News

2025: A Year of Connection and Progress

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:10:05 GMT

2025: A Year of Connection and Progress

Dear Riders, Supporters, and Community Partners,

As we move forward into another year of service, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything we accomplished together in 2025. This year was about growth, collaboration, and ensuring the future of public transit in our region remains strong. To everyone who contributes to HIRTA's success and keeps our mission alive, thank you for your ongoing support.

Our mission remains to provide safe, reliable, and customer-focused transportation that supports independence and livability throughout central Iowa. Every driver, every dispatcher, every ride, and every community partner plays a role in advancing that mission. It is the passion of our staff and the trust of our riders that fuel our efforts to keep improving and breaking down transportation barriers wherever they exist.

In 2025, we are proud to share the progress we made:

Strengthening the Future of Rural Transit: HIRTA partnered with Iowa State University’s Institute for Transportation to address long term funding challenges and sustainability for rural mobility. A regional kickoff meeting in January brought together healthcare providers, economic development leaders, state and local officials, and community members to identify solutions that ensure public transit remains strong for years to come.
Supporting Healthcare Access: Building on the success of the Health Connector program, we expanded access to healthcare navigation tools throughout Dallas County. Riders use kiosks, supportive scheduling features, and accessibility technology designed to reduce missed appointments and help people get the care they need without added stress. We have submitted a grant to expand this, and are hopeful to bring Health Connector to additional communities.
Growing Community Impact through Volunteering: Our HIRTA Helps volunteer program continued to expand throughout the region. Volunteers provided transportation, connection, and support to residents in need. Whether it was ensuring access to nutrition or offering a friendly ride to dialysis, volunteers helped neighbors stay active and independent.
Planning for a More Sustainable Fleet: HIRTA continued advancing plans to introduce electric and hybrid vehicles. These efforts guide us toward a future that reduces operating costs, extends the life of transit services in rural communities, and maintains reliable access for riders.
Advocating for Rural Voices: HIRTA continued to meet with policymakers and community leaders to champion fair and stable transit funding. Our advocacy ensured that the unique needs of rural Iowa remain a priority as statewide and national funding decisions are made.
Community Support and Service Delivery: We continued to be there for the moments that matter most. Trips to work, school, medical appointments, family visits, and essential services remained at the heart of what we do. Every ride represents a person pursuing their goals and living their life to the fullest.
Service Growth: We are proud of the work we accomplished across our seven-county region. Here is a look at this years’ service impact:
120,353 rides completed
3,180 unique riders served
48,324 hours of driving time

Most importantly, we never lost sight of why we are here. Every decision made and every improvement implemented was guided by the question: Are we helping people continue to live their best lives? The answer again this year is yes.

To HIRTA’s Board, thank you for your continued dedication and forward-thinking leadership. Your support helps ensure that community transportation remains strong, resilient, and ready for the future.

And to you, our riders, partners, and community advocates, we are grateful you choose HIRTA to be part of your life. It is truly our honor to serve you.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead.

All my best,
Julia Castillo
Chief Executive Officer

HIRTA Announces Proposed Fare Increase to Address Rising Costs and Budget Deficit

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 06 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

HIRTA Announces Proposed Fare Increase to Address Rising Costs and Budget Deficit

The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) has announced a proposed fare increase from $2.50 to $3.00 for in-town trips and $5.00 to $6.00 for in-county trips, effective July 1, 2025, in response to rising operational costs and a projected budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year.

“HIRTA remains committed to providing safe, accessible, and reliable transportation across our region,” said Julia Castillo, Executive Director of HIRTA. “However, escalating insurance premiums, vehicle maintenance costs, and other essential expenses have outpaced our current funding. This fare adjustment is necessary to help maintain service levels and continue meeting the mobility needs of our communities.”

The proposed fare increase will be open for public review and comment. In accordance with HIRTA’s Public Participation Process, members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the proposed fare increase. Interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearing and/or submit written comments. All feedback will be presented to the HIRTA Board of Directors for consideration prior to a final decision.

“We understand that any increase in cost can impact our riders, and this decision is not taken lightly,” Castillo added. “Our goal is to ensure long-term sustainability so we can continue serving the people who depend on us every day.”

Written comments must be submitted by Monday, June 16th and may be submitted by mail or email to:

2824 104th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
Email: info@ridehirta.com

Public Hearing:

A Public Hearing will be held where the HIRTA Board of Directors will consider the proposed fare increase and all public input received.

Date: June 26, 2025
Time: 9am
Location: Find Zoom information available at www.RideHIRTA.com/board

All HIRTA Board meetings are open to the public, including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact HIRTA at least two business days in advance of the meeting.

For more information, please call 1 (877) 686-0029.

HIRTA to Begin Transit Service for Grimes Residents

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 20:00:00 GMT

HIRTA to Begin Transit Service for Grimes Residents

The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) is proud to announce a new partnership with the City of Grimes to provide transit services for its residents. The Grimes City Council approved the agreement on March 25 ^th , 2025, with service set to begin on June 16 ^th , 2025.

“We are excited to bring our services to Grimes and ensure residents have access to reliable, accessible, and affordable transportation,” said Julia Castillo, HIRTA’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to support independence and mobility for all, and we look forward to working with the community to provide a seamless transit option.”

HIRTA is currently reaching out to existing and potential riders in Grimes to coordinate services and ensure a smooth transition. In addition, HIRTA is partnering with Grimes Volunteer Support Services (GVSS), a local volunteer program with 70 dedicated volunteers who assist more than 210 residents with transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events, library visits, and more.

HIRTA is committed to making this transition as seamless as possible for Grimes residents. HIRTA will provide outreach and education on how to access services, including rider guides, informational sessions, and personalized assistance for those new to the system. By working closely with the City of Grimes and community partners like GVSS, HIRTA aims to enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for residents who rely on public transit.

May is Youth on Transportation Safety Month

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:28:06 GMT

May is Youth on Transportation Safety Month

This month, HIRTA is joining transit agencies and other members of the transportation industry across North America for Youth on Transportation Safety Month, a campaign dedicated to educating youth and parents about human trafficking in age-appropriate ways. The month is hosted by TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking), a national nonprofit committed to to educating, equipping, empowering and mobilizing members of key industries and agencies to combat human trafficking. To date, TAT has trained over 2 million members of the transportation industry with free, industry-specific anti-trafficking resources.

Human trafficking is a global crime in which people are bought and sold for forced labor or commercial sex. Traffickers use violence, manipulation and false promises of work opportunities or romance to lure, control and exploit their victims. It’s an unfortunate reality that human trafficking happens here in our communities and, while that might be scary or sad to think about, the good news is that anyone can get educated and take action.

“Creating innovative solutions to combat human trafficking in the transportation industry is deeply important to us, and the Youth on Transportation Initiative serves as a shining example of that creativity,” says TAT Executive Director Esther Goetsch. “Through this initiative, and with the support of our dedicated transportation and public sector partners, we believe that more young people in diverse communities across our country will be better safeguarded from exploitation as they travel throughout their day.”

HIRTA has partnered with TAT for over five years now on transit-focused anti-trafficking initiatives, including providing human trafficking training for employees and displaying public awareness materials throughout the years. This month, you may notice posters on HIRTA buses that highlight the Youth on Transportation Safety Month campaign and share resources available for youth and parents to learn more about the issue and how they can get involved.

• Learn more about TAT’s Youth on Transportation Initiative here: www.tatnonprofit.org/youth-on-transportation .

• Access resources for youth: www.tatnonprofit.org/youth

• Access resources for parents: www.tatnonprofit.org/parents

Volunteer Spotlight - Linda Akwa

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:14:25 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Akwa

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a retired teacher who moved back to this area (where I grew up) in 2021. I volunteer for HIRTA as well has working a part time job for Christian Opportunity Center.

Why do you volunteer?

Over the years, I have learned that I find joy in helping others. When I was working 40+ hours a week, I had neither the time nor energy to provide rides for others. Also, I want to continue to do things that benefit society and my community..

Why did you choose to volunteer with HIRTA Helps?

I wanted to take a part time job, and I considered working for HIRTA. Unfortunately, because I was drawing retirement for teaching, I could not take a county job for several months. It was suggested I volunteer, so I decided to do that.

What has been your favorite part of being a volunteer?

I have enjoyed meeting and helping many different people.

What is your favorite story of a time you helped someone?

Once I had a lady I was driving to two separate appointments. Since we had quite a bit of time between them, we went to the Cracker Barrel and enjoyed lunch together.

What would you say to people who might be on the fence about volunteering through HIRTA Helps?

Oh, please do volunteer. You get to meet people you might not otherwise. You get to help others. You are needed! We all need help some time. I hope when I need assistance, there is something like HIRTA to help me!

2024: A Year in Review

jcastillo@ridehirta.com (Julia Castillo) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:21:24 GMT

2024: A Year in Review

To Our Valued HIRTA Communities:

As we close the book on 2024, I find myself reflecting on what an extraordinary year it has been. This reflection is not just about what we’ve achieved but about the people, connections, and stories that shaped our journey. To everyone who has supported HIRTA—our riders, team members, community partners, and advocates—thank you for being a part of this year’s success.

Every day, we remain driven by our mission to provide safe, reliable, and customer-focused transportation. Whether it is ensuring riders can attend vital appointments, helping workers reach their jobs, or offering a way for families to connect with loved ones, we see firsthand how transportation fosters independence and builds stronger communities. Every ride is a step toward a more inclusive and connected region.

It is the dedication and passion of the entire HIRTA team that make all of this possible. Their commitment to making a difference inspires me every day. The knowledge that our work helps people live their best lives fuels our drive to keep improving, no matter the challenges we face.

In the course of 2024, we achieved noteworthy milestones:

Health Connector: HIRTA launched the Health Connector initiative making it easier for Dallas County residents to access healthcare. HIRTA's Health Connector, developed through a U.S. Department of Transportation pilot, bridges the gap between transportation and healthcare access with innovative features like kiosks, wayfinding apps, and a seamless booking system. Learn how this program is enhancing independence, reducing barriers, and setting a new standard for inclusive care: www.RideHIRTA.com/ITS4US .

Expanded HIRTA’s volunteer program: In November 2021, HIRTA launched RSVP, which has now been transformed into HIRTA Helps. This past year, HIRTA Helps volunteers provided 773 trips to 69 different riders. These included trips to life-sustaining treatments, the grocery store, or simply getting people out and about in their community. The user-friendly www.HIRTAHelps.org now has the volunteer application online and allows volunteers to easily sign up for opportunities.

Celebrated inclusivity: HIRTA was recognized with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workplace Excellence Award in the Medium Business category by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. The award celebrates organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to creating inclusive environments within Central Iowa. HIRTA is honored to be among such distinguished awardees. To learn more about HIRTA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, visit www.RideHIRTA.com/DEI .

Expanding Transportation Services: HIRTA was awarded a grant from the DOT’s ICAM Pilot Program, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding will enhance transportation across HIRTA's region by upgrading scheduling software, adding new hybrid vehicles, and funding a Mobility Manager position. These improvements will boost service reliability, expand capacity, and increase accessibility for all riders. Read more: www.RideHIRTA.com/icam-grant

Supporting Communities: HIRTA provided a complimentary shuttle to the Perry Job Fair for the impending closure of the Tyson plant, ensuring access to employment opportunities. The shuttle made stops at key points around town, with door-to-door service made available for those who need it. We stood together as a community during this transition period.

Emerging Leaders: Two HIRTA staff members attended CTAA's Emerging Leaders Academy in Washington D.C. After a week-long leadership course, participants took on the House and Senate, pushing for better Rural Match funding, improved NEPA processes and more. Learn more: www.RideHIRTA.com/HIRTA-ELA .

Beyond the Bus: For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, HIRTA brought back our annual Beyond the Bus event in person. Beyond the Bus: Rural Mobility Solutions discussed strategies to address unique challenges rural communities face that can significantly impact access to essential services, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life. This conference brought together rural development experts, transportation planners, community leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate on building more accessible, sustainable, and resilient transportation systems in rural areas. You can view the presentations by visiting www.RideHIRTA.com/BeyondTheBus .

Service growth: HIRTA was able to accommodate 95% of trips requested! We’re happy we were able to help so many of our community members and hope to grow even more in 2025. Here are some stats from the last year:
115,471 rides
3,077 unique riders
46,400 hours of driving time
98.1% of app users rated their trip 5 stars

As we look ahead, we’re excited about what the future holds. In 2025, we aim to explore new technologies, expand our volunteer efforts, and lay the groundwork for introducing electric vehicles into our fleet. These steps are part of our ongoing effort to provide even better service while keeping sustainability and innovation at the forefront. If you are curious about our goals for the future, please explore our 2023-2033 Strategic Plan .

To our Board, whose steadfast support and forward-thinking ideas continue to guide us, thank you for believing in HIRTA’s mission and vision. Your resilience and commitment to progress make all the difference.

And to you, our riders and partners, thank you for trusting HIRTA to be part of your lives. It is a privilege to serve each of our communities, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you. May 2025 bring health, happiness, and new opportunities for all.

All my best,

Julia Castillo

Executive Director

Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth

bramsey@ridehirta.com (Brooke Ramsey) — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 21:23:14 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer as a way to give back to the community.

Why did you choose to volunteer with HIRTA Helps?

I chose HIRTA Helps because I enjoy driving, plus it doesn’t require any special skills. I’m glad I’m able to help people get to doctor appointments which can make the stress of dealing with medical issues a little easier.

What has been your favorite part of being a volunteer?

My favorite part of volunteering is the people. I get to meet fun and interesting people, everyone has a story to tell.

What is your favorite story of a time you helped someone?

My favorite story was when I was asked to drive a neighbor to an appointment. We’d never met as I was new to the area. He had tried to meet me before and had even stopped by my house, but, unfortunately, I wasn’t home. After I picked him up and told him where I lived, he just lit up and started chatting away. I learned a lot about the local area from him, very nice man.

What would you say to people who might be on the fence about volunteering through HIRTA Helps?

Please join the team. Sometimes people have times in their lives, for one reason or another, they can’t drive. It’s such a needed service and everyone I’ve driven has been very thankful.

Thanks, Elizabeth, for being a leader in your community! If you're interested in volunteering with HIRTA Helps, visit www.HIRTAHelps.org or contact our Volunteer Coordinator .

Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency Honored for DEI Excellence in Medium Business Category

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:05:21 GMT

Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency Honored for DEI Excellence in Medium Business Category

Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workplace Excellence Award in the Medium Business category by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. This accolade will be presented at the fourth annual DEI Workplace Excellence Awards event on September 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Community Choice Convention Center.

