Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Inclusion Statement

HIRTA is committed to creating a safe and inclusive experience for all passengers. We will promote an environment reflective of our communities. Regardless of ability, background or personal circumstances, we will ensure all riders feel welcome and included with HIRTA. Come be yourself, ride together, and ride HIRTA.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Accessibility

Every effort is made to ensure that opportunities to participate are physically, geographically, and linguistically accessible.

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), HIRTA Public Transit will not discriminate and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities.

HIRTA Public Transit is required to make reasonable modifications or accommodations to our policies and practices to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to HIRTA’s transit programs and services.

Adaptation

HIRTA translates documents and public notices of changes to transit service or fares. HIRTA staff will utilize features such as Google Translate and multi-lingual staff from Iowa State Extension and/or College students who need community projects, to translate for eligible LEP language groups. HIRTA's LEP Plan is for persons who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English


HIRTA has a contractual relationship with “LanguageLink”, an available 24/7 State-of-the-art call center. You can find materials translated to Spanish on our policies page . Please reach out to us to request materials in a different language.


If someone is hearing impaired and would like to schedule a ride with HIRTA, they can use Relay Iowa:

7-1-1 (TTY)

1 (800) 735-2943 (Voice)

1 (800) 264-7190 (Voice - Spanish)

Transparency

HIRTA is committed to ensuring all citizens in our region, especially, low-income, people of color, and traditionally underserved populations have sufficient access to HIRTA meetings and are given every opportunity to voice their opinions.


As a recipient of federal funding and, pursuant to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI regulatory guidance and in the course of conducting public outreach and involvement, HIRTA will seek out and consider the viewpoints of people of color and low income populations, as well as individuals who do not fluently speak English.


HIRTA understands that decisions about budgets as well as reduction in services or increase in fares are of particular importance, and therefore HIRTA follows guidelines when considering such changes.

Training

All HIRTA staff will be provided a copy of the LEP Plan and educated on procedures to follow. This information will be part of the new hire orientation process. Training topics are listed below:


• Understanding the Title VI policy and LEP responsibilities


• What language assistance services HIRTA offers


• How to use the Language Line interpretation and translation services


• Documentation of language assistance requests


• How to handle a Title VI and/or LEP complaint


HIRTA held a virtual event demonstrating the need of inclusion in our communities, the workplace and transportation. For recordings and more information on Beyond the Bus: Inclusion Matters, click here.

HIRTA has a brochure detailing some of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. Click the button below to download the brochure.

Download HIRTA's DEI Brochure





HIRTA is committed to making everyone feel included. We have placed Safe Space stickers in our vehicles.


HIRTA vehicles are safe spaces. Racism, bigotry, or discrimination will not be tolerated.


If you see or experience discrimination of any sorts, please report it immediately to our Executive Director, Julia Castillo.


You can email her at jcastillo@ridehirta.com, call her at (515) 309-9281, or submit a completely anonymous tip by clicking here.

What we ask of you

To ensure we provide the best service and accommodate everyone regardless of abilities and circumstances, we will ask you to:


  • Tell us what we can do for you to help on future rides
  • Understand we’ll do our best to make necessary changes or modifications
  • Reach out to us if you have any concerns, comments or ideas to make HIRTA more inclusive
  • Treat fellow riders and drivers with respect


Contact us to discuss your personal situation.

The Statistics

An analysis of the data shows 94.81% of the HIRTA region speaks only English. 1.7% of the region speaks Spanish, 1.04% speaks Asian and Pacific Island languages, and .13% speaks other languages.





Table 1 shows the breakdown of race in the HIRTA region. Knowing and understanding the breakdown is important to make sure HIRTA operates as a company reflective of our communities.

NADTC's Transportation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative Lunch & Learn

HIRTA had the opportunity to speak at NADTC's Transportation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative Lunch and Learn Series.


In the webinar, Julia Castillo and Danny Schnathorst outline some of the DEI efforts HIRTA is implementing. Watch the recording to the right, or for more information, visit the NADTC website by clicking here.

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