DART announces technologies for providing bus arrival/departure time information

DART today launches three new technologies that make real-time bus arrival/departure information available via mobile app, text message and automated phone system, providing people more ways to access information about bus service in Greater Des Moines.

• onTime Transit is a mobile app service that provides access to real-time and schedule information. OnTime Transit is free and available for download on multiple platforms including iOS, Android and Windows Phone. NOTE: Flex Route data remains in testing and will be available in the near future.

• MyDART Text is an SMS service, commonly referred to as text messaging, which informs riders when the bus is estimated, based on real-time bus location information, to arrive at a bus stop. To receive estimated departure times text DART and the Stop ID# (Example: DART0000) to 64274. NOTE: Flex Route data remains in testing and will be available in the near future. Bus stop signs will continue to be posted in the coming months.

• MyDART Phone is an interactive voice response (IVR) service that informs riders when the bus is scheduled and estimated, based on real-time bus location information, to arrive at a bus stop. Additional service information is also available. To receive estimated departure times call 515-283-8100 and select option 1.

This launch further expands the ability to get real-time bus information on a variety of platforms. DART first introduced its real-time tools via www.ridedart.com in September 2014 and has seen steady uses since. DART General Manager Elizabeth Presutti said offering the real-time information on more platforms further increases the ease of transit use in Greater Des Moines and provides confidence for new potential riders about knowing when the bus will arrive. With new mobile platforms, now riders will be able to more easily access this information while standing at their stop, or waiting inside during bitter winter weather.

These technology advances at DART are part of a larger improvement of public transit service in Greater Des Moines, as identified in the DART Forward 2035 Plan. A guiding principle of the plan is enhancing customer experience.

“DART is definitely working to improve the overall customer experience and make riding the bus even easier in greater Des Moines. These newly released technology improvements along with the opening of DART Central Station and the redesign and expansion of the bus route network throughout the metro area demonstrate the commitment to public transportation,” said DART Commission Chair Steve Van Oort.

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is the public transportation provider that serves Polk County. DART operates a family of transportation services that makes getting around the Greater Des Moines area easier and more convenient. For more information about DART services, schedules, route changes, or directions to the nearest DART stop, visit the website at www.ridedart.com or call 515-283-8100. The MyDART Tools and Trip Planner are now available at www.ridedart.com.