The award celebrates organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to creating inclusive environments within Central Iowa. HIRTA is honored to be among such distinguished awardees.

Julia Castillo, Executive Director of HIRTA, stated, "The team at HIRTA is deeply honored to receive this recognition for its dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace. This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the employees, who strive daily to ensure that everyone in the community feels valued and respected. HIRTA is excited to share its story and inspire others to continue making strides toward greater equity and inclusion."

In addition to the award presentation, the event promises a night of celebration, learning, and growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live music, multicultural appetizers, and networking with hundreds of community leaders who are equally committed to DEI excellence.

Julia Castillo added, "The organization looks forward to celebrating this achievement with the community and continuing its mission to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work."

To learn more about HIRTA’s DEI initiatives, please visit the website at www.RideHIRTA.com/DEI .

Information and tickets to the event are available at https://wdmchamber.org/dei-awards .

HIRTA Partners with Dallas County Hospital for Health Connector Initiative

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:49:03 GMT

HIRTA Partners with Dallas County Hospital for Enhanced Healthcare Accessibility through Health Connector Initiative

HIRTA is proud to announce its collaboration with Dallas County Hospital as part of the Health Connector initiative, supported through the U.S. Department of Transportation's ITS4US Deployment Program, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for underserved communities. Through this partnership, HIRTA and Dallas County Hospital are working together to integrate appointment scheduling with transportation services, ensuring equitable access to healthcare options for all residents, particularly people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, those who are low income, and those with limited English proficiency.

Part of the collaboration is the installation of a dedicated kiosk within Dallas County Hospital, providing individuals with a convenient, accessible platform to book Health Connector trips. Eligible individuals can use the HIRTA On Demand app or the web portal to schedule their trips, with the option of accessing the kiosk located in the hospital for added convenience.

In addition to the streamlined booking process, HIRTA and Dallas County Hospital are implementing NaviLens within the hospital and HIRTA vehicles. The NaviLens technology offers smartphone-based directions with auditory read-outs, aiding individuals who are blind or low vision. Users can download the NaviLens or NaviLens GO app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to access this tool.

"The Health Connector initiative embodies our mission of ensuring no individual is left behind when it comes to accessing essential services," said Brooke Ramsey, Business Manager at HIRTA. "We are thrilled to partner with Dallas County Hospital to extend the reach of the Health Connector and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. NaviLens represents a significant step forward in our efforts to make healthcare facilities more inclusive and accessible to all individuals. By placing NaviLens codes within key areas of the hospital and on HIRTA vehicles, we are empowering individuals with visual disabilities to navigate healthcare with independence."

As part of HIRTA’s commitment to inclusivity, the HIRTA On Demand app supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin, while the online booking portal offers translation support for 133 languages through Google Translate.

The partnership between HIRTA and Dallas County Hospital demonstrates a shared dedication to improving healthcare access and addressing the unique needs of underserved communities within Dallas County.

For more information about the Health Connector initiative and updates, please visit the Health Connector website or contact Brooke Ramsey at bramsey@ridehirta.com .

HIRTA Awarded $441,096 ICAM Grant to Expand Transportation Services Across Seven Iowa Counties

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:51:16 GMT

HIRTA Awarded $441,096 ICAM Grant to Expand Transportation Services Across Seven Iowa Counties

The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) has received a $441,096 grant from the Department of Transportation’s Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) Pilot Program. This funding, made possible through the Senator Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will be administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The grant will significantly enhance transportation services across Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren counties.

HIRTA will leverage the ICAM grant to upgrade its on-demand scheduling software, purchase new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and funding for a Mobility Manager position. These initiatives will improve service reliability, expand capacity, and increase accessibility, particularly for older adults and riders with disabilities.

“Strong transportation options boost communities and local economies. These federal resources will help improve Iowa’s transit system and ensure Iowans have access to reliable transportation,” Senator Chuck Grassley said . “I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with Iowa’s future in mind and I’m glad to see our great state continue to benefit.”

HIRTA will purchase 12 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to support growing ridership and reduce the organization's carbon footprint. These vehicles will be used for ambulatory riders, freeing up wheelchair-accessible vehicles for those in need. This move aligns with HIRTA's commitment to environmental sustainability and the Iowa DOT's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HIRTA anticipates several positive outcomes from these initiatives, including an increase in the number of people served through reduced vehicle wait times, improved on-time performance, and enhanced vehicle utilization. By expanding spontaneous transit access and reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, HIRTA aims to improve the region's economic strength, community health, and safety while restoring ridership to pre-pandemic levels.

“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to expand our services and improve the quality of life for the residents in our region,” said Julia Castillo, Executive Director of HIRTA. “This grant will enable us to invest in innovative technology, environmentally sustainable vehicles, and dedicated personnel to better serve our communities, especially older adults and riders with disabilities. We extend our gratitude to the Iowa Department of Transportation and Senator Grassley's office for their invaluable support in securing this funding.”

HIRTA staff members traveled to Washington D.C. for the Emerging Leaders Academy

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Wed, 01 May 2024 14:52:58 GMT

HIRTA staff members traveled to Washington D.C. for the Emerging Leaders Academy

Two HIRTA staff members attended CTAA's Emerging Leaders Academy in Washington D.C. After a week-long leadership course, participants took on the House and Senate, pushing for better Rural Match funding, improved NEPA processes and more. To learn more about CTAA, visit www.CTAA.org . If you have any questions, please reach out .

CTAA's 2024 Legislative and Federal Policy Priorities:

(*denotes a HIRTA priority)

* Maintain full funding for FTA formula grant programs as authorized in IIJA.
* Provide 80 percent federal share for all FTA formula grants, regardless of whether these grants are providing operating or capital assistance to public transit providers.
Create a tier of supplemental Section 5311 funding to be awarded on a STIC-like basis to states in which rural transit providers exceed selected performance benchmarks.
Assure that FTA recipients and subrecipients can retain all of the proceeds from the sale or disposition of vehicles acquired with FTA financial assistance when they commit to using these proceeds for capital replacement.
Set aside a percentage of Section 5339 bus and bus facility grants, including Section 5339(c) low-and no-emission bus and bus facility grants, for award to tribal nations' bus, bus facilities, and "low/no" projects.
* Make the Internal Revenue Code's charitable mileage rate for volunteer drivers the same as the mileage rate for non-taxed reimbursable business travel, and adjust the charitable mileage rate annually, just like the business rate.
Have FTA establish a public interest waiver from Buy America for standard production vans and minivans, including vans and minivans modified solely to become accessible to wheelchair-using passengers, provided that the final assembly of these vans and minivans takes place in the US, Canada or Mexico.
Develop criteria for identifying particular states and urban areas with exceptionally low numbers of COL-holding drivers as "transportation professional shortage areas," and give FTA authority to consider waiving any or all provisions at 49 USC Section as requested by FTA recipients in those areas.
* Require FTA to identify the scope of data collection and reporting requirements currently placed upon its rural, tribal and smaller urban transit recipients, and mandate that no additional data collection or reporting requirements be placed on these transit providers until or unless existing requirements are streamlined, simplified or reduced.
* Have DOT and HHS take steps to accelerate the implementation of saliva-based testing for marijuana among employers and employees covered by federally required transportation workforce drug and alcohol testing regulations.
Call upon FTA to allow (and provide guidance concerning) advance and progress-based payments for vehicle procurements likely to take 13 months or more to fulfill, and establish mechanisms by which FTA can allow the use of performance bonds to assure timely, cost-compliant production and delivery of transit vehicles.
* Change DOT NEPA guidelines to allow FTA recipients to acquire the real estate for bus related facilities prior to beginning the environmental assessment process.
Provide technical assistance and financial incentives to advance the deployment of charging infrastructure for electric medium-and heavy-duty buses, trucks and heavy equipment where appropriate in smaller communities and rural areas, particularly to enable coordination and partnerships between local utilities, transit agencies, local public works agencies and other fleet operators.
Establish a program of FTA formula grants14 specifically for tribal nations' transit projects on reservations and tribal lands in urban areas with populations greater than 50,000.

Bus and Vehicle Issues

Today's Reality: At a time of record capital investment, transit buses and vehicles are more expensive and difficult to obtain than at any time in the past three decades.

Prices have skyrocketed, with systems regularly seeing 50% to 100% increases in cost over previous purchases. Prices are currently so volatile that agreements with manufacturers often are not honored. CTAA members have reported more than $100,000 price increases on the same bus in just six months-- and battery electric versions of vehicles going for more than triple what previous combustion-engine versions cost.

The challenge in meeting the capital capacity demands of public transit is real. In the past decade in the United States, the large bus marketplace has gone from 11 manufacturers down to 2. In 25 years, the cutaway marketplace has gone from 22 manufacturers to 4.

Priority consideration given to competitive bus grants that emphasize progress and partial payments will hinder many rural transit operations, whose proposals must come through their state Department of Transportation. These DOTs are often subject to state procurement rules prohibiting such payments.

CTAA members buying large buses are concerned that in a constrained bus manufacturing environment, their smaller-volume purchases will go unfulfilled as higher volume orders from the largest transit systems take precedence on production lines.

For both the large and small bus markets, CTAA and its members would like the Asset Management Plans required of all FTA recipients to be studied in order to understand the minimum number of buses needed annually to maintain a state of good repair in the transit industry; evaluating whether or not the current vehicle manufacturers can meet this minimum production amount only after this essential analysis.

CTAA and its members support all efforts to streamline and simplify the procurement process, as well as the development and use of common, performance-based bus specifications that include approved alternatives.

In terms of reducing bus procurement specialization across both large and small vehicles, CTAA and its members are interested in further dialogue. Price decreases and reduced delivery times are necessary for CTAA members to proceed with this discussion.

CTAA and its members would like to see a common-sense approach brought to Buy America waivers currently being considered. The Transit Industry needs to attract new manufacturers into the small and large bus marketplaces, strategically leveraging Buy America waivers that can result in new Buy America-compliant bus builders should be emphasized.

Volunteer Spotlight - Cindy M.

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 20:35:16 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight - Cindy M.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

As a retiree, I live with my husband outside of Indianola on an acreage. We have several dogs and 2 cats.

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer to stay active, something to do as sometimes I get bored now that I’m retired. I like to socialize, keep busy, and also feel helpful.

Why did you choose to volunteer with HIRTA Helps?

I attended an Open House at the Indianola Senior Center when they were highlighting different ways to volunteer. I found out about HIRTA, thought it sounded interesting. I called and checked into it and the rest is history, lol.

What has been your favorite part of being a volunteer?

I like to be helpful, visiting with others and the riders; they enjoy telling me about themselves and stories, very interesting. We have a fun drive and interesting conversation.

What is your favorite story of a time you helped someone?

I can’t think of a favorite story, every driving trip is interesting and enjoyable to me.

What would you say to people who might be on the fence about volunteering through HIRTA Helps?

I would encourage others to give HIRTA a chance, it’s very interesting and very important to our riders. It helps to stay active, getting out and about. You can receive mileage reimbursement, also, if you choose.

Thanks, Cindy, for being a leader in your community! If you're interested in volunteering with HIRTA Helps, visit www.HIRTAHelps.org or contact our Volunteer Coordinator .

2023: HIRTA's Year in Review

jcastillo@ridehirta.com (Julia Castillo) — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:35:37 GMT

2023: HIRTA's Year in Review

To Our Valued HIRTA Communities:

As we step into the promising horizon of 2024, I am filled with gratitude and excitement as I reflect on the journey we have shared in the past year. On behalf of the entire HIRTA team, I extend heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support that has allowed us to continue serving you, your friends, your loved ones, and our communities.

HIRTA’s mission is to provide customer-focused community transportation with a commitment to excellence in safety and service promoting independent lifestyles for central Iowa residents. Our goal each year is to make sure we take a step towards our mission and vision. So, did we provide the best service possible to our communities? And did we make a positive impact on the people we serve? The answer to both is yes, and we loved every second of it.

I take immense pride in the dedication and passion exhibited by the entire HIRTA team. Their tireless efforts ensure that everyone in our communities has equal access to public transit. It is the knowledge that our work contributes to enabling people to live their best lives that fuels our determination and resilience, allowing us to provide essential services within our region.

In the course of 2023, we achieved noteworthy milestones:

Introduced new vehicles to our fleet: HIRTA acquired new Ford Transits which replaces some older buses, enhances efficiency, and promotes inclusivity with our message "For anyone for any reason." This was made possible through Iowa DOT, with financial support from the Federal Transit Administration and local matching funds.

Expanded HIRTA’s volunteer program: In November 2021, HIRTA launched RSVP, which has now been transformed into HIRTA Helps. We also launched a new software and website for streamlined volunteer matching. HIRTA Helps includes programs in Madison, Marion, Boone, Dallas, and Warren counties, addressing companionship, nutrition, and transportation needs. The user-friendly www.HIRTAHelps.org now has the volunteer application online and allows volunteers to easily sign up for opportunities.

Enhanced inclusivity: HIRTA introduced an online ride scheduling feature, made possible by a grant from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC). The implementation grant, awarded earlier this year, aimed to address the needs of underserved populations and advance HIRTA’s inclusion efforts. This new feature enables riders to schedule trips in over 100 languages. To learn more about HIRTA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, visit www.RideHIRTA.com/DEI .

Introduction of HIRTA Flex in Perry: HIRTA Flex launched in Perry with Iowa DOT funding, offering rides available at designated stops. It aims to improve access to various services, providing participants who completed a lifestyle questionnaire with free rides for a year. AARP's support funded benches and signage. Explore details at www.RideHIRTA.com/Flex .

Secured Funding for Low-Emission Bus and Bus Facilities: Iowa DOT secured an FTA grant for low-emission buses, part of President Biden's $3.3 billion transit investment. HIRTA, receiving a $6.1 million grant, will acquire new electric vehicles and a new Administration and Maintenance facility. The project aims to cut emissions and enhance transit services.

Service growth: We completed 99,536 rides in 52 total vehicles, had 2,641 active riders, and 57,321 hours of total driving time!

Most importantly, we have continued to fulfill our mission of getting people where they need to go. From trips to the food pantry and life-sustaining treatments to church visits, connecting with loved ones, pharmacy visits, work commutes, and beyond – every minute and every mile has been a rewarding journey.

Our gratitude extends to every rider, driver, employee, and community member who has played a role, big or small, in supporting HIRTA. As we look toward the future, exciting innovations are on the horizon. We hope to introduce electric vehicles soon, grow our volunteer program, and leverage technology to be more efficient and continue to provide the best service possible. If you are curious about our goals for the future, please explore our 2023-2033 Strategic Plan .

