Several DART Changes Coming in July

DART plans to make several changes affecting customers on July 1, 2024. Scroll down to read about each change and why it is occurring. 
 

No Wi-Fi on Buses 

Wi-Fi will no longer be available on any DART bus effective July 1, 2024. Customers can use Wi-Fi for free at DART Central Station. 

Riders who use the MyDART app or other tools to plan their trips are encouraged to download that information before leaving DART Central Station or another starting location with Wi-Fi. Riders can also find printed schedules at DART Central Station. 
 

Reduced Customer Service Hours 

Customer Service hours will change to the following schedule, beginning July 1, 2024:  

• Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

• Sunday: Closed  

Contact Customer Service when open by:  

• Visiting the window at DART Central Station, 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines 

• Calling 515-283-8100 

When Customer Service is closed:  

• You can purchase a bus pass at one of these locations. 

• You can buy a ticket through the MyDART app or bring the exact fare in cash.

• You can call 515-283-8147 and leave a voice message on Sundays to book or reschedule a Paratransit trip for Monday travel. 

Changes to Wi-Fi and Customer Service hours are needed to balance DART’s budget as costs for operating services continue to rise and we focus on maintaining service. 
 

DART On Demand Fare Increase 

The DART On Demand fare will increase to $3.50 for adults paying full fare starting on July 1, 2024.

DART On Demand fares will now be the same as DART’s On Call service and other point-to-point services. Riders who pay half fare will not see a change in cost.  

New DART On Demand Fares (beginning July 1, 2024):

_{* Applies to adults ages 65+, persons with disabilities, Medicare card holders, and other individuals who qualify for half fare.}  

DART’s Half Fare program allows people who are 65 and older, persons with disabilities, Medicare card holders, refugees, and students to ride for a lower cost than regular bus fare. Other individuals may be eligible for DART’s Ride to Thrive program.

You can apply to receive a Half Fare or Ride to Thrive ID card to use when paying with cash on the bus or buying a bus pass. Bring your required documents to DART Customer Service during open hours. If you are not able to visit DART Customer Service when it is open, you can call Customer Service and request an application to be sent to you in the mail to return by mail.

Please note: Riders who are 65 and older, students or Medicare card holders can show their regular IDs when they board a bus to pay half fare as an alternative to getting a half fare ID card.
 

Changes to DART On Demand Zones 

DART will make the following changes on July 1, 2024, due to low ridership:  

DART On Demand Jordan Creek will become an On Call Service.  

Jordan Creek On Call will be available from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekdays. Customers will need to book a ride at least 24 hours in advance by calling 515-283-8136 during DART Customer Service hours. 

The service will provide trips between Jordan Creek Town Center and these Grand Avenue locations: 

• Des Moines University (newly added) 

• DMACC West Campus 

• MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex  

Customers can connect to the On Call service using Local Routes 52 and 72 that stop at Jordan Creek Town Center.

DART On Demand River Bend service will end.  

The final day of DART On Demand River Bend service will be Friday, June 28, 2024. Riders in this neighborhood can access several local bus routes, including Routes 3, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 60. View routes here.
 

Ride to Thrive Re-Enrollment

DART’s Ride to Thrive program launched two years ago to allow people receiving food, housing or workforce assistance to pay a reduced fare to ride DART. Riders who use the program are eligible for two years. Many DART customers will need to re-enroll beginning in July 2024. Learn more about how to re-enroll at ridedart.com/RidetoThrive.
 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where will I be able to use Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi will no longer be available on any DART bus, but you can still use Wi-Fi for free at DART Central Station.  

You will need to use cell phone data to pull up your pass on the MyDART app when you board the bus, or you can purchase a paper pass at DART Customer Service or through one of our Pass Sales outlet locations across the metro. When planning your trip, we encourage you to bring one of our printed route schedules or download the information before leaving.

How do I pay for my bus fare if I cannot get to Customer Service to purchase a bus pass during open hours?

You can pay to ride the bus by bringing the exact fare in cash, purchasing a ticket through the MyDART mobile app, or visiting one of our Pass Sales outlets around Greater Des Moines.

How do I book or reschedule a Paratransit or On Call trip when Customer Service is closed on Sunday?

If you need to book or reschedule a Paratransit or On Call trip on Sunday for Monday travel, please call 515-283-8147 and leave a voice message with your name and phone number. One of our Customer Service representatives will contact you by the end of the day to help you schedule or reschedule your trip. 

If you need to book a trip for another weekday, please call Customer Service during open hours.  

You can also call 515-283-8147 to check the status of your ride on Sunday. 

How do I cancel a Paratransit or On Call trip when Customer Service is closed on Sunday?

You can cancel a Paratransit or On Call trip by calling 515-283-8147 and selecting the option to cancel your trip. Your call will be directed to one of our team members. You can also call this number to check the status of your ride.

How will I be able to book a trip in the Jordan Creek On Call zone?

Jordan Creek On Call will be available between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers will need to book a ride at least 24 hours in advance by calling 515-283-8136 during DART Customer Service hours.  

If you need to request a trip on Sunday for Monday travel, please call 515-283-8147 and leave a voice message with your name and phone number. If you need to book a trip for another weekday, please call Customer Service during open hours. 

The On Call service will still provide trips between Jordan Creek Town Center and these Grand Avenue locations: DMACC West Campus, Des Moines University (new location), and the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. Customers can connect to the service using Local Routes 52 and 72 that stop at Jordan Creek Town Center.

I use DART On Demand service in Ankeny. Will that change?

No, the DART On Demand zone and hours in Ankeny will not change. There will be an increase in the fare for adults paying full fare.

How does DART On Demand work?

DART on Demand operates using smaller transit buses, with riders sharing trips with others who are traveling within the zone. Rides can be scheduled in advance or booked in real-time by using the DART On Demand app or calling DART Customer Service. All buses are equipped to provide service to riders using mobility devices and all also include bike racks.

Why is DART making these changes?

Each change is for a different reason.  

• DART is removing Wi-Fi and cutting Customer Service hours due to a gap in our budget as costs for operating services continue to increase. These are among other changes we are making so we can focus on maintaining service.
   
• DART is increasing the DART On Demand fare to align with our other point-to-point services. The increase comes as we are receiving more requests for trips than we can fulfill. 
   
• DART is changing the DART On Demand Jordan Creek and River Bend zones due to low ridership.