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Residents urge city action after HERA transit cuts; council hears requests for data and funding talks
Summary
Several Indianola residents told the council that a local transit provider (HERA) is cutting service days, affecting seniors, people with medical needs, parents of preschoolers and families with autistic children and asked the city to engage with the provider and local nonprofits to explore funding or operational fixes.
At the start of the June 1 Indianola City Council meeting, several residents raised concerns about cuts to HERA transit service that they said will reduce rides from multiple weekdays to only Monday and Friday.
"They're going to reduce the days that they operate from Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to just Monday and Friday because of financial abilities," Anthony Alexander told the council, adding he relies on the bus for medical trips and shopping. "I'm 70 years old. I'm a Vietnam veteran. This is important to me." (Anthony Alexander, public comment)
Other speakers described similar reliance. Lois Taber, a volunteer at a local service organization, said parents of autistic children and preschool families depend on HERA. Sue Wilson asked the council to request details from HERA about how ridership data were collected and to involve community partners in funding conversations. "We've been a community partner and yet have not been engaged in any communications with HERA," she said.
Pam Peterson said service cuts have forced her son to reduce his work hours; she described personal medical limitations and said the loss of a Tuesday run is unfair to riders who depend on the service.
Council members did not take formal action at the meeting but acknowledged the comments, and staff later discussed opportunities for outreach. Staff noted they had received some information from Mr. Armstrong and Stephanie Ericson (staff collaborators) and that additional details would be gathered. Several speakers asked that HERA meet with community nonprofits and the city to review ridership data and funding options.
What residents asked the city to do: request HERA's ridership and data‑collection methodology, convene community partners and HERA, and explore local funding options or partnerships to maintain service availability for medical trips, work and school transportation.
Next steps: Council did not vote on this at the meeting. Staff and council members signaled they would gather more information and consider outreach; residents requested follow‑up.
