URBANDALE, Iowa—The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency, HIRTA, is considering a system wide general public fare increase for both in-town and in county rates.

The proposed general public fare changes:

Current In-town rate:      $2.00                            Proposed Increase  $2.50                                                Current In-county rate:   $4.00                            Proposed Increase  $5.00

HIRTA will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at the HIRTA Central Office.  Interested person may submit comments regarding the proposed fare increase, either verbally or in writing.  Written testimony can be provided by mail to HIRTA, Attn:  Executive Director, 2824 104th St. Urbandale, IA  50332;  or, by e-mail to info@ridehirta.com.  All written communication must be received by September 16, 2019, to be considered.

HIRTA has not had a rate increase in 8 years, however, due to a reduction funding and increased operating costs, the HIRTA Board of Directors has determined this fare increase is necessary to allow HIRTA to continue providing the current level of service.

The true cost of an average trip to ride HIRTA is $17.25.  The fare paid is a transportation ‘co-pay’, and the rest of the cost is paid with other funding sources.

(contributed announcement, HIRTA)