I extend my deepest appreciation to our remarkable Board for their active engagement and forward-thinking approach. Their resilience during challenging times and their commitment to innovative service have been instrumental in our success.

Thank you for trusting us to be your transportation provider. As we embark on the journey ahead, may 2024 bring safety, fulfillment, and happiness to all.

All my best,

Julia Castillo

Executive Director

HIRTA Welcomes Three New Ford Transits to Enhance Rural Public Transit Services

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 19:26:47 GMT

HIRTA Welcomes Three New Ford Transits to Enhance Rural Public Transit Services

HIRTA is excited to announce the acquisition of three new Ford Transits, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing top-notch transit services to the rural communities we serve.

These new vehicles arrive at a crucial juncture, allowing HIRTA to retire older buses and introduce more efficient models that will not only enhance service but also significantly reduce maintenance costs.

The unique design of the Ford Transits, featuring the message "For anyone for any reason," underlines a commitment to inclusivity, sending the message that HIRTA is a service for everyone, regardless of their background, needs, or reasons for travel.

Funding for these Transits was made possible through Federal support, assistance from the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), and local matching funds. Despite challenges with the supply chain that led to prolonged waiting periods and escalated costs, HIRTA remains committed to delivering transit services to central Iowa communities.

"The addition of these new Ford Transits is a testament to HIRTA's dedication to delivering efficient, reliable, and inclusive transit solutions to our residents," said Julia Castillo, Executive Director of HIRTA. "These vehicles not only represent an upgrade for our fleet but also embody our mission of being 'For anyone for any reason.' We are excited to roll out these distinctive vehicles, reinforcing our mission to serve all members of our diverse communities."

Meet Mario: Our New Operations Coordinator

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:23:15 GMT

Meet Mario: Our New Operations Coordinator

We are excited to introduce you to a familiar face who has recently taken on a new role within the HIRTA team. Mario McPherson, who many of you may know as one of our dedicated drivers in Story county, has been promoted to the position of Operations Coordinator.

From Behind the Wheel to Behind the Scenes

Mario McPherson originally joined HIRTA as a driver in July 2022. He quickly became a beloved figure among our riders, known not just for his punctuality and professionalism but also for his friendly demeanor and willingness to go the extra mile. Mario has been the reliable face you've seen behind the wheel, ensuring you get to your destinations safely and comfortably.

Mario has shown exceptional dedication and leadership qualities, always ready to lend a hand when needed, and offering valuable insights to improve our services.

Meet Your New Operations Coordinator

In his new role as Operations Coordinator, Mario will be working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that our operations run smoothly and efficiently. From coordinating schedules to overseeing vehicle maintenance and driver training, Mario will be at the heart of what makes HIRTA a reliable and convenient transit option for our communities.

His extensive experience as a driver has provided Mario with invaluable insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by our riders and drivers alike.

A Passion for Public Transit

Mario's passion for helping others is evident in everything he does. He believes in the importance of accessible, reliable transportation for everyone, and he is committed to making sure HIRTA continues to provide excellent service to our riders. His promotion is a testament to his dedication and the trust we have in his ability to serve our communities.

Get to Know Mario

Assisting the customers, some new and some he’s known for years through driving experiences in the Ames/Story County area. He enjoys watching football (he says, “Go Packers!”), playing drums, and spending time with family.

Feel free to strike up a conversation with him when you see him around, and you'll quickly discover his warm and welcoming personality.

Please join us in congratulating Mario McPherson on his well-deserved promotion to Operations Coordinator. We are confident that he will excel in his new role and continue to make HIRTA a great experience for all.

HIRTA Awarded Funding for Low or No Emission Buses, Facility

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:09:10 GMT

HIRTA Awarded Funding for Low or No Emission Buses, Facility

The Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) announced today the Iowa DOT has been awarded a grant for low or no emission buses and facilities. This is the second bus grant package funded by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has invested more than $3.3 billion in American transit buses and the infrastructure to support them.

The Iowa DOT will receive funding on behalf of five rural transit agencies to buy battery-electric buses to replace older diesel buses along with charging equipment. The project will also support the construction of transit facilities and workforce development.

HIRTA is one of the multi-county transit agencies under this grant and will be receiving a $6.1 million grant for the purchase of five low- and no-emission transit vehicles, related infrastructure, and a new facility. The Iowa DOT is partnering with MidAmerican and Alliant Energy on this project.

“This funding will help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from transit vehicle operations, improve the resilience of transit facilities and enhance access and mobility within the service areas of these transit agencies,” said Emma Simmons, transit planner with the Iowa DOT.

HIRTA’s Executive Director, Julia Castillo said, “HIRTA leadership has been active in diversifying our fleet and reducing our carbon footprint for a while and we see this as an important step toward that goal. We appreciate the extensive support from Iowa DOT, our communities and the individuals we serve. Our commitment to serving our communities with innovation and foresight is further empowered by this grant. We extend our gratitude to the FTA, the Iowa DOT, and the Biden administration for their invaluable role in this endeavor.”

Brett King Recognized as HIRTA’s Driver of the Year

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:48:43 GMT

Brett King Recognized as HIRTA’s Driver of the Year

Brett King, HIRTA driver in multiple areas, was recognized during the 2023 Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) Annual Meeting and Training Conference as HIRTA’s Driver of the Year.

To be considered for driver of the year, drivers must work at least 780 hours, have no fault accidents or moving violations, work at least 95% of all scheduled work, and have no documented incidents or complaints.

Brett played a key role in getting our Norwalk service up and running. From attending Coffee & Chat at the Norwalk Easter Public Library to filming a How2Ride video with Scribbles the Mascot to starting the mobile library & delivering books to those in need, Brett has gone the extra mile in helping HIRTA. He has filled in with various HIRTA projects such as travel training sessions, working with APEX (Aspiring Professional Experience) students to bring real-world experience to high school students, and more.

Julia Castillo, HIRTA’s Executive Director, said, “Brett is the ultimate team player. He takes pride in the service he provides to his communities. He routinely steps up on his days off, when we have been short staffed to work in several different counties. He has a great reputation with the customers he serves as well as his peers. Brett’s bus is always decorated for the season – just another example of how he goes above and beyond to make HIRTA riders feel at home.”

HIRTA is fortunate to have Brett as part of the HIRTA team! We applaud Brett, all of our drivers and office staff for the hard work they’ve done this past year. If you’d like to send the staff and drivers a positive note, you can Thank a HIRTA Hero by going to www.RideHIRTA.com/HIRTAHeroes .

Brooke Ramsey Named Iowa Public Transit Association’s 2023 Friend of Transit

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 20:36:18 GMT

Brooke Ramsey Named Iowa Public Transit Association’s

2023 Friend of Transit

Brooke Ramsey, Business Manager of the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) was named Friend of Transit by the Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) at their annual meeting June 8, 2023 in Coralville, Iowa.

The award recognizes Ramsey for being a vital part of HIRTA's success as they continue to remove barriers and provide services to meet the needs of their region.

Brooke has spent an enormous amount of time as project manager on HIRTA’s Health Connector, an ITS4US project, where people will be able to schedule both their medical appointments and transportation at the same time. She is determined to make this project successful, since HIRTA was only 1 in 5 agencies selected nation-wide and the only rural system.

She led HIRTA’s scheduling software change. moving us from Demand Response to On-Demand service throughout our region, and continues to work on tweaks and improvements. Brooke was also instrumental in working with IT to ensure our Cyber security measures are keeping all HIRTA and customer date safe and secure. She worked on several procurements this year, wrote numerous successful grants, and always keeps her eye on new streams of funding. She also leads both the Rural Transit Systems Quarterly Operations group and the HIRTA Transit Advisory Group

Unknowingly, Brooke has established herself as an expert in various areas of transit operations. She stays up to date on compliance, industry changes and best practices. She will happily invite any transit people to spend time at HIRTA and show them how we operate or demo a new product we are testing.

HIRTA’s Executive Director, Julia Castillo, says “Brooke and I have worked together for 12 years and I have watched her develop into a leader with grit, determination, and a desire to help people. I am very proud of her and she is very much deserving of this recognition.”

In receiving the award, Ramsey said, “I am honored to receive the Friends of Transit award. There are so many wonderful transit leaders across our state, many who have supported our efforts with guidance, best practices and partnership. Thank you to my peers, the Iowa Public Transit Association and to my boss, Julia Castillo, who has encouraged, inspired and mentored me over the past 12 years.”

2022: HIRTA's Year in Review

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 20:54:39 GMT

2022: HIRTA's Year in Review

To all of our HIRTA communities,

On behalf of HIRTA, I would like to thank you for your support during the 2022 calendar year. We are very grateful to be able to provide our service to you, to your friends, to your loved ones, and to your community.

In thinking of how I wanted to start this message, two questions came to mind. Did we provide the best service possible to our communities? And did we continue to have a burning passion for helping one another? The answer to both, is an emphatic yes!

I am very proud of the entire HIRTA team for their dedication and passion making sure everyone has equal access to public transit. We know what we do allows people to live their best life and it is because of this knowledge and our determination and resiliency that HIRTA is able to continue our essential services within the region.

In 2022, we:

Launched the HIRTA On-Demand smartphone app. The service is a step forward towards HIRTA’s vision of enhancing community livability and promoting independent lifestyles for central Iowa residents. You can download the app for free here:

o Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ridewithvia.hirtaiowa

o Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hirta-on-demand/id1632186376

Hired a bilingual coordinator and furthered our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. Our job is to step in and break down transportation barriers for the betterment of the community as a whole. Our vision is to provide a service where all customers have quick and easy options to pay fares, board buses, and arrive safely and comfortably at their destination.

Continued our great work with RSVP, our volunteer program in the counties of Madison and Marion. This has been an amazing opportunity for HIRTA to expand our services. Transportation can be a barrier to accessing services and needs – especially to the older population. The risk of social isolation, affordable transportation and food deserts are amplified in rural communities.

Secured funding for a new inter-modal facility. This facility will allow us to better protect our vehicles, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure a sustainable future for our region. We strive to be innovative and proactive in serving our communities and this grant gives that opportunity.

Most importantly, we got people where they needed to go. We provided trips to the food pantry, to life-sustaining treatments, to church, to visit loved ones, to the pharmacy, to work, and so many other places and services. We’ve enjoyed every minute and every mile!

We are beyond grateful to every rider, driver, employee, community member, and all those that have played a role, no matter how small or big, in supporting HIRTA. We are working on some exciting innovations for the future, including electric vehicles, expanding volunteer transportation, and implementing technology to further eliminate language barriers. If you are interested in learning more about our goals for the future, please check out our 2022-2032 Strategic Plan .

HIRTA has an amazing Board, and I appreciate them being active and engaged. They are forward thinking, as is the leadership staff, and that is why we are resilient during the trying times, and also able to be innovative in our services to better serve our region.

All of us at HIRTA want to thank YOU for trusting us to get you where you are going!

Best wishes for a safe, fulfilling and happy 2023.

Julia Castillo

Executive Director

Tips for Riding HIRTA in Winter Weather

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:37:31 GMT

Tips for Riding HIRTA in Winter Weather

HIRTA provides valuable service to our communities. This remains especially true in the winter. Bad weather and poor road conditions can cause stress and anxiety to some drivers. The more people who take public transportation in the winter, the less vehicles on the road making winter driving as safe as possible. Besides, who wants to scrape ice off a car and then sit in the cold when you can just board a warm bus?

The safety and welfare of our communities is a top priority year-round. Winter is a time to be especially cautious. Walking safely like a penguin will help prevent slips and falls when walking on snow or ice. Here are some winter safety tips:

Use special care when entering, and exiting vehicles, climbing or descending stairs, entering or leaving buildings.
Wear appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles.
Move slowly.
Remove snow & water from shoes when entering buildings.
Use a 3-point contact when entering and exiting vehicles.
Keep your hands out of your pockets and extend your arms to maintain balance.
Walk on cleared, designated walkways as much as possible. And look when you walk! Don't text while walking.
Take short steps or shuffle for stability
Try to keep your center of gravity over your support leg.
Point your feet out slightly a like a penguin to increase your center of gravity.
Dress warmly! The bus might run later than usual if road conditions are poor.
If you are outside waiting for the bus, please stand away from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop as buses can slide sideways in slippery conditions.
Be flexible with your times as road conditions might cause delays.
Our drivers have no control over the weather. Please be respectful to them as they are trying their best to keep you and themselves safe.

HIRTA operates our regular service during cold and icy weather, but some emergencies can cause us to cancel service. For weather-related cancellations, make sure to follow us on social media @RideHIRTA and monitor our website.

To schedule your ride, call us at 1 (877) 686-0029 or email us at erides@ridehirta.com .

Let's talk about Invisible Disabilities

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 17:21:44 GMT

Let's talk about Invisible Disabilities

When thinking of a disability, many people often think of someone who uses a wheelchair or some other type of mobility device. They may think of someone who is blind, or an individual with a service animal as well. However, it is unlikely that someone with PTSD, multiple sclerosis (MS), Epilepsy, fibromyalgia, chronic pain or the hundreds of other hidden conditions people live with every day come to mind. Unless of course, it is one of the 6 million who has an invisibility disability.

CDC estimated 61 million in the USA have a disability. Roughly 10% of those are an invisible disability.

There are many people who can maneuver through life appearing as able-bodied, however, because of how they look, they often go unrecognized and are unbelieved if they do tell someone they have a disability. Therefore, many people don't say anything out of fear of being dismissed. Imagine having to explain to people who can’t see your disability that you have one. This wouldn’t be a one-time thing. It would be over and over again especially if you use public transit where people consistently move on and off the bus.

We, at HIRTA, are not here to judge or determine if someone does or doesn't have a condition that requires extra assistance, a seat closet to the entrance or use of the ramp or lift to get into the HIRTA vehicle. Our goal is to provide a service to allow people to move about their community. And that includes anyone, for any reason.

If someone tells us they have a disability, even one that is not visible or doesn't require a wheelchair or other mobility device, the only appropriate response from any HIRTA employee is "How may we/I assist you?" Asking them what they need or how we can assist them lets the rider know that we hear you, we believe you, and we will do what we can to make your ride most accommodating.

The most important and inclusive thing we can do is be mindful of what we say to everyone. And that starts with all of us.

Come, be yourself, and ride HIRTA.

HIRTA Awarded Second Phase of Grant to Address Inequities

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 21:14:00 GMT

HIRTA Awarded Second Phase of Grant to Address Inequities

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) announced HIRTA has been awarded a second round of funding to address the needs of underserved populations and support the implementation of innovative programs.

