About the study
DART is conducting a Transit Optimization Study (TOS) to plan for the future of providing transportation in the region and explore new technologies and transportation trends. The purpose of this study is to see what types of service will best serve specific needs in the region. This may result in changes in bus service or a blend of bus routes and other mobility options, such as bike-share, scooter-share or partnerships with private transportation companies, like Uber, Lyft and taxis.
Pilot projects
As part of its Transit Optimization Study (TOS) DART is collecting feedback on changes it is proposing to make to service so that it runs in a way that better fits the needs of our riders and member communities. Of the changes proposed in the TOS, DART is proposing changes that would modernize service for the cities of Ankeny and Urbandale.
Specifically, DART is proposing:
You can learn more about the specific changes for each community by clicking on the links above.
Give your feedback
Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in central Iowa, DART is unable to hold large, in-person meetings in each community to collect feedback. So instead, we will be offering several virtual options for riders and residents to let us know what they think.
- Virtual public meeting: DART will host a virtual public meeting focused on the changes happening to Local Route 74 and service in the city of Urbandale.
- When: Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Virtual via Zoom (link here)
A separate meeting geared towards service in the city of Ankeny will be held at a future date. More details will be shared on this page when they are available.
- Online info session: DART Chief Planning Officer Luis Montoya will hold a Facebook Live session to share some background on the TOS and specifics on the changes DART is proposing. Riders can submit questions on Facebook before the event or ask questions “live.”
- When: Wednesday, Dec. 16 at Noon
- Where: Live on DART’s Facebook page
- Online surveys: DART has included comment boxes at the bottom of both community information pages for these proposed changes. We invite any rider who cannot attend a public meeting to submit their comments live to leave their comments on the forms on these pages.
- Via phone call: Riders can share their thoughts on the proposed changes by calling DART Customer Service at 515-283-8100 option 0. Once they call Customer Service, they will receive two options:
- Leave a comment with Customer Service. This is best for riders and residents who just want to leave a comment and don’t want DART staff to follow up with them.
- Ask to speak to a DART team member about the changes. Customer service will work to get your information to a member of DART’s Administrative staff who will call you back to explain the changes and record your comments.
- Via email: Riders can submit their comments to the changes by emailing comments to dart@ridedart.com. Please make sure to let us know in the email if you would like a DART staff member to contact you about your comment.
Timeline
Thank you!
DART wants to thank you for your feedback regarding these proposed changes. By letting us know what you think, you’re helping us make sure we have service that most effectively serves the Greater Des Moines region.
If you have any questions about DART’s services outside of our Transit Optimization Study, please contact DART Customer service by calling 515-283-8100 or emailing dart@ridedart.com. Thank you!