DART Seeks Input on Updated Transit Plan

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is updating its long range transit services plan, DART Forward 2035, to meet the changing needs and growth of the Greater Des Moines Region. Twelve public meetings will be held between October 12 and November 2 at various locations in member cities across DART’s regional network. DART is also collecting feedback online through an interactive tool available at DARTForward2035.com.

DART is presenting three plan options that were developed to incorporate five key service elements identified by the public through surveys gathered earlier this year. DART is gathering input on these three plan options, and is asking residents to prioritize the plan based on their personal needs and preferences.

The DART Forward 2035 draft plan focuses on five key service elements where the public requested improvement. These elements include:

· providing more bus access in more areas of the region

· increasing frequency (how often buses run),

· improving the customer experience,

· expanding service hours, and

· incorporating more modes of transportation through improved mobility options.

“Thanks to input from nearly 5,000 Greater Des Moines residents, the updated DART Forward 2035 draft plan outlines ways in which public transit can shape the future of our community,” said DART Board of Commissioners Chair and Polk County Supervisor Steve Van Oort. “Now, DART needs your input again to put the plan into motion. Please participate by attending a public meeting or going to dartforward2035.com to view the plan and provide your feedback on the various options being considered.”

DART unveiled the plan during its 10-Year Anniversary celebration at the Iowa Historical Museum on October 5, which was immediately followed by a speech from Gabe Klein, sponsored by The Des Moines Area MPO. The first public meeting will be held next Wednesday, October 12 at noon at DART Central Station in downtown Des Moines.

For the full list of public meeting dates and locations, visit ridedart.com/dartforward. To view the draft plan options online and give feedback, visit dartforward2035.com.

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, Trip Planner and RideTime Transit app are now available at www.ridedart.com.