Iowa City Public Library Celebrates Fare Free Iowa City Starting August 1

In honor of Fare Free Iowa City, the Iowa City Public Library is pleased to suspend its Summer Bus and Ride and Read programs which have provided free bus passes using your Iowa City Public Library card.

Fare Free Iowa City is an innovative two-year pilot program, making all rides on Iowa City buses absolutely free for everyone. For existing Iowa City Transit riders, this means hassle-free boarding without the need for transit passes or pocket change. 

"This initiative is a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and connected community," said Elsworth Carman, Director of the Iowa City Public Library. "With Fare Free Iowa City, access to the Library and its abundant resources becomes even more convenient for all residents and visitors. We are excited to see more Library patrons engaging with the world of ideas and knowledge through this accessible transit program."

The primary objective of the Fare Free Iowa City program is to evaluate the impact of free transit on the entire city, with the aim of improving access to safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation for everyone. This endeavor aligns perfectly with the Iowa City's ambitious Climate Action goals, which aim to reduce carbon emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through this collaboration, Iowa City Transit hopes to double ridership and shift 55% of vehicle trips to more sustainable modes of transportation, including transit.

"We encourage everyone to ride, read, and repeat, " said Sam Helmick, Community and Access Services Coordinator. "With this new opportunity, City Transit makes your imagination destination possible with free rides to the Iowa City Public Library whenever you like!"

To learn more about Downtown parking options and convenient bus routes to the Iowa City Public Library please visit: https://www.icpl.org/about/parking-and-bus-stops

The Iowa City Public Library serves as a public space, uniting people of all ages, providing access to information, connecting individuals with each other, and enriching the community through learning, literacy, and creativity.