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, and wanted to provide an initial overview of the bus-related provisions included in the legislation.


	The House initially began this process using a baseline funding scenario that did not account for the Advanced Appropriations included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Because the 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Program relies heavily on Advanced Appropriations, the baseline scenario would have reduced annual bus funding from approximately $2.2 billion to roughly $1.1 billion annually — a nearly 50 percent cut from current levels.


	Thanks to strong engagement from The Bus Coalition members, IPTA, APTA and CTAA, the House proposal now substantially exceeds that original baseline. Under the draft legislation, the 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Program is expected to begin at approximately $1.695 billion in FY27 and increase to approximately $2.295 billion by FY31. Moreover, protecting competitive grants was a priority in Iowa as we have benefited greatly. The house proposed funding the competitive program at approximately $514 million in FY27 and increasing annually to $744 million by FY31. Here are some other key items we have been advocating for: Increasing 5339(a) state set-aside from $4 million per state to $6 million Creating a new 5% set-aside within the 5339(a) formula program for smaller transit systems Allowing transit systems additional time to accumulate formula funds by extending the obligation window from 4 years to 6 years Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) set-aside from 3% to 5% NEPA - The legislation would provide parity between FTA and FHWA property acquisition rules by allowing transit systems to acquire property before completing the NEPA process. Elimination of the Spare Ratio Requirement 180-Day Shot Clock for Buy America Waivers which creates a timeline for Buy America waiver decisions by legislators


	Innovative Partnerships for Enhancing Rural Public Transportation The Transportation Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) is conducting a synthesis study on the topic of innovative partnerships for enhancing rural public transportation. The study will detail the state of the practice for how and why rural and tribal transit agencies initiate and sustain partnerships (e.g., with public-private, non-profit collaborations, healthcare-based, and other types of organizations), the type and scope of these partnerships, and how rural transit agencies and their ridership benefit from partnerships. As a key part of the study, the research team is conducting a survey of rural transit agencies, state DOTs, and other rural transit professionals to gather information on their experiences with forming and sustaining partnerships to better deliver and meet the goals of rural public transportation. The research team requests your participation in the survey. The survey is estimated to take about 15 minutes to complete and will collect responses through June 5th. Please use the following link to access the survey and share how your organization has formed and maintained partnerships to enhance the provision of rural transit. Survey Link: Innovative Partnerships for Enhancing Rural Public Transportation – Fill out form For any questions related to this study, please reach out to Naomi Stein (naomi.stein@ebp-us.com) or Allison Van Twisk (allison.vantwisk@ebp-us.com). Thank you for your contribution to this important study.

Take the Survey


	MTM Challenges As we continue to work with MTM to address challenges, IPTA is aware of the need for software to do bulk uploads to clear trips. We continue our partnership with them, however if you are experiencing other issues please include staff@iapublictransit.com in communications so we can aggregate and address issues.


	Next Stop: Your Career Transit Operations Manager \| Sioux City Transit System


	Sioux City Transit is looking for a skilled and motivated Transit Operations Manager to help lead the daily operations, planning, and maintenance of our public transportation system. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex operational challenges, developing people, and improving how a community moves.

Learn More and Apply


	On The Move: DART Commission Names Erin Hockman as CEO The Board of Commissioners of the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) announced the selection of Erin Hockman as Chief Executive Officer. A respected and familiar leader with both the organization and the Greater Des Moines community, Hockman brings a decade of experience at DART, most recently as Chief Administrative and Strategy Officer. Read more here.


	*REGISTER TODAY* IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference June 17-20, 2026 \| Prairie Meadows, Altoona, IA


	Register for the 2026 IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference! Every year, transit agency employees from across the state are invited to attend the IPTA Training Conference and Annual Meeting. This three-day conference provides training on a variety of topics to benefit multiple staff positions such as transit leaders, managers, maintenance, drivers, administrators, and mobility coordinators. This year, the agenda includes several general sessions covering a wide range of training topics. Businesses within the transit industry are also invited to exhibit. Please look at the Agenda page for a full view of the conference line-up; additional speakers and sessions will be added as they are confirmed.