Earlier this year, HIRTA was awarded a planning grant from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) to meet the needs of underserved populations. Phase one focused on planning and has concluded, this new round of grant funds focuses on implementation of identified solutions to service inequities.

During the planning grant, HIRTA gathered input from older adults, people with disabilities, and marginalized populations through surveys, focus groups, and a community meeting. It was determined common barriers are limited days and hours of service and barriers for people with limited English proficiency. One rider said, "As an individual who is blind, I need reliable transportation for access to every aspect of my life. I have and will continue to be a part of HIRTA’s efforts to improve transportation services, because accessible and good transportation is so important to me."

HIRTA will work with the scheduling software vendor, Via, to implement an online portal where people can schedule transportation through a web browser, which can be translated into 99 languages. Partnerships will be established with third-party providers like volunteer networks, local taxi providers, and individuals interested in providing trips with their personal vehicles which can be used to expand service days and hours.

Julia Castillo, HIRTA’s Executive Director, said, “Life operates outside of HIRTA's service hours so it's important to our communities to access needed services and live an active, fulfilling lifestyle. HIRTA has made great strides in being more inclusive, but we can do even better. Our communities have provided feedback on what they want to see implemented at HIRTA. This grant will allow us to make some of these changes and create a more inclusive environment for all.”

HIRTA would like to thank the NADTC for the opportunity to improve transportation across central Iowa and look forward to working with NADTC on the implementation phase. Visit www.RideHIRTA.com/DEI to learn more about HIRTA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Wrapping up the IDEAS Planning Grant

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:11:04 GMT

Wrapping up the IDEAS Planning Grant

Earlier this year, HIRTA was awarded a grant from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) to meet the needs of underserved populations. This grant is in the process of being wrapped up.

Across over 4,100 square service miles, identifying and prioritizing the needs of our very diverse communities was a priority. Through surveys, focus groups, community meetings, and listening to our riders, we were able to determine the common barriers are the service days and hours and limited English proficiency to make HIRTA a more inclusive experience for all.

Life operates outside of HIRTA's service hours so it's important to our communities to access needed services and live an active, fulfilling lifestyle. People who are transit dependent and live in rural areas want spontaneous travel and want to travel in their communities like neighbors who have their own transportation.

HIRTA has made great strides in being more inclusive, but we can do even better and our communities have provided feedback on what they want to see implemented at HIRTA.

We gathered input from older adults, people with disabilities, and marginalized populations through surveys, focus groups, and a community meeting. One rider said, "As an individual who is blind, I need reliable transportation for access to every aspect of my life. I have and will continue to be a part of HIRTA’s efforts to improve transportation services, because Accessible and good transportation is so important to me. It is my understanding the new software is going to be more user-friendly and provide patrons with even more information. Having the ability to know where my driver is and when to expect them at my house is going to be an extremely useful feature of the new software. No more waiting out in the rain or below zero weather for a bus."

Another rider said, "I worked with HIRTA to complete a survey, attended and participated in their community meeting, plan on participating in their focus group to identify needs and continue the work of breaking down barriers. Inclusion is important to everyone, including people with disabilities and their quality of life. HIRTA does a great job of being inclusive and trying to do what they can to make the service better for everyone. I look forward to helping out in Phase 2 of their grant."

We have applied for the second phase of this grant and look forward to working with NADTC on the implementation phase, and thank NADTC for the opportunity to improve transportation across central Iowa.

HIRTA Releases New Smartphone App, On-Demand Service

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 12:44:26 GMT

HIRTA Releases New Smartphone App, On-Demand Service

HIRTA is excited to announce a new on-demand transportation service available in all seven counties in the service area. This new feature, starting on September 12 ^th , is in addition to HIRTA’s existing service and is available with the new HIRTA On Demand smartphone app.

The service is a step forward towards HIRTA’s vision of enhancing community livability and promoting independent lifestyles for central Iowa residents. The easy-to-use HIRTA On Demand app will allow riders more flexibility to schedule, pay, and cancel rides.

HIRTA On Demand App Highlights:

Reserve, track, and cancel rides through the app
Receive automated ride notification reminders the night before a reservation, when the vehicle is approaching, and when the vehicle has arrived
Pay fare by credit card directly in the app
Monitor the real-time location of the vehicle
Available in English and Spanish

Julia Castillo, Executive Director, said, “Mobility choice and flexibility is vital for people’s quality of life in the communities in which they live and it is up to us to use innovative technology to make that happen. This new On Demand service will allow us to take people where they need to go in the most affordable and environmentally responsible way possible, while maintaining the integrity of the other services we offer. We are certain HIRTA On Demand will appeal to both current and new riders, and look forward to seeing you on the bus.”

The HIRTA On Demand is available to download on the App Store and Google Play for free. Riders who do not wish to use the app can still schedule by calling 1 (877) 686-0029 or emailing erides@ridehirta.com .

HIRTA Awarded Grant for Facility, Low or No Emission Buses

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:00:55 GMT

HIRTA Awarded Grant for Facility, Low or No Emission Buses

The Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) announced the Iowa DOT has been awarded a grant for low or no emission buses and facilities, which includes $10.6 million for HIRTA to build a facility and purchase 5 electric vehicles. This grant is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

HIRTA has provided transit services for over 40 years and is the only transit system in Iowa without a transit facility. The lack of adequate maintenance facilities, extreme weather, and inability to provide indoor bus parking all contribute to disrepair. Iowa has the second oldest bus fleet in the nation and HIRTA has the second oldest in Iowa. Relying on a fleet much past the useful life is costly to the region and uses funds that could be used for service in our communities.

This will be an inter-modal facility, creating a transfer point for Intercity Bus Services, other transit systems, and connecting rural communities to the Des Moines metro. The facility will allow HIRTA to protect and maintain our fleet and convert excessive expenses into services.

The Low and No Emission grant focused on projects which are eco-friendly, reduce greenhouse gases and use clean energy. The facility will use recycled rain water, solar energy, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and include electric vehicle charging stations.

HIRTA’s Executive Director, Julia Castillo said, “The HIRTA Board and Staff have been working toward this achievement for a while, I am grateful for all of the support and opportunities the facility will bring to HIRTA, and to the communities and people we serve. This facility will allow us to protect our vehicles, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure a sustainable future for our region. We strive to be innovative and proactive in serving our communities and this grant gives that opportunity. We appreciate the support of the FTA, the Iowa DOT, and the Biden administration for making this project possible. We’d also like to thank the HIRTA Board and all elected officials for recognizing transportation as a necessary investment in our communities.”

Through the FY22 Low- and No-Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grants, the FTA has awarded $1.66 billion in projects where American workers will build more than 1,800 new buses to support transit nationwide. The funding supports 150 projects for people and communities in 48 states and territories.

Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Fox

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 13:04:28 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Fox

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Denise I am trustworthy, outgoing and talkative. Settled in Iowa after traveling around the country with my husband while working for 11 yrs. In our RV we traveled and spent lots of time in many cities across this country. Met a lot of great people in many states.

Why do you volunteer?

I enjoy helping where needed, feel like I have time and knowledge to share.

Why did you choose to volunteer with RSVP?

I was ready to get out and meet some folks in my community, to give my time to help someone less fortunate that doesn't have the ability to get around.

What has been your favorite part of being a volunteer?

Getting to meet folks in my community and listening to them chat about their lives challenges.

What is your favorite story of a time you helped someone?

Helping an individual out of his car with Alzheimer's. He was just stuck sitting there, all he needed is for someone to touch him to bring his brain back to realize what he was trying to do. Helped me learn a little about the disease something I had not known.

What would you say to people who might be on the fence about volunteering through RSVP?

Just try it. You find out that you have more in common with your neighbors than you realized. Everyone needs help every now and then, why not share what is possible to help another individual.

HIRTA Awarded Grant to Make Communities More Livable

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:58:41 GMT

HIRTA Awarded Grant to Make Communities More Livable

AARP Iowa announced today that HIRTA is one of four organizations in the state that will receive a 2022 Community Challenge grant. This nationwide program allows grantees to implement projects that will help communities become more livable.

HIRTA will be installing ADA-compliant, bilingual benches and signage at certain stops in the city of Perry. A deviated flex bus route will be added in addition to the current service. This will allow people to catch a bus at several designated areas to enhance access to healthcare, employment, shopping, education and community services, such as the food pantry or financial assistance. Fare-free rides will be available to healthcare and other essential services to those who qualify for transportation assistance.

Julia Castillo, Executive Director, said, “HIRTA’s vision statement outlines that we strive to make a positive difference by enhancing community livability. This grant allows us to better the community and further our inclusion efforts. We look forward to putting bus benches and bilingual signs to reduce the transportation barriers in the city of Perry. HIRTA would like to thank AARP for their support.”

This project was made possible for the community due to the generous support of AARP. The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. It is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/livable .

U.S. DOT awards HIRTA nearly $2.9 million in a second wave of project funding

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:48:10 GMT

U.S. DOT awards HIRTA nearly $2.9 million in a second wave of project funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) was awarded $2,872,549 in part of the Complete Trip - ITS4US Deployment Program.

This Cooperative Agreement is being awarded after Phase 1 of the project was awarded in 2020 for HIRTA’s Health Connector for the Most Vulnerable: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End. After successfully completing the first phase of this program, the Concept Development phase, HIRTA is one of four awardees to continue with Phases 2 and 3. Phase 2, Design and Testing, and Phase 3, Operations and Evaluations, will take place over the next three to four years.

The project will provide enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all in Dallas County. Specifically, the program emphasizes focus on underserved communities, including rural, veterans, persons with disabilities, low-income, older adults, and persons with limited English proficiency. More information and periodic updates can be here .

HIRTA’s Executive Director Julia Castillo says, “We are thrilled HIRTA is one of four projects selected to receive this funding allowing our project to move from a concept and into development, where we can deploy the service in our communities. Our ‘Health Connector for the Most Vulnerable: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End’ project focuses on the complete trip, not just pickup and drop off. Once all phases are complete, our success will allow us to replicate this program throughout the HIRTA region. Thank you to all of the incredible people who helped us with Phase 1 and everyone who will be helping with Phase 2 and 3.”

HIRTA would like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, ITS Joint Program Office for this opportunity and would like to express excitement for the positive impact this will make for our communities. The DOT’s full press release can be found here .

HIRTA Awarded Grant to Address Inequities

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:56:20 GMT

HIRTA Awarded Grant to Address Inequities

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) announced HIRTA has been awarded a new round of funding to support the development of a new equitable program to meet the needs of underserved populations.

HIRTA was one of 9 grantees to receive the funding. Our goal is to make sure all underrepresented populations be more fully engaged and has a seat at the table to build on current planning efforts. A committee called IDEAS (Inclusion Diversity Equity Assessment and Solutions) will be created to expand HIRTA's ongoing unmet needs assessment specifically focused on improving transportation for people with disabilities, older adults, and marginalized populations.

Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, Inc. said, “The freedom and mobility public transit provides helps people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers remain involved in and connected to their communities. These grants will ensure their voices are heard in the planning process and help communities establish new, viable solutions to address the inequity and social isolation that a lack access to transportation can create.”

Julia Castillo, HIRTA’s Executive Director, said, “HIRTA is committed to creating a safe and inclusive experience for all passengers. In addition to our current projects, one thing we strive to do is search for additional funding so we have the opportunity to do even more in our communities. If even one person doesn’t feel safe and welcome on public transportation, our job is not finished and we will continue to fight to break down these barriers.”

HIRTA would like to thank the NADTC for providing the funding and remaining dedicated to removing barriers and inequities by the means of transportation. Visit www.RideHIRTA.com/DEI to learn more about HIRTA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

HIRTA featured in Mass Transit

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 20:57:34 GMT

HIRTA featured in Mass Transit

HIRTA was featured in Mass Transit! Megan Perrero, Associate Editor at Mass Transit, wrote a profile on the ways HIRTA is breaking down barriers. To read the article, click here .

Mischa Wanek-Libman , Executive Editor at Mass Transit, wrote a blog wrapping up the profile. To read the blog, click here .

Thanks to Mass Transit for the great articles!

We strive to continue to break down barriers and make transportation inclusive for all. HIRTA's Executive Director, Julia Castillo, says, “We do this because we want to make life easier and better and more accessible. We want to give people the freedom to move around their own communities that they've chosen to live in. And just because they've chosen to live in a rural community, doesn't mean that they should be less than or get served less or have less resources."

HIRTA Driver Saves Life

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 18:16:11 GMT

HIRTA Driver Saves a Life

HIRTA driver, Karen Dont, is touted with saving the life of Mr. Gregg Hodges, a regular rider of HIRTA in Jasper County.

Mr. Hodges told HIRTA management “Your driver, Karen Dont, saved my life. Karen has driven me to Mercy One hospital (formerly Skiff Hospital) more times than I can remember. My trips to the hospital had always been routine trips. but the trip on November 19th was not at all routine”.

Karen went to pick Mr. Hodges up for his scheduled ride, however, when he woke up that morning, he was very sick. He said “When I heard the HIRTA bus honk, I decided I would let it honk a few times and it would go away, but it did not stop honking, and it did not go away”.

He finally went out to let the driver know he wasn’t going. Later Karen told him “You told me you didn’t want to go. However, you were not wearing shoes and your shirt was inside out. So I told you to back inside and put on shoes and a coat because you are going to the hospital.” She got him onto the bus and immediately drove him to the Emergency room.

Karen knew his habits. She knew he was always quick to come out and board the bus, and that he had never been a "no-show”. So she persisted in getting him to come out and get on the bus. Gregg will tell you “Her persistence, and her compassion, saved my life”.

Later that evening he was transferred to Cedar Rapid's St. Luke's Hospital where he was given emergency treatment. He doesn’t remember much of what happened after getting off the bus at the ER, but five weeks after she picked him up he says “I feel better than I have felt in years”.

HIRTA’s Executive Director, Julia Castillo says “We are all very proud of Karen and honored to have our board present her with a Certificate of Recognition for going above and beyond to save the life of one our riders”.

Mr. Hodges was told he only had a day or two left to live, but he was too delirious to realize just how sick he was. He said “Karen didn't give up on me, and what she did has touched me and many others. She has sent a healing ripple into the world”.

Julia Castillo says “Karen is a bright light in this world, and we are fortunate to have her on the HIRTA team”.

KCCI did an interview with Karen. View the story on KCCI by clicking here .

We Are Iowa did an interview with Karen. View the story on KCCI by clicking here.

