How to apply for Public transit rides (HIRTA) — Story in Iowa

Who it's for

Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) gives door-to-door public transit rides in Story County, open to the general public, including people with disabilities. Call 1-877-686-0029, email erides@ridehirta.com, or use the HIRTA On Demand app to book a ride, and tell them the date, time and place. In Story County, rides run Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and in the City of Ames HIRTA also runs Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Ames, CyRide buses offer a reduced fare of $0.50 to people over 65, people with a disability and Medicare or Medicaid cardholders, and CyRide's Dial-A-Ride (run by HIRTA) gives door-to-door rides for people with a disability who are approved; call CyRide at 515-292-1100. Fares are one-way: $3.00 in town and $6.00 in the county; trips to Des Moines are $6 from Grimes, Norwalk and Waukee and $25 from other areas. If you are 60 or older, ask whether you qualify for donation-based rides, which are partly funded through Aging Resources of Central Iowa. Drivers pick you up within a 20-minute window and help riders who use a wheelchair or scooter.

What you'll need

• None — call to schedule a ride

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Public transit rides (HIRTA) — Story. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need none — call to schedule a ride — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

none