In a Van, I Can…

Catch up on work. Take a nap. Soak up the scenery. 

And save 25% on three month’s fare. 

New riders who join a DART RideShare vanpool by May 31, 2015 will receive a 25 percent discount on the first three month’s fare.

“The RideShare program has been a perfect solution for long-distance commuting. It’s economical and the vans are well-maintained as rider safety is a top priority.”

–  Cindy, RideShare vanpool from West Des Moines to Grinnell

RideShare connects commuters who live and work near each other so they can  share rides. Vanpoolers save money, use commute times more productively and reduce their carbon footprint. RideShare provides the van, gas and maintenance; you enjoy the ride.

To join a vanpool or learn more about saving 25% on three month’s fare, contact DART RideShare Customer Service today by phone at 515-288-RIDE (7433) or email rideshare@ridedart.com.

Thank you, Greater Des Moines! For showing your support for our roads, bridges and public transportation!

On April 9, 2015, Stand Up for Transportation Day, a powerful message was sent to Congress:
It is time for a long-term investment in our roads, bridges and public transportation!

Hundreds of people signed the DART bus in support of transportation.

More than 150 events were held across the country to advocate for sustainable and reliable federal transportation funding before current funding expires on May 31, 2015.

Panel Discussion
In Des Moines, we hosted a panel discussion with guest speaker Congressman David Young who gave a brief talk and answered questions on federal transportation issues. Young serves on the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.

Congressman David Young speaks on federal transportation issues.

The panel discussion included Ben McLean, Ruan Transportation; John Cinealis, The Toro Company; and Jake Christensen, Christensen Development. Panel members discussed how transportation infrastructure and the need for long-term funding affects their company, their employees and Greater Des Moines.

Left to right: Larry James Jr., moderator; John Cinealis, The Toro Company; Jake Christensen, Christensen Development; Ben McLean, Ruan Transportation

Open Street Event
An open street event was also held on 12^th Street in Downtown Des Moines. Attendees could grab lunch from local food trucks, sign a DART bus in support and speak with local organizations about the importance of transportation.

Powered by Fries was one of the food vendors at the open street event.

Attendees signed a DART bus in support of transportation.

Christopher the Conquered played one of City Sound’s Public Pianos for entertainment.

For more event photos, visit our Facebook album.

Another New Shelter

Check out the new shelter on Route 16 located at the intersection of Douglas Avenue & 50th Street. 

This is the third new shelter to go up in the Des Moines metro area since last October. The next shelter scheduled to be installed is also on Douglas Avenue, near the VA Hospital. Have a suggestion for a bus stop that could use a shelter? Please leave a reply below.

June Schedule Changes

Starting this Sunday, June 8, 2014, schedule adjustments on the routes listed below will be implemented to better serve DART customers. Click routes to view new schedules.

Route 4       Route 6       Route 13       Route 16       Route 91       Route 95

New print schedules are available on buses now.

The next scheduled service change is Sunday, August 17, 2014.

Bike & Ride Twitter Photo Contest

Entering the contest is easy:

1. Tweet a photo of your Bike & Ride May 12–31, 2014, and include the hashtag #mydartride.
2. Follow @ridedart.
3. Cross your fingers!

You may enter as many times as you would like during the sweepstakes period. Winners will be selected at random and notified via Twitter direct message.

Prizes

Grand Prize (1)

• 1-year secure bike storage at DART Central Station
• June Express Plus bus pass
• DART swag

Runner Ups (2)

• June Express Plus bus pass
• DART swag

For complete contest rules, please click here.

Bike to Work Week

May is National Bike Month, and DART is celebrating with Bike to Work Week. Board with a bike May 12-16, 2014, and you’ll ride free.

Bike racks are available on all DART buses. Riders are responsible for loading, securing and removing their bikes from the racks.

Putting Bikes on the Bus Rack

• Ensure the bus is completely stopped before stepping in front of the bus.
• If the rack is in the upright position, squeeze the release handle on the top and lower the rack.
• Lift your bike into the wheel slots. If there is already a bike on the rack, load yours in the opposite direction in the remaining slot.
• When your bike is loaded, lift the support arm up and over the front bike tire as close to the bike frame as possible.

Removing Bikes from the Bus Rack

• Exit the bus through the front door, letting the operator know you will be unloading your bike.
• Lift the support arm from the bike’s front tire and take it out of the rack.
• If the rack is empty, raise the rack up against the bus.

For complete instructions on how to load and unload your bike, click here.

For more information about DART services or this promotion, please call Customer Service at 515-283-8100 or email dart@ridedart.com.

May is Bike Month

This month is Bike Month in Des Moines and DART is a cyclist’s friend.

All DART buses are equipped with bike racks, making it convenient for you to bike & ride around the city. In 2013, DART carried 52,418 bicycles, which shows that taking the bus is the perfect way to get to your bicycling destination, or your relaxing way back after a great ride.

DART Central Station is Downtown Des Moines’ premier intermodal facility with public bike racks available along the north sidewalk of the station fronting 6th Avenue. Also, at the corner of 6th Avenue & Cherry Street is the DART Central Station B-Cycle Station, the bike-sharing system in Downtown Des Moines.

If you’re looking for a way to store your bike out of the elements, reserve a spot in the bike storage room at DART Central Station. Members have card access to secure bicycle storage and changing rooms. Become a member for $50 a year with a one-time refundable $50 deposit for the access card. The bike storage facility is accessible Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Take DART to the Drake Relays

Drake Relays are returning to Des Moines April 23-27. Beat the parking and take DART to events in and around Des Moines.

The Drake Campus is conveniently serviced by Route 3 – University Avenue, and Route 60 – University/Ingersoll Loop with regular and all-day service along University Avenue. For directions and schedules, use the MyDART Trip Planner to plan your weekend fun.

A reminder to Drake University students and employees, rides on DART bus routes are free when you show your current student ID to the bus operator when boarding. A regular cash fare is $1.75 per trip.

Enjoy the Relays!

In a Van, I Can…

Count the cattle.

Eat a breakfast sandwich with both hands.

And save 25% off three month’s fare.

Individuals who join a DART RideShare vanpool in April or May 2014 will receive a 25 percent discount on the first three month’s fare.

RideShare connects commuters who live and work near each other so they can share rides. Vanpoolers save money, use commute times more productively and reduce their carbon footprint. RideShare provides the van, gas and maintenance; you enjoy the ride.

To join a vanpool, redeem a trial ride coupon or learn more, contact DART RideShare Customer Service today by phone at 515-288-RIDE (7433) or email at rideshare@ridedart.com.

Ride DART Routes 51 and 91 for Free in April

Individuals can take an unlimited number of free rides April 1-30 on both DART Local Route 51 – Merle Hay Crosstown and Express Route 91 – Merle Hay.

The month-long promotion aims to introduce residents to the expanding services available along the Merle Hay corridor. Local Route 51 was introduced in August as part of DART Forward 2035 Transit Service Plan and more directly connects Merle Hay Mall with downtown Des Moines. Both Local Route 51 and Express Route 91 connect major destinations along the Merle Hay Road, including employment opportunities, retail stores, restaurants, medical facilities, school campuses and DART Central Station.

Local Route 51 operates between Merle Hay Mall and DART Central Station (620 Cherry St., Des Moines), including destinations along Merle Hay Road. Buses depart from stops every 30 to 60 minutes on weekdays from approximately 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Express Route 91 operates between Johnston City Hall Park & Ride and downtown Des Moines. Buses depart from stops every 30 minutes on weekdays from approximately 6 to 8:15 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m.