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