The DMAMPO Transit Roundtable serves as a forum to discuss transit-related topics of interest to the Des Moines metropolitan area and central Iowa, and makes recommendations on transit-related issues to the DMAMPO.

Transit Roundtable Mission Statement:
“To promote the expansion of a coordinated and comprehensive transit system that will increase the quality of life for central Iowa residents, reduce dependency on personal automobiles, and increase mobility for those who cannot or choose not to use other transportation modes, by identifying both short and long-term transit needs and deficiencies in central Iowa .”

Transit Roundtable Goals and Objectives:

To Improve Regional Coordination, Mobility, and Accessibility

• Determine needs related to service areas, service frequencies, hours of operation, and affordability
• Identify opportunities for coordination among transportation providers
• Identify existing and future transportation needs of people
• Educate the public of transportation options

To Identify Needed Transit System Improvements

• Identify existing and future transit facilities and systems
• Encourage the study and development of rapid transit systems

To Improve Transportation and Land-Use Coordination

• Develop long range transportation planning growth scenarios that are optimal for the expansion of the transit system
• Work with local governments to explore the implementation of Transit Oriented Developments and other transit-friendly land use practices

Topics discussed by the Transit Roundtable include the need for bicycle racks on buses, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, suburban park and ride lots, the Transit Element of the Year 2030 Long-Range Transportation Plan, the development of an intermodal transit facility for the Des Moines metropolitan area, and the development of an annual Passenger Transportation Development Plan. 

The DMAMPO Transit Roundtable includes representatives from local public and private transportation providers, human service agencies, local governments, and interested citizens.  Agencies represented include Creative Community Options, the Transportation Management Association, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA), the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Easter Seals, West Des Moines Human Services, Jefferson Bus Lines, Trans Iowa, Link Associates, Burlington Trailways, the Iowa Interstate Railroad, and Greyhound Bus Lines.

The Transit Roundtable has three subcommittee: the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG), the Coordination Subcommittee, and the Marketing Subcommittee.  The TAG is a steering committee responsible for the creation of the annual Passenger Transportation Development Plan. The Coordination Subcommittee is tasked with exploring coordination opporunities between transportation providesr and human service agencies. The Marketing Subcommittee works to raise public awareness of transportation options available in central Iowa.

The Transit Roundtable regularly meets on the third Wednesday of every-other month at 8:00 a.m. in the DMAMPO Meeting Room. The next Transit Roundtable meeting is schedule for April 16, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. in the DMAMPO Meeting Room. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Transit Roundtable Meeting Agendas

Transit Roundtable April 16, 2008, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable January 16, 2008, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable November 14, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable September 19, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable July 18, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable June 20, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable May 23, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable April 18, 2007, Meeting Agenda Addendum (PDF)

Transit Roundtable April 18, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable March 21, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable February 28, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Transit Roundtable January 31, 2007, Meeting Agenda (PDF)