Johnson County adds same-day on-demand service for SEATS paratransit

George Shillcock, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·2 min read

Johnson County is using a share of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to launch on-demand service for its paratransit system.

Johnson County's SEATS service will now offer same-day rides to Johnson County residents who do not have access to alternative forms of transportation. SEATS is the county's transit system that provides rides to senior citizens, people with disabilities and others who may otherwise find it difficult to keep doctor's appointments, shop at grocery stores or reach other vital destinations.

The county is allotting $673,000 over the next five years to the initiative. Previously, SEATS user had to schedule their rides up to 14 days in advance.

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Riders now will be able to schedule ride service from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, but must get a one-time referral through a local human services agency or Johnson County’s Mobility Coordinator before accessing the service.

How the new system will work

Using SEATS costs $5 each way. At the time of pickup, riders must provide either cash or an agency-issued ticket.

Once people are approved for the service, they can request rides by calling or texting the driver directly via a provided telephone number. Drivers are available to take reservations 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on recognized Johnson County holidays.

Approved human services agencies can purchase pre-paid single-trip tickets to distribute to clients directly from SEATS at 319-339-6128 or by emailing seatsarpa@johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

Who qualifies for SEATS on demand?

Johnson County residents are able to use this service if they meet at least one of the following criteria. They:

  • Reside outside of or are traveling to areas not served by public transit systems, including those offered by the cities of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, and the University of Iowa.

  • Have applied for and are awaiting approval for paratransit service.

  • Are residents of North Liberty or unincorporated Johnson County without access to transportation.

  • Have limited English proficiency.

  • Are experiencing a barrier to accessing transportation.

Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights, Johnson County and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments all contribute funds to the system.

George Shillcock is the Press-Citizen's local government and development reporter covering Iowa City and Johnson County. He can be reached at (319) 214-5039, GShillcock@press-citizen.com and on Twitter @ShillcockGeorge

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Johnson County uses ARPA funds for SEATS paratransit expansion