In this episode, Daniel Perez sits down with Brooke Ramsey, Business Manager at Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency – HIRTA and Josh Albertson, Director of Advisory Services at Flexlynqs, to discuss transformative projects in public transportation. They highlight the Health Connector Project, an innovative initiative aimed at improving healthcare access in Iowa through on-demand transit, advanced wayfinding technologies, and community-driven solutions. Brooke and Josh share insights into overcoming challenges like language barriers, fostering partnerships, and introducing scalable, tech-forward solutions in transit systems. The conversation also explores the future of sustainable transportation, including electric and autonomous vehicles.
Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:
How the Health Connector Project bridges gaps in healthcare access.
Leveraging technology for on-demand booking and wayfinding in public transit.
The importance of community partnerships in project success.
Strategies for integrating electrification into rural transit fleets.
Lessons learned in scalable, replicable transit solutions.
Episode Highlights:
Transit as a Solution, Not a BarrierPublic transit is a critical tool for overcoming challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and employment. The Health Connector Project showcases how innovative transit solutions can empower communities by breaking accessibility barriers.
On-Demand Transit for Healthcare AccessFlexibility is key in public transit. The Health Connector’s on-demand booking system allows riders to schedule trips when they need them most, ensuring timely access to healthcare and reducing missed appointments.
Innovative Technology for Better AccessibilityTechnologies like wayfinding tools and multi-language support (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic) make transit systems more inclusive, ensuring riders from diverse backgrounds can navigate seamlessly.
Sustainability Through ElectrificationTransitioning to electric and low-emission vehicles is essential for sustainable transit. HIRTA is taking steps toward electrifying its fleet, paving the way for eco-friendly solutions tailored to rural environments.
The Power of PartnershipsCollaboration with public health departments, local hospitals, and tech providers ensures transit systems meet community needs. Strong partnerships drive innovation, scale solutions, and create long-term impact.
Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about the Health Connector Project at transithealthconnector.org.
Access project resources and training videos on HIRTA’s YouTube channel.
About the Guest
Brooke Ramsey serves as the Business Manager at the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA). With over 14 years of experience in the transit industry, she specializes in project management and grant writing, driving initiatives that improve mobility for rural communities. Brooke has played a pivotal role in the Health Connector Project, focusing on enhancing healthcare access through innovative public transit solutions. Her dedication lies in fostering community partnerships and promoting sustainable, inclusive transportation
Josh Albertson is the Director of Advisory Services at Flexlynqs, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing technology-driven solutions in public transit. With extensive experience in integrating innovation into mobility systems, Josh collaborates with transit agencies to implement scalable and replicable solutions. He has been instrumental in the Health Connector Project, where his work focuses on on-demand transit services and data-driven performance evaluation, helping bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility through smart transit technologies.