Blog Layout

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:
  1. Understand the unique needs of rural and tribal passengers and plan services to meet those needs.
  2. Provide all passengers with helpful, courteous, and respectful customer service.
  3. Deliver equal service to all passengers, regardless of age, background, abilities, income, or gender.
  4. Coordinate with community organizations to provide transportation to as many destinations as possible. 
  5. Involve passengers, community stakeholders, and elected officials in service planning.
  6. Assure that vehicles and facilities are safe, clean, well-maintained, and comfortable.
  7. Invest in training and education that keep staff current, knowledgeable and skilled.
  8. Contribute to an organizational culture where staff are motivated and successful.
  9. Have a plan for potential emergencies and disasters and communicate that plan to all stakeholders.
  10. 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!
By Julia Castillo December 17, 2024
2024: A Year in Review
By Brooke Ramsey November 11, 2024
Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth
By Danny Schnathorst August 7, 2024
Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency Honored for DEI Excellence in Medium Business Category
By Danny Schnathorst July 9, 2024
HIRTA Partners with Dallas County Hospital for Enhanced Healthcare Accessibility through Health Connector Initiative
By Danny Schnathorst June 10, 2024
HIRTA Awarded $441,096 ICAM Grant to Expand Transportation Services Across Seven Iowa Counties
By Danny Schnathorst May 1, 2024
HIRTA staff members traveled to Washington D.C. for the Emerging Leaders Academy
By Danny Schnathorst April 30, 2024
Volunteer Spotlight - Cindy M.
By Julia Castillo December 20, 2023
2023: HIRTA's Year in Review
By Danny Schnathorst December 4, 2023
HIRTA Welcomes Three New Ford Transits to Enhance Rural Public Transit Services
By Danny Schnathorst October 10, 2023
Meet Mario: Our New Operations Coordinator
Show More
Share by: