DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa—The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) was awarded $2,872,549 in part of the Complete Trip – ITS4US Deployment Program.

This Cooperative Agreement is being awarded after Phase 1 of the project was awarded in 2020 for HIRTA’s Health Connector for the Most Vulnerable: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End. After successfully completing the first phase of this program, the Concept Development phase, HIRTA is one of four awardees to continue with Phases 2 and 3. Phase 2, Design and Testing, and Phase 3, Operations and Evaluations, will take place over the next three to four years.

The project will provide enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all in Dallas County. Specifically, the program emphasizes focus on underserved communities, including rural, veterans, persons with disabilities, low-income, older adults, and persons with limited English proficiency. More information and periodic updates can be found at www.RideHIRTA.com/ITS4US.

HIRTA’s Executive Director Julia Castillo says, “We are thrilled HIRTA is one of four projects selected to receive this funding allowing our project to move from a concept and into development, where we can deploy the service in our communities. Our ‘Health Connector for the Most Vulnerable: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End’ project focuses on the complete trip, not just pickup and drop off. Once all phases are complete, our success will allow us to replicate this program throughout the HIRTA region. Thank you to all of the incredible people who helped us with Phase 1 and everyone who will be helping with Phase 2 and 3.”

HIRTA would like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, ITS Joint Program Office for this opportunity and would like to express excitement for the positive impact this will make for our communities. The DOT’s full press release can be found here.