Trying to get around is a big challenge in rural and suburban areas if you don’t drive or don’t own a running vehicle. There are no subways or trains and no fixed-route buses, and calling a taxi or ride-share company can be very expensive.
The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) is an Urbandale-based company that offers transportation services in several central Iowa counties, including Dallas County.
To schedule a ride with HIRTA, call 877-686-0029 or email erides@ridehirta.com. Fares range according to mileage, from $2.50 within the same town, $5 within Dallas County and $10 to $25 for a trip to Des Moines.
Des Moines trips are currently limited and dependent on driver and scheduling availability.
To offset the price of transportation for people unable to drive, HIRTA has partnered with the United Way of Central Iowa to provide non-emergency medical transportation in Dallas County.
An all-volunteer service will soon be available for older adults, persons with disabilities, people with lower incomes and veterans. HIRTA is currently recruiting volunteers for this program. For more information or to volunteer as a driver, go to the HIRTA website or call 1-877-686-0029. The contact person is Mildred Chihak.
Here’s a challenge for you: for one week, pretend your household doesn’t have a vehicle. Try to go about your daily life, and pay attention to how this impacts you and your family.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
