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Lost something on public transport?

How to track down an item left on a bus, train, tram, or taxi by contacting the right transport operator.

Items left on buses, trains, trams, and taxis around Iowa City are usually handed in to the operator's lost property team — the trick is contacting the right one quickly.

  1. Identify the operator. Note the route, line, or company and the rough time. Each operator runs its own lost property process.
  2. Submit a lost property report. Use the operator's online form or phone line as soon as possible; recovered items are logged against your description.
  3. For taxis and rideshare, contact the driver or company directly through your booking or app receipt.
  4. Keep your reference. Save any report number so you can chase it up.
  5. Post a listing. Add a listing for Iowa City in case a fellow passenger picked it up.

Check the local transport resources below for the operators serving Iowa City.

Helpful resources for Iowa City

Recent reports in Iowa City

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Lost devices in Iowa City

Tuesday around 3:20 PM I was at the Pedestrian Mall by the Old Capitol, flipping through notes in the shade when my devices slipped out of my tote. I’m missing a black laptop and a small tablet, both with battered cases. I remember sitting on a bench by the Pentacrest, the Old Capitol rising in the distance, and then rushing to catch a bus. My heart sank when I realized they weren’t in my bag. If someone turned them in, I’d be incredibly grateful to have them back.

Near the Pentacrest, by the Old Capitol 3 days ago
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Lost microwaves near Old Capitol

Hi, I’m Priya Patel. I lost a couple of microwaves today around 3:15 p.m. on the Pedestrian Mall by the Old Capitol building in Iowa City. I’d set them down on a chair by College Street while I grabbed a quick coffee, and a few minutes later a burst of student traffic moved through and they disappeared. Moves are tight as I’m moving into a new apartment this week, so I’m hoping someone found them and kept them safe. The box contained two compact units; one is white with a chipped corner and the other is stainless steel.

Near the Old Capitol, College Street Ped Mall. 6 days ago
lost A

Lost GPS device near downtown Iowa City

I lost my GPS device last Friday around 7:45 p.m. after I grabbed a coffee at Java House near the Main Library. I retraced my steps along the Pentacrest and back toward the pedestrian bridge by the Iowa River, but I can't shake the feeling that it slipped from my shoulder bag somewhere along the path. It's a small black device in a blue neoprene sleeve with a red carabiner clip. I rely on it almost daily for getting to campus meetings and campus events, and losing it has me anxious about getting to where I need to be. If someone happened to pick it up and keep it safe, I’m hoping it finds its way back.

Near the Main Library on the Pentacrest 15 days ago
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Lost sculptures near Old Capitol, Iowa City

I was putting the finishing touches on a small sculpture display outside the Old Capitol in downtown Iowa City around 9:15 this morning when I discovered two pieces were missing from my crate. I walked along the Pedestrian Mall and checked the nearby shops, but I couldn’t find them. The sculptures are about 10 inches tall, one carved with a curled sheep motif and the other a smooth abstract form, both bearing my initials. It would mean the world to have them back—those pieces hold years of work and a piece of my heart.

Old Capitol, downtown Iowa City 22 days ago
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Lost postcards in downtown Iowa City

I spent Saturday afternoon at the Iowa City Farmers Market, scribbling notes on a stack of postcards to mail to family abroad. Around 4:15 p.m., I set the pile down on a bench near the Old Capitol, then wandered to check out a vendor's stalls. When I looked back, the postcards were gone. Some show the Iowa River from Court Street; others capture our group in front of the campus bookstore. They carry memories from trips and a few kind words I meant to send. If someone found them, I’d be grateful to get them back.

near the Old Capitol, Court Street, Iowa City 22 days ago
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Lost DVDs in Iowa City

Saturday at about 1:30 pm, I realized my DVDs were missing after I left the Iowa City Public Library and walked toward the Pedestrian Mall near the Pentacrest. I had tucked them in a red tote while chatting with friends on the Library Lawn, and I must have dropped them somewhere along the sidewalk. They’re a handful of sci-fi titles in a red case, nothing flashy but they matter to me. I’m hoping someone honest picked them up and that the campus lost-and-found or the library will get them back to me.

near the Old Capitol lawn, downtown Iowa City 23 days ago