HIRTA Staff's Favorite Holiday Recipes

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:44:30 GMT

HIRTA Staff's Favorite Holiday Recipes

The holidays are my favorite time of the year. There’s something truly magical about walking into grandma’s house and being fed her freshly baked cookies. Waking up to the warming smell of cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. Seeing the smiles on your friend’s faces as you walk in with your favorite side dish or dessert to share.

With the holidays being all about sharing, this year our office staff is sharing their favorite holiday recipes with all of you. Besides, who doesn’t love food?

We hope you have a joyous and enriching holiday season full of love, laughter, and of course, some great food.

From,

Your HIRTA family

Spinach & Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups

From Julia Castillo, Executive Director

12 wonton wrappers

Cooking spray

1/2 of a 10-oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and very well-strained

1 (8-oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the wonton wrappers in a standard 12-cup muffin pan then spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake the wonton cups for 5 minutes. Remove and set them aside.

2) In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.

3) Divide the mixture evenly among the wonton cups then return them to the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the spinach mixture is warm and the wonton cups are golden brown.

Chocolate Dipped Orange Balls

From Julia Castillo, Executive Director

1 pound powdered sugar

1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers, crushed

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

¼ pound butter

1 (6 ounce) can or ¾ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

12 oz. chocolate, melted (you can use milk, dark, white, semi-sweet depending on your taste.

1) In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla wafers, walnuts, butter and orange juice. Mix well and shape into 1 inch round balls; allow to dry for 1 hour or place is freezer for 30 mins

2) Place chocolate chips in top of double boiler. Stir frequently over medium heat until melted.

3) Dip balls into melted chocolate - you can half dip them, just drizzle over the top, or if you prefer no chocolate you can just roll them in powdered sugar.

Boston Brown Bread

From James Roach, Safety Manager

2 eggs

2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup molasses

4 cups buttermilk

4 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup raisins

1 cup chopped walnuts

Butter or cream cheese, optional

1) In a large bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar. Add molasses and buttermilk; mix well. Combine the flours, salt and baking soda; stir into egg mixture just until moistened. Fold in raisins and walnuts.

2) Transfer to two greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 325° for 80-85 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve with butter or cream cheese if desired.

Peppernuts

From Mildred Chihak, Volunteer Coordinator

2 packages of yeast

2 T sugar

¾ cup lukewarm water

1 tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. ginger

2 ½ cup sugar

1 T salt

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 stick oleo, melted

3 eggs, well beaten

1 qt milk

14 cups flour, more as needed

1) Dissolve yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar in warm water. In a large pan, put one quart of scalded milk. Add 2 ½ cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, black pepper, oleo, ginger and eggs. When lukewarm, add yeast mixture. Add flour until right consistency for kneading is reached, about 14 cups or more.

2) Knead well and place in greased bowl. After first rising, knead down. Upon second rising, divide in 3 portions and roll out as for cinnamon rolls.

3) Cut in strips with scissors, then place in bits on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350°, watching carefully.

Sugar Cream Pie

From Taylor Thomas, Office Assistant

1 deep dish pie crust at room temperature

4 Tbsp cornstarch

¾ cup sugar

4 Tbsp butter, melted

2 ¼ cups heavy cream

1 Tbsp vanilla

FOR TOPPING:

4 Tbsp butter, melted

¼-½ cup cinnamon sugar mix

1) Preheat oven to 325°. Place the pie crust onto a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until partially baked. Set aside.

2) In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and sugar until blended. In a medium saucepan, bring the cornstarch-sugar mixture, melted butter and heavy cream together over medium heat, stirring constantly. The mixture is done when it’s thick and creamy. Stir in the vanilla.

3) Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and smooth out the top. Drizzle on the melted butter and evenly sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broiler for about 1 minute, watching carefully. Remove from oven and allow to come to room temperature before refrigerating for at least one hour to set. Keep in fridge.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole

12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (Italian bread works best I have found)

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

12 eggs, beaten

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup maple syrup

1 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon butter

1) Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish, and top with cream cheese cubes. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese, and top with remaining bread cubes.

2) In a large mixing bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and syrup. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes. Press down the cubes a bit to sort of “soak” them and make them “French toast-like”. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

3) Remove the bread cube mixture from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cover, and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking 25-30 minutes, until center is firm and surface is lightly browned. Enjoy warm!

4) In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, until the blueberries begin to burst. Stir in the butter, and pour over the baked French toast. Enjoy!

Buckeyes

From Danny Schnathorst, Outreach Coordinator

1 stick butter, melted

2 cups creamy peanut butter

2 cups powdered sugar

4 cups Rice Krispies

1 package chocolate almond bark

1) Mix powdered sugar, Rice Krispies, peanut butter and butter until well combined. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, chilling the mixture again as needed to work with.

2) Make into small balls and chill until cold.

3) Microwave the almond bark in 1 minute intervals, or melt in a double boiler. Dip the balls into chocolate. Let the chocolate drip off then put on wax paper. Work quickly as the chocolate mixture will begin to harden. Reheat as needed. Chill again.

Message from HIRTA's Executive Director

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:37:25 GMT

A Message from HIRTA's Executive Director

In 2021, HIRTA celebrated 40 years of providing transit services in central Iowa. Over the years, we have worked to increase accessibility and technological advancements, vehicle types, and service modes will continue to change and advance to meet the ever-growing needs, especially of those who are transit dependent. Due to the forward thinking of leadership and the HIRTA Board, we have some exciting projects being worked on for the future. These include electric vehicles, on-demand services, design and building a full function Administrative and Maintenance facility, creating a DEI coalition for extended outreach and service design, to name a few.

One of the most exciting programs we added in 2021 is RSVP HIRTA. We were awarded 2 grants from AmeriCorps Seniors to start an RSVP program in both Madison and Marion counties. We have hired a Volunteer Coordinator, Mildred Chihak, and she is currently in the volunteer recruitment stage. If you are 55 or older, please reach out to Mildred at mchihak@ridehirta.com or (515) 309-9293 to learn more. We have opportunities in nutrition, companionship and transportation.

We have other volunteer opportunities as well. In Boone County, we partner with Boone County RSVP to provide volunteer transportation services. In Dallas and Warren Counties, we use funding from United Way of Central Iowa for our volunteer driving program. And lastly, Jasper and Story counties already have successful RSVP programs, and you may reach out to them directly if you are interested in learning more. HIRTA’s goal is to ensure there is a volunteer driver program throughout our 7-county region, and we have made great strides in making that happen.

While we are still in a global pandemic, with another new strain on the horizon, there will still be change and uncertainty. This means, we will stay focused on what matters most: The health and safety of those who use our services and those who work at HIRTA. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, our staff reacted quickly to put measures in place to keep our people and services safe. Since then, we have and we will continue to require the following procedures:

Cleaning and disinfecting buses, vans and facilities throughout the day
Requiring employees and customers wear face coverings and providing one to passengers if needed. HIRTA is under a national mask mandate until March 18, 2022
Promoting a safe capacity limit on buses and vans to help with social distancing
Protecting drivers and other frontline employees with additional safety measures and protective equipment

In the weeks and months ahead, HIRTA will continue to connect people to services, shopping, school, work and healthcare, knowing this is vital to a successful economic and social recovery within the communities we serve and the state as a whole.

HIRTA will continue to push for support and funding for the transit services we provide now, as well as, the services needed in the future.

As the Executive Director of HIRTA, I have been completely in awe of all of our frontline workers – each of our drivers has absolutely been a HERO throughout this entire pandemic. The dedication of our staff is a prime example of the “Heart” of public transit. Those of us in the industry have always known those who work in Public Transit are essential, now the rest of the world knows it too!

We are so grateful to everyone who use our services. You are the reason we show up every day and do what we do. Thank you for your continued support and confidence in HIRTA.

Our gratitude extends to everyone who has played a role, no matter how small or big, in supporting HIRTA as you have maneuvered through the unknown with us.

As we continue into 2022, we will continue to have some challenges. Most specifically driver shortages, which will affect services, and supply chain issues which will affect bus purchases and maintenance supplies. HIRTA’s leadership is staying on top of these issues, working locally and nationally to find solutions to minimize disruptions to those we serve. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we face these new challenges head on.

We look forward to better days ahead, all the while, knowing whatever comes along we are #HIRTAStrong and will find a way to survive and thrive.

Julia Castillo

Executive Director

Introducing HIRTA's Travel Training Program

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:53:15 GMT

Introducing HIRTA's Travel Training Program

We are excited to announce that we have launched our very own Travel Training program here at HIRTA!

What does this mean?

Have you ever thought about riding HIRTA or some other public transportation, but didn’t because you’re worried? Maybe you aren’t familiar with how to ride or what you’re supposed to do. Experiencing some sort of anxiety when trying transit for the first time is completely normal. But good news! Travel Training can help calm those fears so you can use HIRTA with confidence.

Travel Training will be completely personalized based on the person’s needs. Sometimes a phone call to ask some questions and talk about HIRTA is all that’s needed. Maybe the trainee needs to see the bus up close and personal. Or perhaps a virtual walkthrough is what would work best. Whether someone needs a one-on-one training or having a group outing with a facility is the better option, we will do what it takes to make you feel comfortable riding HIRTA.

If you’re an older adult, a person with disabilities, or a non-English speaking person, or just have a fear or concern about riding public transit, you can receive this free training. Our Travel Trainer will work with you to determine the best training method and location.

For more information on our Travel Training program or if you would like to enroll for this free training, please visit www.RideHIRTA.com/TravelTraining or call (515) 309-9284 .

Introducing the HIRTA RSVP

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:53:40 GMT

Introducing the HIRTA RSVP

HIRTA is excited to announce we are starting a new RSVP. I sat down with Mildred Chihak and Brooke Ramsey to talk about this program. Mildred is HIRTA’s new volunteer coordinator and Brooke is the business development manager.

Tell me a little bit about the scope of the RSVP.

RSVP stands for Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. The program began as an outgrowth by private groups and government agencies to create opportunities of engagement, activity, and growth for older Americans. Our main focus is transportation, nutrition and companionship. And then we’ll also be looking into what our volunteers are interested in doing in their community.

Will the RSVP be available in all counties?

Our goal is to ensure there is a volunteer driver program in each of our seven counties. However, there are some established RSVPs. We don’t want to duplicate existing programs, however, we want to enhance the established RSVPs by adding volunteer driver programs. We were awarded a grant to start a brand new RSVP for two counties, Madison and Marion.

In Boone county, we have partnered with the existing Boone RSVP to provide transportation for their program.

In Dallas and Warren counties, we have partnered with the United Way of Central Iowa to provide transportation.

How is this program funded?

Each county’s RSVP is funded through county-specific grants from AmeriCorps which is a federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. A local match is required and the sources vary by community.

So there are three branches of the program - food assistance, companionship and transportation. Can you tell me a bit about each of these?

For nutrition and companionship, we develop an individualized plan based on the person's needs. With transportation, we have volunteer drivers to take people to their medical appointments, pharmacy, and grocery shopping.

What is the goal for the number of volunteers in each county?

Our goal is to get 75 volunteers in each county throughout the three-year grant cycle.

Why should people sign up and volunteer?

In addition to providing valuable services to individuals and communities, volunteers are also living active lives through volunteering. A growing body of research shows an association between volunteering and mental and physical health benefits. In particular, older volunteers report lower mortality rates, lower rates of depression, fewer physical limitations, and higher levels of well-being than those in the same demographic who do not volunteer.

What do the volunteers do?

They drive people to medical appointments, the pharmacy, and grocery stores. For companionship outings, they meet with clients and provide services identified in their individual plan.

How do people sign up to volunteer or reach out for assistance?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or are in need of assistance, visit our website at www.RideHIRTA.com/volunteer to apply or learn more about the program. If you don’t have access to the internet or would prefer to apply over the phone or by mail, please call our toll-free number at 1 (877) 686-0029 or email mchihak@ridehirta.com .

Who qualifies for assistance?

We focus on older adults, people with disabilities, veterans and people with low income. If you’re not sure if you qualify, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at mchihak@ridehirta.com .

Any other last things you’d like to mention?

RSVP is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and older. RSVP in Iowa began in 1972. Each year in Iowa, approximately 5,000 RSVP Volunteers serve 350,000 hours. There are more than 310 RSVP volunteers across the state who are assisting Public Health with COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Volunteers are administering immunizations, staffing call centers to schedule appointments, taking temperatures and screening patients, assisting with registration and data entry, helping staff off-site clinics, providing rides to vaccination appointments, and more! We’re very excited to get this program going so that we can make a positive impact in our community.

HIRTA is Hiring!

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 15:36:30 GMT

HIRTA is Hiring!

Like many local and national employers who are experiencing employee shortages, HIRTA is being affected due to lack of qualified CDL bus drivers. Throughout the pandemic, we were able to continue to serve our communities with only a few issues. When ridership was down, we were able to operate with fewer drivers. Ridership continues to increase, however, we don’t have enough drivers on staff, coupled with few applicants to fill open driving positions. This creates a challenge, not only for HIRTA, but also those who depend on our services.

When someone calls in sick, a ripple is felt throughout HIRTA as other drivers and vehicles have to cover for the sick driver. Then, as additional trips are added to existing schedules, travel times can become longer, and pickup and drop-off times may be delayed. Delayed times lead to safety concerns as the driver tries to stay on time, and passengers might become frustrated because they are depending on the bus being on time.

HIRTA has been aggressively working to hire more drivers. However, the competition for those who have CDLs, including truck and school bus driver, is very competitive. Unfortunately, HIRTA is a smaller not-for-profit public transit agency with limited funds, and therefore our hourly wages and limited benefits make the challenge harder.

Being a driver for HIRTA is more than just turning the wheel. Our drivers work where they live and serve their communities. No prior experience is needed to be a driver as you will receive all of the appropriate training. All we ask is that you are a dependable, friendly, safe driver with a good record, and you know the rules of the road.

This job has a flexible schedule. You can work 10, 20 or 30 hours a week. You can work one to five days a week. Prefer only morning or only afternoon shifts? That works, too! We work together to make a schedule that works for both you and us.

We ask the public and our riders for your patience as we do our best to schedule your trip, especially if we need to negotiate a day or time with you.

If you or anyone you know would like to join the HIRTA team as a part-time driver within our 7-county region, please contact Erin at (515) 309-9294 or enewbury@ridehirta.com . You can also find more information on our website: www.ridehirta.com/careers

HIRTA Celebrates 40 Years of Service

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 19:47:30 GMT

HIRTA Celebrates 40 Years of Service!

