The neighboring cities of Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge and LeClaire are asking for public input on how to improve public transportation across Scott County.
The four partner communities are conducting the regional transit survey, funded by an Iowa Department of Transportation grant. The survey asks residents to share their experiences and ideas for how the region’s public transportation services can be optimized to better meet riders’ needs.
“As our communities grow and change, we recognize the needs of our riders may have changed,” Davenport Transit Division Manager Jeff Wolf said in a news release on Monday, June 1. “We want to hear from residents who would use public transportation if services better fit their schedules and destinations.”
The survey data will be compiled with ridership data, along with input from several focus groups planned over the past few months.
“This survey is a great opportunity for the public to let us know what is working well and also what needs to change,” said Austin Whelan, Bettendorf Transit manager. “We
want to hear from riders, non-riders, and potential riders as we plan for the future of transit here in Bettendorf and the greater region as a whole.”
The Iowa transit survey is now open and can be taken through Wednesday, June 30, at this survey link. Paper copies also are available at the Davenport Ground Transportation Center, 300 W. River Drive, or at the Davenport Public Works’ facility at 1200 E. 46th St.
As part of the study process, the four cities will host a series of public comment sessions prior to any changes being adopted by the transit systems.
Initial findings will be shared in a draft report by early 2027.
Similar study by MetroLINK
The survey comes as MetroLINK, Rock Island County’s transit district, also plans to study its own service and identify the future needs of its regular riders and potential riders.
MetroLINK CEO and Managing Director Benjamin Limmer recently told the QCBJ in a Q&A feature that MetroLINK will be conducting a transformational review of its existing service routes and schedules beginning this summer. The purpose, he said, “is to ensure our service is aligned with today’s workforce needs — getting people to jobs efficiently and reliably.”
Noting the survey of MetroLINK’s Iowa partners, he said “With this alignment, we have an opportunity to take a big step forward with how we move people in the region.”
To take the Iowa transit survey, visit here.
