• Jon West for Reimagine DART

Driving Jon to a Management Career

Published on: October 10, 2024

“I have to get to work, so I chose a place I knew I’d be able to take the bus to get to.”

Jon West has worked as a Stock Manager at the Price Chopper grocery store on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines for nearly five years. His responsibility is to ensure items like food and toiletries are moved from a delivery truck to store shelves and to place orders when certain items run low. His workdays begin early so he can replenish products before customers arrive. Jon appreciates the job's flexibility, allowing him to set his own schedule and work at a comfortable pace.

Although he catches a ride with coworkers some days, Jon has mostly used DART routes 14, 16 and 60 to get to work since taking the job. He says the bus was crucial in making sure he could be at Price Chopper on time each day.

“I chose this job specifically because it’s on the bus route,” Jon said. “I don’t drive, so it’s my only mode of transportation.”

Sometimes, Jon sees Price Chopper customers while he’s riding the bus to the store. He personally knows one store shopper who relies on DART to get there.

“He spends money here every day,” Jon said. “[For him], it’s important that this store exists because if you look up and down Ingersoll, there really aren’t any other grocery options. This is the only store here.” 

Riding DART goes beyond his job as well. He takes the bus to eat at local restaurants or watch movies at Merle Hay Mall. “I’ve been taking the bus since high school,” he said.  “I take the bus everywhere.”

Jon also enjoys the low cost of riding DART.

“$48 a month for a bus pass is very affordable,” he said. “Try putting $48 in the gas tank and see how long that lasts you.”

Jon’s experience demonstrates the ways in which DART supports riders and fuels the local economy. Nearly 9 out of every 10 trips DART provides results in people earning or spending money.

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