Posted on March, 1 2016
Valley West Mall to move bus stop off property.
Unless mall management reconsiders decision, replacement stop will be on Westown Parkway
April 18, 2016, Des Moines, Iowa—Valley West Mall management recently informed the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) that the bus stop located at the mall must move off property by April 30, 2016. More than 350 riders use the Valley West Mall stop on an average weekday. Approximately 75% of those riders are working or shopping in the area while the other 25% are transferring.
The lack of space in this busy retail part of West Des Moines is presenting challenges for viable alternatives. The only stop option with sidewalk access to the mall is on Westown Parkway, just east of Valley West Drive. The stop will require riders, including the elderly, disabled and those with small children, to cross a busy road and travel uphill a length of approximately two football fields. Westown Parkway carries approximately 10,000 cars a day.
DART has been working with city leaders, policymakers and community leaders to offer mall management compromise solutions that wouldn’t require moving off property, but thus far efforts have been unsuccessful.
“The Valley West Mall stop is one of the heaviest used DART stops in the metro area. These riders are shoppers and employees who are essential to our community and our economy, and we’re disappointed in the mall’s decision,” said Amanda Wanke, DART’s Chief Engagement and Communications Officer. “At this point, our only option in that area would be to move the stop to the street, which presents safety concerns for our passengers, especially the elderly, disabled and those with small children.
Further details on the new stop location and impact on the four routes in the area—the Local Routes 3 and 52, and Flex Routes 72 and 74—will be communicated as soon as possible. “Our riders are our first priority and we will do everything we can to encourage the mall to change their decision while we continue to plan for the move from the mall site to the street,” said Wanke.
Please watch for advisories posted through social media and www.ridedart.com.
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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.