Alex James – HIRTA

Originally Published February, o3, 2015

Alex James of HIRTA

The Friendly Face of Public Transportation: Alex James and HIRTA

This month we offer a profile with Alex James of Homecare Services, Inc. of Dallas County ‘s public transportation division in Adel.

Lifelong resident of Adel, Alex James is well known around town.

You may know him as a part time clerk at the Adel Public Library, or as the son of Dan and Paula James.

Most days, Alex is known as Customer Service Representative I, or dispatcher, for Homecare Services, Inc. of Dallas County ‘s Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency, or HIRTA.

Alex has been with HIRTA for 6 years and continues to love his job helping coordinate drivers, buses, and passengers. HIRTA is a hybrid of traditional taxi services and a metropolitan bus line. With 24 hours or more advanced notice, Alex and Customer Service Representative II Cheryl, who acts as scheduler, will help arrange your ride in and around Dallas County and the Des Moines metro.

There are many misconceptions about HIRTA that Alex patiently helps customers understand each day with his genuine care for others.

First, it is important to note that HIRTA is public transportation, which means anyone can ride the bus! In Dallas County the buses log over 200,000 miles per year.

From preschool kids that need a ride to daycare, rides to and from the doctor’s office, the days your car is in the shop, to grandparents looking for a day or shopping, HIRTA buses are equip for all.

Next, remember that HIRTA is not a free service, though for qualified passengers, some destinations may be listed at a free will donation level or riders may be approved for government assistance.

Keep in mind that a trip or ride is a one-way ticket; once you get off the bus; you would be charged for any additional stops and the return trip home.

As a not-for-profit 501c(3) organization, grants are available that Head Coordinator Renee Sherman pursues for further assistance.

There are also discounted rates for youngsters and senior citizens, and scheduled discount days. If you’re looking for fun, ride the bus to and from Prairie Meadows for the buffet and gambling. Or take advantage of Des Moines shopping days every other Thursday when the bus will drive you to many destinations and home for a significant savings over a regular trip around the metro.

There are 10 buses shared between Adel and Perry to serve all of Dallas County. Each driver has a CB radio and GPS system with texting capabilities to keep in communication with the base office located in the Homecare Services building in Adel at the corner of Main and 1st streets. Throughout the day Alex coordinates with drivers to facilitate scheduled pick-ups, changes, review procedures, and note maintenance needs.

Please note that HIRTA is just one division of Homecare Services, Inc. of Dallas County. If you need assistance with regards to personal care, organization, respite care, or more, contact Deb Anderson, LBSW and Homecare Aide Coordinator.

Alex and Renee of Homecare Services

Most importantly, keep in mind that of Homecare Services, Inc. of Dallas County and HIRTA are caring organizations.

If you need a ride with less than 24 hour notice, give Alex a call and he will do all he can.

If you need a ride but have limited income, talk to Renee to find out about a payment plan.

Or, if you’d like to plan field trips a few weeks in advance (18 people or less) consider a HIRTA bus and talk to Cheryl.

As long as the ride starts or stops in Dallas County, Alex and the HIRTA team are here to help and will do what they can to secure your ride. This is really a public transportation system for everyone, serviced with great Iowa-style customer service.

Alex James may have many titles, but each demonstrates his genuine love for Adel and Dallas County, making him a shining example of Adel character and spirit. He is happy to say he plans to remain an Adel resident and is proud to call Adel home.

Homecare Services of Dallas County
101 N 9th St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4531
Website: www.homecareadel.dreamhosters.com