DES MOINES, Iowa — For months, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, or DART, has voiced its concerns about budget shortfalls that could force a reduction of bus services. Now, the DART Board of Commissioners is proposing a "compromise solution" to hopefully avoid such a fate.
Under the proposed plan, DART would still make some cuts to services and would reduce expenses by up to $3 million. In turn, the city of Des Moines would provide extra funding equivalent to at least a 1.5% franchise fee.
That 1.5% franchise fee would come through on the gas and electric utility bills of Des Moines residents.
"If DART does not receive additional revenue, the public transit agency will need to cut services by up to 40% over five years," they said in a press release.
Additionally, the proposal suggests the DART Commission lengthen the phase-in of the funding formula from 8 to 12 years, which would lessen annual increases for the city. However, the change would require higher contributions from suburban communities than was originally planned.
This three-pronged proposal is a result of public input sessions DART held in November and December. During that time, DART received 1,136 survey responses and 253 participants at public meetings. Most of the survey respondents were DART riders and Des Moines residents.
"The number of people who showed up to have their voices heard and who took time to complete our survey demonstrates strong support for our regional transportation system, as well as the critical nature of the system in the lives of our riders," said DART Commission Chair Russ Trimble in a press release.
Most riders and Des Moines residents agreed the city should increase the franchise fee to help maintain services. Non-riders had mixed opinions, with 55% supporting additional funding and 45% preferring service cuts.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to participate in public input," DART CEO Amanda Wanke said in a press release. "The feedback has informed a possible solution that we believe balances the interests of taxpayers, transit riders, and all member communities. This solution will provide stability for the next several years while DART works with the Commission, riders and the community to establish a new vision and long-term plan for regional transit service in central Iowa.”
The proposal now goes to the Des Moines City Council for their consideration.
DART expects to hold more public input sessions in the spring to share specific service reductions and to get feedback on proposed changes.
