HIRTA Public Transit

09/02/2026

HIRTA will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.

We’re proud of the people behind HIRTA who keep our service moving every day. From our drivers and schedulers to the staff working behind the scenes, their work helps our riders stay connected to the people and places that matter.

Regular service and office hours will resume Tuesday, September 8th.

We hope everyone has a safe Labor Day!

1 (877) 686-0029 | [email protected]

08/06/2026

We are grateful to the Jasper Community Foundation for awarding a grant to help provide local match funding for a replacement vehicle.

Replacing an aging vehicle will improve fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance expenses, and lower operating costs.

Thank you to the Jasper Community Foundation for investing in public transportation.

07/27/2026

If you need to travel today, please take the extreme heat into consideration when planning your trip. Bring water, limit time in the heat when possible, and take precautions to stay cool and safe.

Did you know the HIRTA On Demand app features real-time vehicle tracking and arrival alerts to help minimize time spent waiting outside. You’ll know when your HIRTA vehicle is approaching and when it has arrived. Download the HIRTA On Demand app on the App Store or Google Play.

1 (877) 686-0029 | [email protected]

🥵 The extreme heat sticks around for one last day, as heat indices reach 105 to over 110°F this afternoon. Make sure to practice heat safety, and avoid prolonged periods of time outdoors!

Temperatures will moderate back to more seasonal values through the rest of the week, with highs generally in the 80s to near 90.

07/24/2026

We want your input on Iowa’s transportation future! 2055 sounds like a made-up year, but we plan far ahead! The DOT's Transportation Plan will shape our goals for the next 25+ years, and your opinion matters!

Help us improve transportation across the state by taking a quick survey before Thursday, Aug. 31.
🤳Take the survey now: https://iowadot.gov/FutureTravel
📢 Share this post!
📱Call 515-233-7950
✉️Email [email protected]

This plan and your comments provide a framework for how future investments should be made to Iowa’s multimodal transportation system, including aviation, public transit, rail, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highways, and water transportation.

07/16/2026

Today is Rural Transit Day!

At HIRTA, we're proud to provide safe, reliable transportation that helps people get to work, medical appointments, the grocery store, and everywhere in between. Every ride helps keep our communities connected and supports independence for thousands of Central Iowans.

Today, we want to recognize our drivers, dispatchers, customer service team, and everyone working behind the scenes to make each trip possible. Thank you for the dedication and care you bring to every ride.

Happy Rural Transit Day from all of us at HIRTA!

1 (877) 686-0029 | [email protected]

07/09/2026

Do you live in Dallas county and sometimes need a ride to the doctor or pharmacy?

Iowa State University is looking for participants for a one-time online focus group to learn about experiences getting to medical appointments. Your feedback will help identify ways to improve transportation options in your community.

The discussion will last 60-90 minutes, no special computer skills are needed, and your responses will be kept private.

Apply today if you're interested in participating: https://www.cssm.iastate.edu/transit

06/30/2026

HIRTA services will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Dial-a-Ride service in Ames will operate as scheduled. All services will be closed on Saturday, July 4th. Normal service will resume on Monday, July 6th.

Please be sure to make any necessary changes as soon as possible.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Independence Day!

1 (877) 686-0029 | [email protected]

06/25/2026

HIRTA Customer Service access will be limited on Thursday, June 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. due to a staff meeting.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

06/23/2026

We are honored to receive recognition from the Iowa Department of Transportation as the regional transit system with the highest ridership percentage increase in Fiscal Year 2025.

This award was presented during the 2026 Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) Conference and reflects the growing demand for public transportation across our communities.

Thank you to the Iowa DOT for this recognition, and thank you to our riders, drivers, dispatchers, and staff who made this possible.

1 (877) 686-0029 | [email protected]

06/01/2026

*Service Changes Effective July 1, 2026*

Due to rising operating costs and declining funding, HIRTA will make service adjustments beginning July 1, 2026.

- The cities of Perry, Knoxville, and Indianola service will operate on Mondays and Fridays only due to no local funding.

- Service hours in all communities will change from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM to 7:00 AM-4:00 PM.

These decisions were made after carefully reviewing ridership data and exploring every possible option to minimize impacts while maintaining service across the region.

HIRTA understands these changes may create challenges for some riders and appreciates the community’s patience and continued support.

For questions or concerns, please contact HIRTA at 1 (877) 686-0029 or visit www.RideHIRTA.com.