Learn More and Register


	IPTA Upcoming Events


	IPTA Annual Conference & Roadeo 📅June 17-20, 2026 📍Altoona, Iowa


	Transit Conferences


	ATPA EXPO 📅 October 4-7, 2026 📍 Chicago, IL


	400 East Court Avenue, Suite 126 Phone: (515) 750-2197 www.iapublictransit.com If you would like to unsubscribe please click here

]]> Fri, 29 May 2026 18:39:00 GMT April 2026 IPTA Newsletter https://members.iapublictransit.com/news/news.asp?id=728264 https://members.iapublictransit.com/news/news.asp?id=728264


	April 22, 2026


	Executive Director Update


	Political Acrobatics at State and National Level It has been a rare year when IPTA has been engaged in so many conversations with such high stakes at both the state and federal levels. Since October, IPTA has met repeatedly with key state legislators to advocate for additional funding to address the growing local match gap our transit systems face when replacing buses. While Iowa made historic investments in transit facilities and bus replacement, costs have increased sharply—by 26% for light duty buses and 49% for heavy duty buses.


	IPTA has continued this advocacy through private meetings, legislative leadership discussions, RIIF budget subcommittee meetings, and appropriations hearings. We are beginning to see traction with legislators who understand that an investment of just three cents at the state level can unlock the remaining 97 cents through federal and local match funding for public transit. When combined with proposed property tax changes—covered in another article—it’s clear why this has been a challenging year. At the federal level, a surface transportation reauthorization bill is unlikely this year, and Congressional staff anticipate another Continuing Resolution (CR). The President’s FY27 budget proposal also raises concerns, as it does not include the advanced appropriations for transit programs provided under the IIJA. Notably, the $1.05 billion in advance funding for the Low/No Emission Bus Program is absent. Without advance appropriations, the Section 5339 program could drop from $2.2 billion in FY26 to approximately $1.1 billion. We hope this overview helps illustrate the impact IPTA is working to have on behalf of Iowa’s transit systems. We encourage you to join us at the IPTA Annual Meeting and Training Conference, June 17–19, 2026, at Prairie Meadows Casino, where we’ll share more about our advocacy efforts and what lies ahead. Property Tax Advances in Iowa The Senate subcommittee on property tax met this week to continue discussions on levy limits. IPTA has advocated strongly against the restrictive 2% cap proposed in the House, while noting that the Senate proposal allows for a more workable 5% annual cap on public transit levies, following an initial 1.75% limit in the first two years. IPTA has also highlighted that the Governor’s DOGE initiative emphasizes collaboration and regionalism—principles that public transit systems already practice every day. Despite meetings with legislators and testimony at multiple subcommittee hearings, both the House and Senate appear committed to implementing some form of levy cap, remaining a significant concern for transit providers. Iowa DOT Seeking Reps for Public Transit Advisory Council (PTAC) The Iowa DOT is seeking a new representative for the regional transit systems on the Public Transit Advisory Council (PTAC). PTAC consists of five transit agency representatives – two representing regional transit systems, one representing small urban systems, one representing large urban systems between 50,000 and 199,999 in population, and one representing large urban systems over 200,000 in population. Iowa DOT is seeking a nomination of someone to serve as the second regional representative. The Iowa DOT utilizes PTAC to give guidance on policy decisions under consideration by the DOT. At most, PTAC meets quarterly, the first Thursday of February, May, August, and November, from 10-2. The group typically meets virtually via Microsoft Teams. If interested, please send an email to Carl Lingen, IPTA Executive Director at staff@iapublictransit.com by Monday, May 11, 2026.


