News

Please note: The public input meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 28, 2024, due to the threat of severe weather on May 21.

DART plans to increase the cost for riding DART On Demand, starting July 1, 2024. 

The Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Policy Committee awarded DART $3.6 million from its Carbon Reduction Program last week. These one-time funds will go to DART’s capital budget, allowing the organization to purchase buses, and provide flexibility to use more federal funds for operating expenses. At today’s DART budget hearing, the DART Commission voted to use the equivalent amount of federal funds to fill a budget gap and to maintain services for two years, while the Commission engages member communities in planning for longer-term stability. 

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) Board of Commissioners has elected the following city leaders to serve on DART’s Executive Committee for 2024:

DART now requires Bus Plus customers to submit a new application to recertify their Bus Plus status every three years, or whenever the certification expires (ex: temporary disability status). Bus Plus customers will be notified of the recertification requirements by receiving a letter in the mail from DART. To avoid service interruption, DART must receive a new application from customers within 60 days of the date printed on their recertification letter.

In November and December 2023, DART held public input on possible bus service cuts that could occur in the City of Des Moines over five years. 

DART shared the following information with riders and residents:  

Riders and other central Iowans should provide feedback on where DART is proposing to build several new bus shelters throughout the Greater Des Moines region. DART is especially interested in feedback anyone may have regarding these proposed locations, specifically if they believe the locations of these shelters would negatively impact the historical or cultural resources available nearby. 

To better serve our customers, DART Customer Service hours will change effective November 13th, 2023.

The new service hours for both phone calls and the window at DART Central Station will be:  

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) welcomes Anawim Housing as a new unlimited access partner. Through this partnership, effective November 2023, Anawim residents and staff can use DART’s local, express and on-demand bus services any time at no cost.  

Effective Wednesday, November 1, DART Paratransit's Bus Plus program is now offering a new Premium Service Zone, which extends the Bus Plus coverage area to include the full boundaries of each of DART's member communities. The Premium Service Zone trips are non-Medicaid only and cost a premium fare of $30 per trip. The Base Service Zone will remain as-is, at a cost of $3.50 per trip. Additionally, approved Bus Plus riders now have free access to ride on DART’s Fixed Route services.