Cedar Valley micro transit pilot receives $750,000 grant

WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) - A proposed on-demand public transit pilot serving Cedar Falls and Waterloo has received a $750,000 grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association.

The three-year micro transit program is a joint initiative of the two cities and MET Transit. The partners are working to secure a total of $4.6 million for the pilot, which would provide shared rides in areas that conventional bus routes cannot easily reach.

Unlike buses that follow fixed routes and schedules, micro transit would use smaller passenger vans to provide on-demand rides within designated zones. Riders could travel to their destinations or connect to MET Transit’s existing bus routes. Passenger fares are still being evaluated.

Emily Hanson, Executive Director of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, issued a statement on the new grant funding.

Hanson said, “Improving transportation access is a priority for the greater Cedar Valley community, and the BHCGA greatly values the collaboration and partnership between the Cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo in working together to develop a solution that best serves the needs of the entire Cedar Valley.”

Cedar Falls and Waterloo will be asked to contribute $471,875 and $502,625 as part of the project.

Businesses, organizations and donors interested in supporting the initiative or exploring employer transportation partnerships can contact Cedar Falls Community Development Director Stephanie Houk Sheetz at Stephanie.Sheetz@cedarfalls.com.