DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) has announced major changes that will take place for its riders July 1 this year. Changes will notably affect Wi-Fi availability while riding, customer service hours and DART On Demand pricing and routes.
Free Wi-Fi will soon only be available at DART Central Station while becoming unavailable on buses. DART encourages riders to plan ahead and download trip information or utilize printed schedules that can be obtained at Central Station.
Customer Service hours will also be shortened with the new hours being as follows:
- Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
During available hours, Customer Service can be reached at their DART Central Station window or by calling 515-283-8100.
While closed, bus passes can still be bought at various pass sale outlets. Tickets can be purchased on the MyDART app or exact cash for fare can be given when boarding.
In a statement released on June 4, DART said in part, "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 fees are also set to increase as DART states the demand for the service is something it can't keep up with.
For one adult rider on a full-fare trip, the fare will double from $1.75 to $3.50 under DART's planned changes to match the rate with it's On Call service. However, riders who already only pay half fare will not see an increase.
The zones associated with DART On Demand will also be changing July 1. Due to low ridership, services will transition to On Call services for the Jordan Creek zone which includes DMACC West Campus, MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex and the newly added Des Moines University.
With On Call services, riders will need to book a ride 24 hours in advance using DART's 515-283-8136 number during Customer Service hours.
DART On Demand River Bend will officially close June 28 with riders encouraged to utilize their local bus routes instead.
DART also mentioned the need for re-enrollment for its Ride to Thrive program. The Ride To Thrive program, which DART began two years ago to offer reduced fare to riders in need of assistance with food, housing and other necessities, offers eligibility in two year increments.
DART says many of these riders will need to re-enroll starting in June. Re-enrollment can be found here.