After two months of free rides, the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Authority (HIRTA) will resume charging regular fares Monday, July 13. The fare for in-town trips is $2.50, and trips within the county are $5, HIRTA said Friday.
HIRTA said its staff will continue to work diligently to ensure customers and drivers remain as safe as possible, including the following anti-virus precautions:
- Regular disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces
- Encouraging riders and requiring drivers to wear masks when riding HIRTA.
- Blocking off certain seating areas on buses to encourage riders to practice social distancing as much as possible.
- Equipping each bus with disinfectant spray/wipes to use as needed, hand sanitizer and masks. If you board without a face-covering our drivers will have one to give you.
- Asking riders who use mobility devices to turn their heads away from the driver and not talk to the driver while the driver is securing the device
HIRTA has also installed a safety shield between the driver and the fare collection container, which will help with social distancing between the driver and riders.
HIRTA’s Executive Director Julia Castillo said she is committed to operating a service that residents can depend on us as a reliable and safe transportation option in these unpredictable times.
“HIRTA is doing our best to keep riders and drivers safe, but each person has a responsibility too,” Castillo said. “We encourage everyone to practice healthy habits, like washing hands and staying home if sick. HIRTA continues to monitor the situation as we provide service in each of our communities, and will make adjustments as needed to safeguard both drivers and riders.”
Due to social distancing on the buses, HIRTA’s services are more limited than usual. The service might not be able to accommodate every rider’s exact request but will offer times when we can accommodate your request. For example, in-county trips are currently limited to specific days and times. Same day trips might be available, but riders are encouraged to book their reservations in advance.
For more information or to schedule a trip, contact 877-686-0029 or erides@ridehirta.com.
