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