URBANDALE, Iowa — The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Authority (HIRTA), whose big blue and white buses are a familiar sight in Perry, will operate without charge until April 30, the transportation company announced Tuesday.
“While many services and businesses are closed as a result of COVID-19, HIRTA is doing our best to continue serving those who need to get to critical appointments, work and essential services,” said Julia Castillo, HIRTA executive director.
Castillo said the fare-free service will run from April 8 through the end of the month and is a result of the novel coronavirus global pandemic. The change will add another layer of safety for riders, drivers and office staff, she said.
“The intention is not to increase ridership,” Castillo said. “It is strictly for safety purposes. We continue to request people only use HIRTA for essential and critical needs. We are all in this together, and we need everyone to do their part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.”
To ensure the safety of all riders and drivers, passengers are asked to be mindful of others and to follow the following rider rules:
• Sit farther away, keeping a safe distance from others.
• Keep your mouth and nose covered while riding the bus.
• Do not touch drivers or other passengers.
• If using a mobility device, turn your head away from the driver, and don’t talk to them while they are securing your device.
“HIRTA is committed to running our operations as normal to ensure residents can depend on us as a reliable transportation option in these unreliable times,” Castillo said. “We are doing everything we can to maintain our service for all people in the community and ensure the safety both of drivers and passengers. CDC guidelines encourage everyone to stay home, only leaving for essential services, and HIRTA will continue to help our communities access the services they need.”