HIRTA is excited to celebrate 40 years of service! In celebration of this milestone, we have been celebrating with our communities. Each month all year long, we do a contest on our social media accounts. Prizes have been gift cards, an Easter dinner, merchandise, free rides, and more. With more giveaways to come the rest of the year!

In 1981, the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency was formed under an agreement with 7 counties in central Iowa. HIRTA was established to provide public transit services in the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story and Warren. At that time, HIRTA was setup to contract all transit services to other agencies and only had 2 employees.

In 2011, things began to change and HIRTA started providing transit service in-house in Jasper County. Over the next several years, we began operating services directly in more counties within the region, shaping us into what you recognize today. Last fiscal year, HIRTA provided more than 264,780 rides, 83,714 hours of service and traveled 264,780 miles.

Be on the lookout for future news and giveaways by following us on Facebook and Twitter at @RideHIRTA or by searching for “HIRTA Public Transit”.

Introducing HIRTA's "Health Connector: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End"

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:49:39 GMT

Introducing HIRTA's "Health Connector: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End"

The U.S. Department of Transportation launched the Complete Trip – ITS4US Deployment Program in 2021. The scope is to support seamless travel for all users across all modes, regardless of location, income, or disability.

HIRTA was one of five sites selected to begin Phase 1. The first phase is to spur Complete Trip deployments nationwide, identify needs and challenges by populations, develop and deploy mobility solutions that meet needs, measure impact of integrated deployments, and identify replicable solutions and share lessons learned.

HIRTA’s “Health Connector: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End” will pilot in Dallas County, with the desire to adopt regionwide. The project team’s overall objective is to provide enhanced and equal access by integrating the scheduling and management of healthcare appointments and transportation, with a focus on underserved communities.

We are in the beginning stages of developing a solution allowing users to schedule and manage their appointments and transportation services at the same time. With this program, we hope to provide enhanced access to healthcare options for ALL in Dallas County with a specific focus on underserved communities, including persons with disabilities, people with low income, older adults, veterans, and persons with limited English proficiency.

Please join us for our public webinar where you will learn more about the project and have an opportunity to provide feedback. Register go to https://its4usconopswebinar-hirta.eventbrite.com.

HIRTA celebrates Rural Transit Day!

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:52:45 GMT

HIRTA Celebrates Rural Transit Day!

On July 16, 2019, the nation celebrated its first Rural Transit Day. The purpose of this holiday is to recognize riders and staff of rural transit agencies. HIRTA is happy to provide FREE rides in all of our counties to celebrate!

On Rural Transit Day (July 16) and every day throughout the year, we pledge to:

Understand the unique needs of rural and tribal passengers and plan services to meet those needs.
Provide all passengers with helpful, courteous, and respectful customer service.
Deliver equal service to all passengers, regardless of age, background, abilities, income, or gender.
Coordinate with community organizations to provide transportation to as many destinations as possible.
Involve passengers, community stakeholders, and elected officials in service planning.
Assure that vehicles and facilities are safe, clean, well-maintained, and comfortable.
Invest in training and education that keep staff current, knowledgeable and skilled.
Contribute to an organizational culture where staff are motivated and successful.
Have a plan for potential emergencies and disasters and communicate that plan to all stakeholders.
Keep up-to-date with and invest in new technologies and funding opportunities to continually improve services.

The last year and a half has been a trying time on all of us and we want to celebrate our communities for sticking by us. That’s why we’re providing FREE rides in all of our counties on July 16. To schedule your free ride, wish us a Happy Rural Transit Day when scheduling. Rides must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

We will also be in some of our counties throughout the day interacting with the community – be on the lookout for more giveaways!

Our drivers have been working tirelessly to provide HIRTA's services. During all the uncertainty, drivers have been amazing at serving their communities and helping keep our riders safe. If you would like to Thank a HIRTA Hero or pass along some kind words to a HIRTA staff member, you can go to www.ridehirta.com/HIRTAHeroes

"Rural transit means opportunity, mobility, independence and inclusion to those who live and work in remote communities, " Julia Castillo, Executive Director

Check out our Rural Transit Day video below!

HIRTA to Receive Five Electric Paratransit Buses Through a FTA Program Awarded to the Iowa DOT

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:35:50 GMT

HIRTA to Receive Five Electric Paratransit Buses Through a FTA Program Awarded to the Iowa DOT

The Federal Transit Administration recently announced a $2.8 million grant for the purchase of low- and no-emission transit buses and related infrastructure in Iowa. With the grant, the Iowa D epartment of Transportation will be purchasing nine battery-electric paratransit buses and the charging infrastructure needed to support them. The buses will be operated across three multi-county transit agencies in the state. The Iowa DOT is partnering with non-profit CALSTART as well as Alliant Energy on this project.

Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) is one of the multi-county transit agencies under this grant and we will be receiving five electric paratransit buses and charging stations.

“These buses will be the first of their kind deployed in rural Iowa. While there have been some battery-electric buses used in our larger cities, these buses will be put into service to serve the more rural parts of our state,” said Brent Paulsen, transit programs administrator in the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau.

HIRTA’s Executive Director, Julia Castillo said “It is important for us to make smart investments that bring efficient clean energy modes of transportation to the rural communities we serve. We still have a lot to learn, and we anticipate it will be 16-18 months before we see the first electric bus put into operation. However, we are excited and look forward to being one of the first rural transit agencies in Iowa to operate electric buses.”

HIRTA leadership has been talking about diversifying our fleet and reducing our carbon footprint for awhile and

we see this as a first and important step toward that goal.

HIRTA featured in National RTAP's Best Practices for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Transportation

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 20:17:53 GMT

HIRTA featured in National RTAP's Best Practices for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Public Transportation article

HIRTA was recently featured in National RTAP’s Best Practices for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Transportation. Below is an excerpt from the article written by Cara Marcus, National RTAP’s Resource Center Manager. The full article can be found here .

Since 1981, the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) has served seven counties in central Iowa, covering many rural areas. The communities they serve represent a range of socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural perspectives, including residents from low-income neighborhoods, ethnic communities, residents with limited English proficiency, and other traditionally underserved people. Their Diversity web page shows a statistical breakdown of how the region is home to many populations, including Latino, Asian, Black, Native American, and other groups. “It’s easy to just continue to serve the people you’re serving,” stated HIRTA Executive Director Julia Castillo, “but we need to pay more attention to the people that we are not serving and find out how to reach them and serve them best too.”

When HIRTA Outreach Coordinator Danny Schnathorst was hired in August 2020, taking an even stronger approach to transportation equity was one of the first projects he tackled. Schnathorst researched how other transit agencies approached inclusiveness and completed training on Developing an Inclusion Statement through Partners for Youth with Disabilities. He developed the agency’s inclusion statement that introduces their Diversity web page: “HIRTA is committed to creating a safe and inclusive experience for all riders. 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.”

The agency’s Beyond the Bus annual symposium began in 2017. The free symposium provides a full day of training by industry experts and is open to all. Past events have focused on invisible disabilities and transportation employment. The 2021 Symposium focused on inclusion and the role public transit plays to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to access the services they need to have a productive life. The event included renowned regional and national speakers from Disability Rights Iowa, National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and others. The keynote speaker was Tamika Butler, a national expert on inequality, inequity, and social justice, as well as rural areas. Beyond the Bus 2021 tracked trends on a global level to show where there is inequality to help HIRTA (and others) determine how to fill unmet needs. Takeaways from this symposium will be used to identify areas where HIRTA can best reach and serve unmet populations. “We are constantly listening and constantly learning,” said Schnathorst. “We need to continue to educate ourselves so we can provide all our riders with the best possible service.”

HIRTA leadership believes that equal opportunity in employment extends far beyond having an EEO statement posted on their website, and all HIRTA staff are trained on Civil Rights, including how to use the Language Line interpretation and translation services. The agency also leverages a Transportation Advisory Group (TAG), a diverse group of community stakeholders and business representatives interested in the advancement and improvement of public transportation.

They are also tailoring marketing campaigns to reach specific demographic segments, such as persons with disabilities. 100% of the HIRTA vehicle fleet is ADA-accessible. HIRTA makes every effort to match the cultural preferences of their community members. Special requests are heard and always acted upon. One county requested a brochure translated into Arabic, which was quickly accomplished. Agency leadership actively seeks out and considers the viewpoints of people of color and low-income populations, as well as individuals who do not fluently speak English. They are seeking to target more of their area’s Latino population, and are proactively translating their rider materials. Going one step further, they are looking at new ways to better meet this population’s transportation needs. For example, they found that many of the Latino riders in their service area preferred not to have to call ahead for rides, so they are planning on structuring routes with more stops in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of that population. They are also looking to hire a native Spanish speaker to perform outreach and hire more Spanish-speaking drivers.

“HIRTA’s services, by design, invite diversity,” explained Castillo. “For example, you don’t have to be able-bodied to ride, but you can be. English doesn’t have to be your first language to ride, but it can be. You don’t have to be 80 to ride, but you can be. We are truly committed to diversity, inclusion and equity in our services and employment and will continue to evolve ensuring everyone feels welcome with HIRTA.”

Meet our new Volunteer Coordinator!

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:23:01 GMT

Meet HIRTA's new Volunteer Coordinator!

Hello!

I am Mildred Chihak. I have my Masters of Social Work with a concentration in Aging and Longevity from the University of Iowa. My undergraduate degree is from Loras College, where I majored in Social Work and Spanish. I completed my graduate level practicum at the Alzheimer’s Association where I assisted the program team with establishing a process for better engaging with the communities they serve.

I have worked with older adults and disabled people in social services, activities, and direct support roles within the healthcare field. My most recent position was at a long term care facility as their Social Services Director, where I assisted residents with returning to the community when possible.

With HIRTA, I am the Volunteer Coordinator for the volunteer drivers program we will be establishing. I look forward to serving our riders and communities!

Barriers to Transit Equity for People with Disabilities

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 18:38:05 GMT

Barriers to Transit Equity for People with Disabilities Grant

We know access to transit is often challenging, however, during the pandemic we have also realized we have opportunities to change, grow, enhance and diversify our services. Thanks to funding from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, Iowa DOT and Central Iowa Regional Transportation and Planning Alliance (CIRTPA), we are going through a process now where we have created a coalition of community partners including riders, human service agencies, county and city officials, healthcare providers and many others to work on identified key objectives (barriers/improvements). We are very excited to have this opportunity to work with EasterSeals Project Action, who is facilitating this project via their Accessible Transportation Community Initiative (ATCI) process, assisting us along the way to ensure we are focused and moving forward as a group. What we have come to realize over the years is none of us are as strong as all of us.

Transportation is the connection to everything and it is vital for all people to be able to navigate the process in order to access essential services, such as medical care, groceries, employment and visiting loved ones. If we want healthier, more diverse, inclusive thriving communities, we must promote more equitable mobility services and financially support transit vehicles and services so we are able to be accessible to all users. Every community benefits from having transit services. It helps get people out in the community spending their money, filling jobs, visiting landmarks, attending schools, and so many other things. I often have to remind people, “No matter how great a service program or facility is, if a person can’t get there, it doesn’t exist for them”.

HIRTA has a wonderful advocate from Disability Rights Iowa, Emmanuel Smith, who tells people he is a 30 year old man with a disability, who has a great job and lives on his own, and yet his curfew is 11pm because that is when the bus ends service. Think about that – Would you want to be an adult where transit dictates when you have to be home?

Transit systems like HIRTA must have the ability to establish more flexibility and adaptability to serve all of the people in our communities. This not only means we need to create different services, we need different vehicle types and sizes. We know there is no one size fits all, but we know we can do better – and we are working hard to make that happen.

Some of the items we will be working on this year are:

• Identify and develop funding and partnership strategies for broadening access to transit services by expanding hours, geographical reach and diversifying modes of transportation

• Develop and implement updated promotional and educational marketing strategies to raise awareness, enhance customer experience, and increase ridership

• Expand service hours by pursuing funding opportunities & partnerships

• Identify and research options for offering same-day services, increasing dispatcher hours and decreasing telephone hold times

• Expand and create partnerships to identify and eliminate mobility barriers to improve quality of life with a focus on the underserved population which includes people with disabilities

We will be seeking input from the community in a variety of ways, including surveys and focus groups, and as those get developed we will share how you may participate. As you can see most everything is tied to additional funding, so we will also be developing educational opportunities on learning more about transit funding, as well as, how to advocate on behalf of transit to ensure services are sustainable in meeting your needs.

This is just the first of our blog posts on this funded project. Be on the lookout for additional progress blogs in the future!

Julia Castillo

Executive Director

Adopt A Rider!

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:44:09 GMT

Help out by adopting a rider!

HIRTA exists to help and serve our communities, that’s why we’re promoting our Adopt-A-Rider program. People ride HIRTA for a variety of reasons. Some people ride with us while their car is in the shop, some to save on gas, some because it’s easy. But some people ride with us because they have to.

Heart of Transit was established by HIRTA as a non-profit entity to enhance transportation services within central Iowa. Donating allows us to serve our communities and provide rides to food banks, health clinics, jobs or wherever else they might want to go. So please, consider donating. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps HIRTA continue to provide this valuable service to those who rely on us.

The good news is, there are many ways to help! The easiest way to help is to simply ride HIRTA. You benefit and we benefit - it's a win-win! Another way to help is by making a tax-deductible donation to Heart of Transit. You can find out more by going to www.heartoftransit.com/donate . If you’re looking for a fun way to contribute, you can make a purchase from HIRTA’s merchandise store. All proceeds go directly to HIRTA's Adopt-A-Rider program to help those in need get rides to food, work, healthcare, etc. Check out our store at www.ridehirta.com/store . We will also be offering fun giveaways to people who we see sporting our HIRTA gear! Stay tuned…

The Adopt-A-Rider program is crucial to provide rides to those in need. It is often misconstrued that funding for public transit comes solely from the government. However, it is a mix of federal and state dollars, contracts, local tax, fares and miscellaneous funding. This includes donations, grants, advertising revenue among others. Donations fall under the miscellaneous category, which makes up only 3% of HIRTA’s revenue. For more information on funding, go to www.ridehirta.com/funding .

We thank you for your support.

HIRTA awarded grant to install sanitizer dispensers in Story County

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:13:05 GMT

HIRTA awarded grant to install sanitizer dispensers in Story county

We are excited to announce a grant has been awarded from United Way of Story County of $941. This grant will be used to purchase sanitizing equipment and product for the buses in Story county to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Julia Castillo, HIRTA’s executive director, is “This grant provides HIRTA a really great opportunity to install automatic touchless hand sanitizer dispensers. We have taken extreme caution with the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented increased procedures to keep our communities safe. By adding the motion-sensor hand sanitizer dispensers, we are providing our riders with continued safeguards to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to the United Way of Story County for awarding us this grant, which will benefit our riders and drivers even after the pandemic is behind us.”

