DART will provide free fixed-route and Paratransit rides to warming centers in Polk County through Friday, December 6, or while Polk County Emergency Management's Extreme Temperature Plan is active. Temperatures will drop below 20 degrees at times, and the wind chill is forecast to be near 10 degrees, falling even lower overnight.
To access a warming center, you should identify a daytime warming center near you and the bus route to get there. As you board the bus through Tuesday morning, tell the driver you're heading to a warming center. Notify the driver when you need to exit the bus at the stop nearest the warming center.
Polk County has a list of approved warming centers here.
Paratransit-approved bus riders can request a ride to a warming center by calling DART Customer Service at 515-283-8100.
DART will also offer free rides to Central Iowa Shelter Services (CISS) and Bethel Mission locations.
The effects of freezing temperatures can be so gradual that it can be difficult to tell when you're at risk for cold-related injuries.
- Be proactive. Don't wait until your face, hands, or toes are numb to get help. Frostbite can develop quickly. Seek shelter later in the day before temperatures fall to their lowest levels.
- Find a center near you. Look at the list of approved emergency centers so you're aware of the safest places to be during extreme cold.
- Plan your trip. You can use the Trip Planner tool on the MyDART app or at ridedart.com to find how to get to the warming center closest to you. Type in the location you are traveling from and the warming center address to see options for riding the bus to get there.
- Let us know. As your board the bus, tell the driver which approved warming center you're heading to so they can give you a ride for free.