URBANDALE, Iowa—On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, Julia Castillo, executive director of Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA Public Transit) testified as a witness on behalf of Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) before the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the House of Representative’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding “Innovation in Surface Transportation”.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive updates from non-federal transit partners regarding the various kinds of innovations used in surface transportation. The Subcommittee heard testimonies from other transit agencies such as DriveOhio, ITS America and Contra Costa Transportation Authorities; all of whom receive federal funding.
Castillo testified on behalf of rural Iowan communities and their transportation needs. “The state of Iowa has 35 community and public transportation systems serving all 99 counties. We have 16 rural and 19 urban transit providers…HIRTA is the designated public transit system responsible for serving the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story and Warren. Our Service area is unique in that we are the only regional transit system in Iowa serving a circle around the Des Moines Metropolitan area”, Castillo explained.
She goes on to state, “Unlike urban areas, when rural population decreases, the need for mobility grows due to increased isolation.”
The Subcommittee brought up topics of innovation such as the possibility of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in rural communities-motor vehicle capable of operating without and direct human input or control over the vehicle’s critical functions.
“People in the more rural areas like being able to know their drivers by name. There’s noting saying we can’t provide that type of service within AVs”, Castillo commented in regards to customer service in rural areas.
She says, “speaking from a rural perspective, I want to encourage people to keep in mind the different types of people that use transportation. We have a lot of folks that have cognitive health problems, or are older. AVs can serve them just as well and they should be accessible.”
House Representative Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania asked, “One of the challenges you mentioned earlier is staffing. Are there policies we should be advancing at the federal level to help fill positions?”
Castillo replied, “We don’t operate at a pay grade that is the same as at they urban level. The majority of rural systems employ part-time drivers. We need help giving people a full-time livable wage.”
The hearing also included other topics regarding innovation with surface transportation such as Connected Vehicle Technologies, Intelligent Transportation Systems (electronic toll collection, traffic signal coordination, etc.), and Mobility on Demand which alludes to the idea of a public transit agency partnering with an on-demand transportation network company such as Uber or Lyft.
Executive Director Castillo states, “People don’t live in advance. Sometimes things happen, and people need a ride now-not tomorrow-and since most rural areas don not have Uber or Lyft, or even taxis, HIRTA decided we could provide this type of service and service more people.”
HIRTA offers services such as HIRTA Now: a same-day on-demand service where riders don’t have to reserve their trip 24 hours in advance. Riders are encouraged to call anytime during business hours to schedule a same-day pick-up and drop-off.
HIRTA’s newest project, Amble, a smartphone app and online payment option launched last month. This allows riders to manager their own trips, including: scheduling, cancellations and payment.
It is no question why HIRTA was recognized on a federal level for its highly effective transit system. Castillo comments, “an important innovation for all forms of public transportation is better understanding of the outcomes our services create: Healthcare outcomes, employment, independence and education.”
Oregon Representative peter DeFazio affirmed, “I am impressed by your system.”
Julia Castillo, Executive Director of Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency.
(contributed article and photo, HIRTA)
