Iowa 511 vs HIRTA On
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Iowa 511
This app provides real-time traffic and traveler information for Iowa's interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways. It offers hands-free audio announcements, a zoomable map with traffic event icons and camera views, and updates on road conditions, incidents, and closures.
- Hands-free audio announcements
- Zoomable map with traffic icons
- Real-time road condition updates
- Trucker Mode
- Personalized account for saved routes
- Traffic camera images and video
- Weather radar and alerts
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Iowa 511 is the Iowa Department of Transportation's (DOT) official traffic and traveler information app for general travelers and commercial vehicle operators. The Iowa 511 app provides statewide up-to-date traffic information for interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways in Iowa. It does not include information for county roads or city streets. FEATURES: • Hands-free, eyes-free audio announcements of upcoming traffic events as you travel along your route • A zoom-enabled map with tappable traffic event icons and surrounding camera views • Near real-time updates on winter road conditions (including surrounding states), traffic incidents, construction, truck restrictions, and road closures • Trucker Mode with resources specific to commercial vehicle operators • Create and manage Your 511 personalized account including saved routes, areas, favorite camera views, and alerts via email and/or text. • Travel time delays associated with traffic reports (look for the orange glowing icons) • Current traffic speeds • Traffic camera images and streaming video throughout the state. Sign up for an account to save your favorite cameras for easy access later. • Snow plow camera images and locations • "Towing not recommended" events for winter storms • Real-time weather radar • Weather stations with alerting for inclement weather • Rest area locations statewide • Weigh Station Locations • Citizen reports via Waze • Electronic Message Signs NOTE: Continued use of GPS running in the background can decrease device battery life. Distracted Driving The primary responsibility of every driver is the safe operation of their vehicle. While traveling, mobile communication devices should be used only when the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway. Do not text and drive (it's against the law) or use this app while driving. We welcome your feedback on this app. Please email your suggestions, questions, or concerns to 511Feedback@iowadot.us. The Iowa DOT's privacy policy can be found at https://iowadot.gov/policies-statements/privacy-policy App developed by Castle Rock Associates https://www.castlerockits.com/
HIRTA On
Book on-demand transportation for any reason across multiple counties. Easily schedule rides, track them in real-time, and manage your account. Available for same-day or advance bookings.
- On-demand ride booking
- Same-day and advance scheduling
- Real-time ride tracking
- Account creation and management
- Multi-county service area
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HIRTA offers transportation to anyone for any reason in Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren counties. You can use the HIRTA On-Demand app to book rides, either same day or in advance. If you are traveling to Des Moines, you can book a trip by calling 1 (877) 686-0029. Start by downloading the HIRTA On-Demand app. Already a HIRTA client? Enter your phone number on file. Feel free to call 1 (877) 686-0029 to confirm your account information. New to HIRTA? Create an account using your name, phone number and email address. Confirm your location and input your destination to see the ride options. Then, book your ride and track it in real time. Questions? Head to www.RideHIRTA.com or call 1 (877) 686-0029. Loving your experience so far? Give us a 5-star rating.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: HIRTA On at 4.8 against Iowa 511's 3.4. HIRTA On also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). Iowa 511's advantage is review sentiment (27% vs 0%) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
HIRTA On holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Iowa 511 has 604 ratings behind it against 74, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 27% of Iowa 511's written reviews are positive against 0% of HIRTA On's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Iowa 511 | HIRTA On |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.4 (604 ratings) | 4.8 (74 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 26.7% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 604 — better | 74 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Ad-supported |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 129 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Iowa Department of Transportation | Via Transportation, Inc. |
Customer experience
Iowa 511
HIRTA On
Bugs and requests
Iowa 511
Reported bugs
4 issues- Cameras not loading
- Map not showing any information
- App locking up when trying to use layers
- Road condition data not updating in real-time
Requested features
3 requests- Include tow ban information with expiration times
- Improve map legend and visibility of road conditions
- Bring back old app design
HIRTA On
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Iowa 511
No in-app purchases
HIRTA On
No in-app purchases









