The Iowa Department of Transportation is looking to improve its park and ride system for commuters.
The Iowa DOT is holding seven public meetings throughout the state to gather input on how the park and ride system could be improved. Garrett Pedersen, Planning Team Leader for the Iowa DOT, says the goal is to encourage commuters to carpool or take alternative forms of transportation.
"And there are some ancillary benefits that come along with that, where more people carpooling and van-pooling reduces traffic congestion, reduces exposure to accidents, it reduces emissions and fuel. So those are the overriding goals of this effort."
There currently are 26 park and ride locations in Iowa, but Pedersen says there isn’t a system of coordinated facilities. Two are proposed for Council Bluffs.
The Iowa DOT is taking public comment through October 16th. You can submit feedback through a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ParkAndRide2014.