We are aware of Iowa lifting restrictions on COVID-19 guidelines however, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a Security Directive requiring masks to be worn to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This means HIRTA is federally mandated to enforce masks are worn at all times while boarding and riding.

Thank you to our communities for understanding and to all of HIRTA’s heroes for keeping us safe. We would also like to thank the United Way of Story County for awarding this grant. To find out more on what HIRTA is doing to help stop the spread, please visit www.ridehirta.com/health.

Mask Guidelines

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 21:01:40 GMT

Our new Safety Program Manager outlines the mask mandate

My name is Erin Newbury and I am the new Safety Program Manager here at HIRTA Public Transit. I graduated from Grand View University with a degree in Journalism and have spent the last ten years in both the safety and fitness industries. While I am new to the transit field, I am looking forward to learning as much as I can to keep our communities, riders, and drivers safe. I’m also looking forward to getting out into the communities and riding along with you.

In accordance with the executive mask mandate order put in place January 21, 2021, and the newly released TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Safety Directive 1582/84-21-01, HIRTA will continue to enforce the federal mask mandate to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

This is an important safety measure to protect both our drivers and you, the rider. Proper masks must be worn at all time while on HIRTA buses. Masks must cover nose and mouth, fit properly, and not have any holes, slits, or valves in them. Face shields are NOT acceptable at this time unless worn in conjunction with a proper mask. Homemade or store-bought masks are allowed, along with N-95s and other medical grade masks.

Failure to comply with this measure will lead to denial of trips for that day and further non-compliance could lead to disciplinary actions in line with TSA recommendations. We are taking this issue very seriously and we ask you do the same.

To learn more about what HIRTA is doing to keep riders and drivers safe, please visit www.ridehirta.com/health For more information about the TSA Safety Directive, please contact www.tsa.gov/coronavirus

HIRTA requires masks for all riders, drivers

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 21:19:50 GMT

HIRTA requires masks for all riders, drivers

Due to the executive order signed by President Biden, all riders are now required to wear a mask while boarding and riding. This requirement goes into effect immediately.

The mandate states, “Science-based public health measures are critical to preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)...the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Surgeon General, and the National Institutes of Health have concluded that mask-wearing, physical distancing, appropriate ventilation, and timely testing can mitigate the risk of travelers spreading COVID-19…to save lives and allow all Americans, including the millions of people employed in the transportation industry, to travel and work safely, it is the policy of my Administration to implement these public health measures consistent with CDC guidelines on public modes of transportation…”

HIRTA falls under Section 2 of the order requiring masks be worn in “all forms of public transportation as defined in section 5302 of title 49, United States Code.” 49 USC § 5302(14) defines public transportation as “regular, continuing shared-ride surface transportation services that are open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low income”.

We were previously recommending and encouraging riders to wear a mask, however due to the President’s executive order masks are now required. Drivers will continue wearing masks and all other necessary steps remain in effect to keep everyone safe.

Thank you to our communities for understanding and to all of HIRTA’s heroes for keeping us safe. To find out more on what HIRTA is doing to help stop the spread, please visit www.ridehirta.com/health.

My Time as a HIRTA Intern

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:33:35 GMT

My Time as a HIRTA Intern

Hello!

My name is Grace Parrish and I’m a sophomore at Central College in Pella, Iowa. I am participating in a week-long event called Career Kickstarter. This helps college sophomores learn about getting jobs, how to professionally network, and also have the opportunity to participate in a three-day micro-internship with companies in central Iowa. This experience helps students get a better understanding of the professional world and help build an idea of what they would like to go into after college.

For my micro-internship, I was given the opportunity to work with HIRTA’s nonprofit, Heart of Transit. Due to COVID-19, the internship was virtual and I was able to participate from Central. It has been an amazing past few days so I’d like to share what all I did.

Throughout my short time with Heart of Transit I was able to help in several different ways. I looked at the demographics from the Iowa census of the seven counties HIRTA serves and made a cheat sheet for them to use for quick access when pulling data. It was interesting to see the differences between the counties they serve.

I also gave suggestions on improving the website www.heartoftransit.com. I compared other nonprofit websites in the greater Des Moines area and made suggestions based on what I noticed on other websites.

Brainstorming different ways to increase donations to Heart of Transit was another task of mine. I brainstormed ideas about how to bring in donations and increase awareness of Heart of Transit. A lot of it was events and fundraisers that can be put on to bring in money towards the nonprofit, as well as ways to get involved in the community. The second task was to create social media posts to advertise Heart of Transit and ask for donations throughout the year.

Another opportunity I had was to ride on one of the buses for a morning pick up of a rider. I watched the driver interact with the rider and learned how someone in a wheelchair boards the bus. I have seen buses with the doors for the riders in wheelchairs, but was not sure how they rode the bus once they were on. The wheelchair gets secured in place with straps that attach from the floor to the bottom of the chair and gets tightened so it does not roll around. There is also a seat belt that attaches to the wall of the bus and the straps that stabilize the wheelchair. The driver showed me how to work the wheelchair lift and how to take care of the rider. I got a better understanding about how big of an impact they have on people and how well they take care of the people they serve.

There were also a few meetings that I observed. I met a variety of people and learned many different things when it comes to nonprofit work and how to plan a public transit route safely in the pandemic. I listened to a speaker talk about how to plan effective bus routes and how to improve abilities to provide the service. I also saw how HIRTA plans a ride, calls clients about their rides and how they take calls about scheduling a ride. This was all a great way to network and learn about different job opportunities available.

Throughout this experience, I learned so much and met great people along the way. The people that I worked with for my micro-internship were amazing and taught me more about myself by providing me the opportunity to work with them. It helped me figure out what kind of work that I may want to go into, along with the opportunity to help with supporting the nonprofit by sharing my ideas.

U.S. DOT awards HIRTA nearly $1.1 million to improve transportation mobility

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 18:04:08 GMT

U.S. DOT awards HIRTA nearly $1.1 million to improve transportation mobility

DALLAS COUNTY, IOWA – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today the Heart of Iowa Regional Transportation Agency (HIRTA) was awarded $1,084,257 in part of its Complete Trip - ITS4US Deployment Program.

The first 12-month period of the program is the Concept Development phase, which is the first of three phases. The proposed deployment will provide enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all in Dallas County. Specifically, the program will emphasize focus on underserved communities, including rural, veterans, persons with disabilities, low-income, older adults, and persons with limited English proficiency. HIRTA’s LEP plan can be found at www.ridehirta.com/policies.

The Complete Trip - ITS4US Deployment Program will make up to $40 million available for projects, and serves the purpose to showcase partnerships, practices and technologies that encourage independent mobility for all. The overall goal is to increase mobility options across transportation modes while addressing the obstacles of planning and completing trips. The Complete Trip program is intended to develop local partnerships and deploy mobility solutions to achieve complete trips for all travelers.

HIRTA’s Executive Director Julia Castillo says, “This project is an amazing opportunity for HIRTA and can be life changing for those in Dallas county. HIRTA was one of five projects selected to receive this funding. Our ‘Health Connector for the Most Vulnerable: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End’ project will focus on the complete trip, not just pickup and drop off. Part of the success of the project will be to replicate it in our other communities, so this will be a far-reaching project once all the phases are complete. We have an amazing group of people who will be part of this every step of the way. One requirement includes HIRTA working with local partners to make this possible, which is a huge positive.”

HIRTA would like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration for this opportunity and would like to express excitement for the positive impact this will make for our communities.

My Year End Thoughts

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 20:06:20 GMT

My Year End Thoughts

To our valued communities,

It has been without a doubt a challenging year filled with endless obstacles and adversity. However, it has also brought some positives. I choose to remember 2020 as the year our communities came together. As the year our riders put their trust in us to keep them safe. And as the year our drivers and employees worked harder than ever to uphold HIRTA’s values and standards. It is because of this determination and resiliency that HIRTA was able to continue our essential services.

Despite COVID-19 and the other numerous curveballs 2020 threw at us, HIRTA remained committed to serving our customers and keeping everyone safe. We implemented multiple safety measures to help stop the spread, and when we asked you to do your part, you did. For this we cannot thank you enough.

In 2020 we provided free rides to those who were voting, free rides to everyone on Veteran’s Day and gave away a Thanksgiving meal and many other things that made us proud. Next year we want to do even more. We have a lot to look forward to in 2021 and we’re so excited to share details very soon.

I am beyond grateful to every rider, driver, employee, community member or and all those that have played a role, no matter how small or big, in supporting HIRTA.

We look forward to serving each of our communities in 2021 and many years to come.

Best wishes for a safe, fulfilling and happy 2021.

Julia Castillo

Executive Director

New Year, Same HIRTA

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 14:00:01 GMT

Closed for New Year's Day

A friendly reminder: HIRTA will be closed in observance of the holiday on Friday, 1/1/21, if you need to reschedule your routine trip to another day, please contact our customer service department at 1 (877) 686-0029 or erides@ridehirta.com. We wish a safe and warm new year!

Donate to our non-profit, Heart of Transit, today!

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:02:08 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of our lives in one way or another. Whether that’s losing a job, missing out on your favorite events of the year, or maybe even you or someone you know has contracted the virus.

Heart of Transit was established by HIRTA as a non-profit entity to enhance transportation services within central Iowa. The purpose of this non-profit is to search for funding and donations then use those funds to help create new programs, fund transportation services and implement ongoing transportation options in central Iowa.

People ride HIRTA for a variety of reasons. They might need to go to the clinic, get some groceries or maybe even a hair appointment. People might not realize that some riders use HIRTA to get to work. Without HIRTA, some of our riders wouldn’t be able to sustain a job because they would no longer have reliable transportation to and from work. This is why we need to help others out when we can.

For example, a donation of just $25, helps us provide five rides to someone in need. A donation like this is so crucial right now because with all the uncertainty, this might save someone’s job they desperately need to provide for themselves or their family.

Donating to Heart of Transit benefits HIRTA by allowing us to serve our communities and provide rides to food banks, health clinics, jobs or wherever else they might want to go. So please, consider donating. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps HIRTA continue to provide this valuable service to those who rely on us.

Want to help support HIRTA? When you shop at Amazon, Amazon will make a donation to HIRTA’s non-profit, Heart of Transit. All you have to do is use this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-2734221

To learn more information or to donate, you can visit the Heart of Transit website at www.heartoftransit.com

We thank you for your support!

Ho Ho Ho! Closed for the holiday.

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 14:00:02 GMT

Closed for the holiday

A friendly reminder: HIRTA will be closed in observance of the holiday on Friday 12/25/20, if you need to reschedule your routine trip to another day, please contact our customer service department at 1 (877) 686-0029 or erides@ridehirta.com . Thank you and have a safe and happy holiday!

The Perks of a Vanpool

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:00:03 GMT

The Perks of a Vanpool

We have been lucky to serve central Iowa with our convenient door-to-door demand response service for nearly 40 years. The community can see our buses and/or our drivers and recognize who we are instantly. However, demand response service is only one kind of public transportation.

Public transportation has many modes of service. For example, fixed route buses operate in urban areas. Another service mode is known as Vanpool.

Vanpools help commuters with similar travel patterns and similar work schedules save money by commuting together. Each passenger pays an affordable monthly fare based on the number of riders, miles and specific vehicle needs of the group. A designated driver and back-up driver are identified to ensure the commute always runs smoothly.

A guaranteed ride home can be arranged should any emergency arise. Flat tire? No problem. There’s a plan in place for all emergencies with 24-hour roadside assistance.

Have a mobility need such as wheelchair access? No problem! The vehicle assigned to each Vanpool is assigned based on the specific rider’s needs.

What are some of the benefits of riding in a Vanpool?

• Time! Use your commute to help you stay connected to friends, family, check email, read, or even take a nap. The driver

for your Vanpool will do the work while you can get some of your day back.

• Money. Want to scale down to a one car household? Tired of paying high rates for auto insurance? Tired of feeling tied

to the gas pump? Have a hard time fitting your vehicle maintenance into your budget or even your weekend schedule? A

Vanpool might be the solution for you.

• Sustainability. Thinking about your carbon footprint? Tired of the congestion? By riding in a Vanpool, you and the other

riders help to decrease emissions and your carbon footprint, eliminate vehicles from the road and know you’re doing

your part.

Vanpool members are expected to make a 90-day commitment to the Vanpool, which helps the rest of the group budget for their monthly expenses.

How are the fares structured? HIRTA provides a subsidy to help reduce the overall cost of each Vanpool. Some employers provide additional subsidy. The remainder of the cost is split among the riders.

For more information on Vanpools please contact Brooke Ramsey at bramsey@ridehirta.com or call 515-309-9282.

Closed for Turkey Day!

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 12:05:22 GMT

Closed for Thanksgiving

A friendly reminder: HIRTA will be closed in observance of the holiday on Thursday, 11/26/20, if you need to reschedule your routine trip to another day, please contact our customer service department at 1 (877) 686-0029 or erides@ridehirta.com. Thank you and have a safe holiday. We are thankful for all our riders and staff!

Keeping Our Riders Safe, One Mask at a Time

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 12:26:20 GMT

Keeping Our Riders Safe, One Mask at a Time

HIRTA cares about the safety of our riders and our employees. That’s why HIRTA is following CDC guidelines. All drivers are required to wear masks while a rider is onboard and when they are in close contact with someone. We strongly encourage our riders to wear a mask to help keep our drivers safe.

If you do not have a mask, a single-use mask will be provided to you at no cost – just ask your driver. Please help us reduce the risk of spread and do your part!

Julia Castillo, HIRTA’s director, says, “We are still in a pandemic, so please understand there will be times we will need to ask you to select a different pickup time, and the phone wait time may be a little longer, and we may make a mistake. Our staff is not perfect – they are, however, kind, knowledgeable, and caring. They have remained dedicated throughout COVID-19 even during the toughest of times. HIRTA’s Heroes are most definitely our drivers who were and continue to be out and about in the community to ensure our buses are operating and people are safely getting places.”

To learn more about what HIRTA is doing to keep riders and drivers safe, please visit www.ridehirta.com/health

My Experience as a VISTA Associate

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 20:26:15 GMT

My Experience as a VISTA Associate

My name is Jess Hack and I’m a recent Creighton University graduate. I live in Omaha and am currently taking a gap year while applying to medical schools. I knew I wanted to participate in some kind of service during this time, and after researching different options I decided to apply to participate in full-time service through AmeriCorps.

