Posted on December, 15 2022
Thank you to the riders who shared their feedback in response to major service changes anticipated to take place in West Des Moines and north Des Moines during summer 2023. Please look for additional information to be shared in spring 2023 prior to the service changes.
To learn more about the proposed changes, you may watch the video captured at one of DART’s public meetings or read about each change below:
West Des Moines Service Changes
A new transit zone, DART On Demand Jordan Creek, is proposed to provide point to point trips within the designated zone near the mall including stops by the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, DMACC West Campus and Costco. Riders would be able to utilize this service at a cost of $1.75 per ride. Click on the map below to expand.
DART On Demand trips can be booked in real-time (on-demand) or scheduled in advance using the DART On Demand mobile app, web app or by phone calling DART Customer Service. DART On Demand operates using smaller transit buses, with riders sharing trips with others who are traveling within the zone. All buses are equipped to provide service to riders using mobility devices and also include bike racks. Additionally, to find information about the DART On Demand service including expected wait times, accepted forms of payment and more, click here.
Proposed route changes to Local Route 72 would discontinue a portion of the route north of Jordan Creek Town Center traveling along 60th Street and University Avenue to the Valley West Mall area. These proposed changes would decrease the frequency of the route to every 70 minutes (which is 10 minutes slower than the current schedule). Route 52 would be realigned to cover most of the portion of Route 72 that will be discontinued, as noted below.
View the draft schedule for Local Route 72.
Proposed route changes to Local Route 52 would result in travel on University Avenue, 60th Street, Vista Drive and Jordan Creek Parkway, between Valley West Mall and Jordan Creek Town Center; this would replace travel along the interstate to cover segments previously served by Route 72.
See Local Route 52's draft schedule.
Additional public outreach was conducted in spring 2022 and the outlined proposed changes were significantly revised based on customer concerns. As a result, Local Route 72 is no longer proposed to be eliminated.
New Service in Northern Des Moines
A new transit zone, DART On Demand River Bend, is proposed in north Des Moines to provide point to point trips in the designated zone within the 50314 zip code. The proposed zone includes stops at destinations in or near the River Bend, Mondamin Presidential and Cheatom Park neighborhoods, including Broadlawns Medical Center, the John R. Grubb YMCA, Oakridge Neighborhood, C Fresh Market and the Forest Avenue Library. DART is proposing riders would have access to utilize this service at a cost of $1.75 per ride. Click on the map below to expand.
To find additional information about the DART On Demand service including how to book trips, expected wait times, accepted forms of payment and more, click here.
The proposed new DART On Demand River Bend service is made possible by the support of several local partners including Principal® Financial Group Foundation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation and Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
How Feedback Was Gathered
DART collected survey responses and conducted three public meetings in January 2023 to gather public input ahead of the proposed service changes impacting West Des Moines and north Des Moines. Of note, additional public outreach for these changes was previously conducted in spring 2022 as well.
Your Input is Greatly Appreciated
The team at DART would like to kindly thank its riders for sharing feedback throughout 2022 and 2023 which led to the proposed service changes outlined here. With any questions, please contact DART Customer Service by calling 515-283-8100, option 0, or by emailing dart@ridedart.com.