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.