The transit service for many central Iowa counties will cut hours across the board and reduce service days in some communities due to rising costs that have outpaced funding.
The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency, or HIRTA, offers residents in Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story and Warren counties the ability to schedule bus rides. HIRTA announced Monday, June 1 changes that will take effect July 1:
HIRTA officials said the changes are needed to keep the agency financially stable, and ridership and service data was reviewed before the decision.
Julia Castillo, HIRTA’s CEO, said in the release, “We know this affects our riders and communities, and that’s not something we take lightly. Our goal is to keep HIRTA running strong for the long term, and we remain committed to working with local, regional, and state partners to identify long-term funding solutions.”
Growing costs affecting public transit systems nationwide include fuel prices, vehicle repairs, insurance and employee wages, according to the press release.
More than a third of HIRTA’s funding is from contracts, according to its website. Other funding sources include federal (19.1%), state (14.7%), local (13.7%), fares (10.2%) and grants (7.3%).
Employee costs are 54% of HIRTA’s expenses, and maintenance and supplies is the second highest category of costs, at 27%.
HIRTA is “encouraging community members to support public transportation funding by contacting local, state, and federal elected officials,” according to its release. HIRTA also has a page on its website about its advocacy efforts at ridehirta.com/advocate.
Phillip Sitter covers the suburbs for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at PSitter@usatodayco.com. Find out more about him online in the Register’s staff directory.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Central Iowa to see reduced bus service as HIRTA faces rising costs
Reporting by Phillip Sitter, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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