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