	Transit News


	Des Moines DART Awarded $20 million for Facility Des Moines DART was awarded $20 million through FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program to construct a new operations and maintenance facility. Combined with a 2019 grant and local match funding, DART is making progress to construct a much-needed new facility. The current facility—built in the 1970s—is in poor condition. The new facility will accommodate bus storage, administrative and operations office space, and a bus wash, fueling, and body shop.

Read More


	DART CEO Accepts Position with Metro Transit in Twin Cities Amanda Wanke will return to her home state of Minnesota to be closer to family after helping guide DART through a pivotal time for transit in Greater Des Moines.

Read More


	EARL Public Transit Creates Pilot Project For After-Hours Transit Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC – EARL Public Transit) has been piloting a Deviated Fixed Route Service (open to the public) in Decorah, Iowa, focused on three different Saturday with service hours from 6pm to 11 pm. The route will begin at Luther College and travel to Walmart and return to Luther College including scheduled stops downtown.


	APTA Releases Economic Impact Study of Public Transit Investment Get APTA Economic Report Here Get the 2025 IPTA Economic Report Here


	*REGISTRATION NOW OPEN* IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference June 17-20, 2026 \| Prairie Meadows, Altoona, IA


	Register for the 2026 IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference! Every year, transit agency employees from across the state are invited to attend the IPTA Training Conference and Annual Meeting. This three-day conference provides training on a variety of topics to benefit multiple staff positions such as transit leaders, managers, maintenance, drivers, administrators, and mobility coordinators. This year, the agenda includes several general sessions covering a wide range of training topics. Businesses within the transit industry are also invited to exhibit. Please look at the Agenda page for a full view of the conference line-up; additional speakers and sessions will be added as they are confirmed.


	Register for the 2026 IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference! Every year, transit agency employees from across the state are invited to attend the IPTA Training Conference and Annual Meeting. This three-day conference provides training on a variety of topics to benefit multiple staff positions such as transit leaders, managers, maintenance, drivers, administrators, and mobility coordinators. This year, the agenda includes several general sessions covering a wide range of training topics. Businesses within the transit industry are also invited to exhibit. Please look at the Agenda page for a full view of the conference line-up; additional speakers and sessions will be added as they are confirmed.

Learn More and Register


	IPTA Upcoming Events


	IPTA Annual Conference & Roadeo 📅June 17-20, 2026 📍Altoona, Iowa


	Transit Conferences


	DDPA Spring Conference 📅 April 28–30, 2026 📍 Little Rock, AR CTAA EXPO 📅 May 10–13, 2026 📍 Omaha, NE ATPA EXPO 📅 October 4-7, 2026 📍 Chicago, IL


	400 East Court Avenue, Suite 126 Phone: (515) 750-2197 www.iapublictransit.com If you would like to unsubscribe please click here

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:44:00 GMT March 2026 IPTA Newsletter https://members.iapublictransit.com/news/news.asp?id=728266 https://members.iapublictransit.com/news/news.asp?id=728266


	March 25, 2026


	Executive Director Update


	Doing The Small Things Well – Advocacy in Action As IPTA wraps up both our Washington, DC Fly In and State Legislative Conference, one principle continues to guide our advocacy work: do the small things well.


	Our efforts on behalf of Iowa’s public transit systems begin long before any legislative session starts. That sustained advocacy matters. It is no coincidence that Iowa—one of the few rural states that consistently engages in federal advocacy—has recently secured $77 million in Bus and Bus Facilities funding, along with $20 million awarded to Des Moines DART for a new facility. Together, these represent a historic $97 million federal investment in Iowa transit. With these opportunities come real challenges, particularly meeting local match requirements amid rising manufacturing and construction costs. That is why IPTA continues to engage key legislators on the Rebuild Iowa’s Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) and the Transportation Committee—emphasizing that modest local investment ensures Iowa can fully realize its federal awards. Key Federal Takeaways (DC Fly In with CTAA)


	Congress is likely to move forward with another Continuing Resolution (CR) rather than a full reauthorization, keeping funding levels largely consistent. IPTA continues to advocate for maintaining the current balance of discretionary Section 5339(b) and (c) Bus and Bus Facilities funding.


