(Atlantic) Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) wants the community to know that public transit is growing in rural Southwest Iowa.
SWITA Communications Coordinator Chris Parks told KSOM News that the national narrative on public transportation is not applicable to rural areas like Atlantic.
A huge contrast between transit in rural and urban areas is the flexibility of routes.
Another large variable for these areas is funding. SWITA Transit Director Mark Lander said “Urban areas rely on a lot of fixed routes and funding from fares and local taxes. We offer more flexible options and funding comes from the federal and state level.”
While Urban numbers are diminishing, SWITA had a record 526,300 riders in fiscal year 2023. SWITA also received an award in September from the Federal Transit Administration Region 7. This award was for the highest rural transit ridership in Iowa for the fiscal year 2022. As SWITA continues to thrive, Parks explains why he believes urban public transit is dwindling.
SWITA achieved a cost average of $9.12 per ride, just about $3 less than the next closest region and nearly $12 less than the state average of $20.87. Parks also wants the community to understand that transportation is accessible to everyone.
SWITA transportation offers pricing starting at $2.50 per trip, with a discount for elderly clients (ages 60 years or older) at $2. Medical Trips cost $30 per hour, as well as other special trips are $40 per hour. Summer Fun Bus Rides charge $1 per trip, or $40 for the entire summer. SWITA is based in Atlantic, but serves 8 Southwest Iowa counties. If you have any questions or want to request a ride, contact SWITA at 712-243-2518 or 1-800-842-8065.