I started out working alongside HIRTA as a VISTA associate through AmeriCorps. I matched with HIRTA after filling out an application with AmeriCorps including my skills and interests. I have a background in graphic design, and I wanted to use those skills in a way that would benefit a community in need. The volunteer coordinator recommended HIRTA as a match for my skills and interests — and in hindsight, I completely agree.

I immediately felt welcomed as part of the team by Julia, Brooke, and later Danny, who was hired a few weeks after my start date. In my time as a Summer Associate, I designed a variety of materials, including brochures, social media posts, and press releases.

While I worked with HIRTA, I felt like I truly made an impact. Many of the normal services had been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am grateful to have played a role in informing our riders and their loved ones about modified services and procedures. In my early conversations with Julia and Brooke, I learned that HIRTA is a vital transportation option for many people throughout Iowa. Many individuals depend on HIRTA’s services for reliable transportation to work, medical appointments, and other events.

As the summer comes to a close, I reflect on my experiences working with HIRTA. I feel more knowledgeable about the specific needs of many communities within central Iowa. I learned that not all service has to be hands-on, which is especially relevant in the COVID-19 pandemic. Although my assistance was distant, I feel as though I contributed to the mission of HIRTA — providing safe, reliable access to transportation for central Iowans.

Surviving During a Pandemic

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 14:24:15 GMT

Surviving During a Pandemic

We are going on six months since COVID-19 drastically altered our lives.

Public Transit systems, like HIRTA, were not immune to the impact of COVID-19. The impact on HIRTA included a 90% reduction in ridership due to shutdowns throughout our region. Compound that with the added (and costly) challenge of keeping transit employees and riders safe from COVID-19. This not only meant the purchase of personal protective equipment, it also included social distancing measures, which equates to fewer riders on the bus. Fewer riders means less efficiency, which ultimately equates to a higher cost per trip.

HIRTA was already struggling in pre-pandemic times due to limited Federal and local funding, dwindling contract revenue and changes in how Medicaid funded transportation for some programs.

Public Transit in general has a vital role in communities. HIRTA operates in 7 counties in central Iowa, connecting people to jobs, healthcare, grocery stores and other essential services. People who need cancer treatment or dialysis, or those who need to get to essential jobs, such as healthcare and nursing homes, do not have the option to shutdown, quarantine and remain safely in their homes. We had to be available to continue providing service and doing it safely with very limited information or guidance during this pandemic. We were forced to make decisions quickly, all the time remembering the safety of our drivers and riders. HIRTA decided early to suspend fare collection to reduce contact between riders and drivers and we installed plastic shields around the driver seat for the same reason. We also established social distancing measures, taping off seating on the buses, requesting masks while riding and even putting in extra safety measures in place to help stop the spread of the virus when a mobility device needs to be secured and driver and passenger are not able to social distance.

Operating transit services during a pandemic has been challenging, and yet we know that our services are essential to all those who are transit dependent. Life doesn’t stop, and people cannot quarantine forever, so we learned how to operate within this pandemic, as safely and efficiently as we can. Service looks a little different, however, we are out in the communities serving the public, doing what we can with limited staff and making decisions that allow us to be sustainable now and into the future.

We are still in a pandemic, so please understand there will be times we will need to ask you to select a different pickup time, and the phone wait time may be a little longer, and we may make a mistake. Our staff is not perfect – they are, however, kind, knowledgeable, and caring. They have remained dedicated throughout COVID-19 even during the toughest of times. HIRTA’s Heroes are most definitely our drivers who were and continue to be out and about in the community to ensure our buses are operating and people are safely getting places.

None us knew this pandemic would last this long, and I am certain all of us would prefer it be over, so life could get back to some type of normalcy. Until then, we ask for a little patience and understanding and extend kindness to others because everyone is doing the best they can in this uncertain time.

HIRTA offers transportation in Madison County

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 20:55:08 GMT

HIRTA offers transportation in Madison County

The following is an article posted in the Winterset Madisonian written by Managing Editor, Vicki Minor:

Madison County residents in need of transportation in town or out of town frequently call on the HIRTA (Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency) bus.

In the past, the agency had contracted with Madison County Elderly Services to provide services on their behalf. Due to funding reduction and increased cost on July 1, 2019, the agency’s board made the decision to provide all services to Madison County directly.

HIRTA receives federal transit assistance, state transit assistance and local funding from Madison County. Although receiving assistance, these funds are limited and do not cover operational cost. This is why they also rely on contracted revenue, passenger fares, donations and grant funding.

In an effort to transition, they had made very few changes in the first nine months. Due to COVID-19 and the governor’s state disaster proclamation, many swift changes were necessary to keep the agency operating, and to keep riders and drivers safe.

HIRTA Driver

HIRTA (Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency) provides transportation in and around Madison County.

special to the Madisonian

Benefits of these changes include increasing the use of technology by providing drivers with a tablet to increase safety and decrease distractions; the tablet also provides real time information for the driver in regards to pre- and post-inspections, mandated by the DOT; GPS tracking for better navigation and service monitoring. Technology also allows for a more efficient and cost efficient method of scheduling with the ability to assign same day and will call trips to the driver.

HIRTA services are open to the general public and anyone can ride for any reason, including persons with disabilities. Riders use the bus for a variety of reasons: trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, therapy, or maybe visiting a loved one at a nursing home. The service allows people to lead an active life and have the ability to get to wherever they need to be for whatever reason.

Office hours and the hours of operation in Madison County are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost to ride the bus for a one-way trip in town is $2.50 per trip. Otherwise it is $5 per trip within the county.

Other trips are available and information can be found on their website www.ridehirta.com or by contacting their office at 1-877-686-0029. People age 60 and older might qualify for donation based rides and are encouraged to inquire about this program.

Trips around the county and special trips around central Iowa including Des Moines and Iowa City have been limited due to the pandemic. A simple call to 1-877-686-0029 or email to erides@ridehirta.com is the best way to find out if they are able to accommodate a trip request. The prices for certain trips out of town vary, so it is best that riders contact HIRTA for accurate rates.

Same day trip requests will depend on how busy drivers are with trips that have already been scheduled. Citizens are encouraged to call the day before to ensure the bus can accommodate their trip. HIRTA tries to reserve same day trips for those who need them for medical appointments.

After scheduling an appointment a driver will pick you up within a 20-minute window of your pick up time. Please plan your trip accordingly as it is important for riders to be ready at the beginning of their 20-minute window.

For appointments, HIRTA will schedule your trip on a will-call basis. Riders can call when their appointment is done and a driver will be sent to pick them up. When someone calls to schedule a trip they need to let the scheduler at HIRTA know when they need to go and when they need to be picked up so the trip may be scheduled accordingly.

Due to COVID-19 industry-wide and CDC guidance, at this time the bus is operating at a reduced capacity. Fewer riders are allowed on each bus. Buses are cleaned regularly and deep cleaned every night. Riders are encouraged to wear a mask and drivers will wear one as well. A plastic barrier is in place between the driver and rider and every other row in the bus is blocked off.

HIRTA tries to accommodate everyone and continues to go the extra mile to keep passengers safe.

Established in 1981, HIRTA serves the Iowa DOT Region 11 operating in seven counties: Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story and Warren.

Updates to HIRTA's Service Policies

support@nationalrtap.org (NationalRTAP ) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 13:26:52 GMT

An update to HIRTA's service policy

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that HIRTA adapts quickly in order to best serve our communities. Due to this, HIRTA has updated our Service Policies.

HIRTA’s operating hours in the city of Newton is now Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We have also made changes to our no-show and cancellation policies.

No-shows and same day cancellations are financially detriment to HIRTA’s operations. We schedule and pay drivers based on trips to be taken. When people cancel and no-show, our drivers still get paid. Additionally, if you are scheduled to ride, then we have a seat on the bus saved for you, and may have told another rider we didn’t have room for them.

A passenger will be suspended from HIRTA service for 2 days if they have 3 or more no-shows in a 30-day period of time.

• First occurrence - 2 consecutive day suspension

• Second occurrence - 3 consecutive day suspension

• Third occurrence - 5 consecutive day suspension

• Fourth occurrence - 8 consecutive day suspension

• Fifth occurrence - 10 consecutive day suspension

• Sixth occurrence - 15 consecutive day suspension

At the discretion of HIRTA’s Customer Service Supervisor, no-shows or late cancellations may not be counted when there are situations beyond the rider’s control.

For the full service policies document and to view HIRTA’s other policies, you may visit our website at www.ridehirta.com/policies.

Lastly, we want to thank HIRTA’s drivers, employees and our great customers! We truly appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding during this trying time. Stay safe, and ride HIRTA.

From an Outsider's View

dschnathorst@ridehirta.com (Danny Schnathorst) — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:23:53 GMT

My name is Danny Schnathorst and I am HIRTA’s new Mobility Outreach Coordinator. This means I handle all of the marketing, social media, website and the day-to-day outreach responsibilities. Basically I’m in charge of gaining new customers and keeping the current ones happy.

I went to school at Iowa State University for Public Relations and English and my professional background is all marketing and communications related. So like many of our riders, I didn’t know what to expect for my first HIRTA ride.

I started in Indianola where I first met one of our drivers, Glen, who took me around town. We picked up our first passenger who was headed to work. After we dropped him off, we brought another passenger home from work. And finally, a third passenger home from volunteering at the local animal shelter.

Next stop was Knoxville where I rode with Mike. The streets were flooded with racers and people eager for the World of Outlaws event that night. We picked up a passenger who was in a wheel chair from the hospital on her way back to the nursing home. Mike greeted her with a smile, secured her device before driving to her destination. Once there, he unloaded her and assisted her to the door.

My last stop of the day was in Newton, a town that was hit hard from the derecho earlier this summer. Riding throughout the town was devastating – power lines down, trees uprooted, people without power a week later and homes destroyed. But I saw a community coming together in its time of need. A community HIRTA is proud to serve.

Three different locations. Three different drivers. But the one thing all three of them had in common was how much they genuinely care about what they were doing. The connection between the drivers and passengers is evident immediately – even by an outsider like me. The passengers lit up when Glen greeted them right as soon as the door opened up. The amount of care Mike took in making sure the woman was picked up and dropped off with care while putting a smile on her face. And the amount of love and unity I saw in one of our communities.

The world can be a tough place sometimes. But on the sunny afternoon I spent with the drivers and passengers, I was filled with hope.

In the meantime, ride safe and ride HIRTA.

Shouts of Thanks during COVID-19

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:14:20 GMT

Shouts of Thanks during COVID-19

As we head into September, I am not sure any of us predicted we would still be living through a pandemic that began in March, which has turned life as we knew it upside down and inside out.

With that said, it is heartwarming to see the best of people coming out throughout the state of Iowa, and most notably throughout HIRTA’s seven-county region.

HIRTA, as an agency, was able to pivot quickly for the safety of our customers and staff. We are still in the midst of this virus, and have all our office employees working remotely, and all of our offices closed to the public. The office staff was quick to adjust to a new work from home environment, and never complained or lost focus on the importance of our customers.

A shout-out to our HIRTA Board of Directors, for their support and understanding of quick decisions, flexibility and Zoom meetings!

For those who are dependent on transit services, we made the decision early to continue operating. We knew we needed to get Personal Protective Equipment for our drivers to keep them safe, which we did as quickly as possible. Then a team of dedicated drivers stepped up, faced the unknown dangers of this virus and have continued to work, transporting people through every change and challenge.

These amazing employees are the true HEROES and HIRTA leadership is proud and thankful for each and every one of them. We have given them each special HIRTA HERO shirt’s and every bus they drive has a HIRTA’s HERO Sits Here sign.

We also had some amazing volunteers provide home-made masks early on, and then we received a large supply of masks from the Federal Transit Administration, as a nation-wide effort to ensure all Transit Systems were masked and ready to keep services moving. We had agencies, such as Aging Resources of Central Iowa and United Way of Story County step up with funding to allow us to provide Assurance calls, deliver meals and purchase individually wrapped masks for those riders who don’t have one.

Lastly, HIRTA has some of the best customers, riders, passengers, and partners anywhere. Whether you were able to continue to ride or not, we have felt supported and continue to receive messages of thanks! It is important to us that you know we are doing everything in our power to provide safe service so you stay well and healthy. Thank you for continuing to have confidence in us.

We are still in unknown territory, with no immediate light at the end of the tunnel however, we are thankful we have been able to find a way to live with this pandemic and can provide safety measures to greatly reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 while using HIRTA.

We have never seen a pandemic of this magnitude and we clearly have a long way to go. However, I believe we’re going to continue to see the best of people, as we work together!

HIRTA receives Federal Mobility for All grant

jcastillo@ridehirta.com (Julia Castillo) — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:24:00 GMT

HIRTA receives Federal Mobility for all Pilot Program Grant

Central Iowa: HIRTA’s Executive Director Julia Castillo was recently notified through the Iowa Department of Transportation; they will receive $70,720 in grant funding from Federal Transit Administrations Mobility for All Pilot Program. On June 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $3.5 million in grants for to improve mobility and access to public transportation for older adults, people with disabilities and individuals of low income.

FTA's Mobility for All Pilot Program seeks to improve mobility options through employing innovative coordination of transportation strategies and building partnerships to enhance mobility and access to vital community services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and people of low income.

The grant funded project includes hiring a Mobility Outreach Coordinator, who will be task with implementing and creating several outreach projects. This includes creating a “Do you have Transportation” campaign working with various health clinics and facilities around the HIRTA region, developing a travel training program to help current non-riders feel comfortable riding HIRTA, and creating educational and marketing avenues targeted to a variety of demographics. Other special projects to develop partnerships and explore ways to access service enhancements will be another area of focus.

HIRTA’s Executive Director, Julia Castillo stated “This is an exciting opportunity for HIRTA to receive funding specifically dedicate someone to working on various projects throughout our region, enhance our services, marketing methods and educational opportunities. We are thankful for the Iowa Department of Transportation, Public Transit Bureau, for helping with application submittal and very grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), for awarding funding to our project.”

Contract HIRTA Public Transit, Julia Castillo, Executive Director jcastillo@ridehirta.com or 515-309-9281

HIRTA resumes fares

jcastillo@ridehirta.com (Julia Castillo) — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 13:39:26 GMT

HIRTA will resume fares on Monday, July 13th 2020. We are working diligently to ensure the safety of all riders and drivers. Please board with correct fare.