	Key State Takeaways (Legislative Conference) Ongoing advocacy for additional funding through RIIF or one time appropriations to support local match needs for bus replacements. Property tax reform remains a central focus, including proposals to allow transit levies to grow by 5% while lowering the assessment rate from $0.95 to $0.80. IPTA continues targeted conversations with legislators to explain both the impact and the rationale. While many legislators joined us for breakfast, several did not have constituents present—reinforcing the importance of being at the Capitol to consistently deliver our message.


	Finally, persistent advocacy has paid off with CAMBUS and Iowa City receiving long awaited grant disbursements after more than a year of federal review. It is a reminder that every small effort adds up—and every conversation matters.


	IPTA Invited to Speak at RIIF Subcommittee Budget Hearing


	Barb Neal, IPTA Board Member spoke last week at the RIIF Subcommittee Budget hearing focusing on including additional funds for transit agencies to help meet local match for the $77 million that was awarded in Iowa. Barb spoke on the gap many of our systems are facing when it comes to estimating bus and building prices when the grants were submitted to final award announcement.


	Get to Know Darian Nagel-Gamm


	March is Women's History Month! IPTA is celebrating one of our transit leaders, Darian Nagel-Gamm, Director of Transportation Services in Iowa City.


	*What first drew you to a career in transit or public service?* As a cyclist and bike commuter for more than 20 years, I’ve always been deeply aware of how transportation systems influence people’s comfort and everyday mobility choices.


	That perspective has shaped my commitment to creating communities where walking, biking, and transit feel safe, convenient, and accessible for everyone. I believe daily travel should be reliable, affordable, and sustainable, and that transit is vital to making that possible. After spending the first decade of my career in telecommunications, I shifted to public service following my MS in Urban and Regional Planning. Since then, my work has centered on transportation planning and operations, where I’ve found real purpose in serving the public and helping shape systems that improve people’s daily lives *How has your organization adapted to recent changes?* This is a never-ending challenge! We've focused on strengthening our workforce, modernizing our equipment and facilities, and adjusting service to match evolving community needs. At the same time, we've taken a more strategic approach to funding and partnerships to keep service reliable and sustainable. We continue to invest in the system and infrastructure, applying novel strategies to help support the popular fare-free program. These efforts help us stay responsive while planning for long-term needs. *What excites you most about the future of public transportation?* There’s growing recognition that transit is essential to strong, equitable, economically vibrant, and sustainable communities. Municipal transit systems are also one of the most effective tools we have to combat climate change, and our importance will only continue to expand. I’m excited about opportunities to modernize infrastructure, adopt more sustainable technologies, and evolve service so it is fast, affordable, reliable, and welcoming. Maintaining fare‑free service long‑term is a high priority, and we’re eager to understand its long‑term impacts. I’m also excited to begin evaluating and improving all bus stops, upgrading the downtown Interchange, and developing a replacement facility that will significantly enhance service and amenities for the community.


	*SAVE THE DATE* IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference June 16-20, 2026 \| Prairie Meadows, Altoona, IA


	Save the date for the 2026 IPTA Annual Meeting & Training Conference! Every year, transit agency employees from across the state are invited to attend the IPTA Training Conference and Annual Meeting. This conference provides training on a variety of topics to benefit multiple staff positions such as transit leaders, managers, maintenance, drivers, administrators, and mobility coordinators. Stay tuned for more details to come.


	IPTA Annual Conference & Roadeo 📅June 16-20, 2026 📍Altoona, Iowa


	400 East Court Avenue, Suite 126 Phone: (515) 750-2197 www.iapublictransit.com If you would like to unsubscribe please click here

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