We want your feedback on the Concepts!
What is Reimagine DART?
Reimagine DART is a collaborative effort to transform public transit in Greater Des Moines. Since forming in 2006, DART hasn’t made major changes to its bus network, even as communities have grown and people’s travel patterns have changed. As funding for public transit becomes tighter and Central Iowa’s transportation needs evolve, now is the right time to redesign our bus network, so that we can provide the best possible service with the funding we receive.
We plan to change bus routes and services beginning in summer 2026. Throughout 2025, we are seeking public input on what the future of our bus network could look like. This first conversation will focus on what the goals for public transit in Greater Des Moines should be. The input we collect will inform decisions elected leaders make about priorities and budget before we design a new transit network.
Every day, DART connects people to vital destinations, including workplaces, schools, health care and local businesses. We also drive the local economy — with nearly 9 out of every 10 trips on DART for people to earn or spend money. Our hope is that Reimagine DART will help us maximize the resources we have to deliver transit services that meet the needs of today — and tomorrow.
How should we design our network?
It depends on our goal. If our goal is to get lots of people to ride the bus (high ridership), we would run frequent service where there are lots of people and jobs close together. If our goal is to reach as many places as possible (high coverage), we would spread out our bus service.
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There is no right answer for how we should design our network – just different needs and preferences. That’s why we want you to weigh in!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
I ride DART today. How might changes impact me?
Reimagine DART will look at all services DART provides and how we deliver them. This will include looking at our Local and Express routes, On Demand zones, and Paratransit. The DART Commission will make decisions about DART’s future using your feedback, data collected, and goals established among all member communities.
We are unsure how much of our current transit system could change. Our hope is that this process will allow us to provide transportation options that continue to serve our current riders, while also looking at how we can make connections that better align with where and how people are traveling.
We will share regular updates about Reimagine DART and expect to implement any service changes starting in summer 2026.
Who is involved in Reimagine DART?
Reimagine DART will engage as many people as possible in charting a fresh course for DART’s future. Here is who will be involved:
The DART Commission: DART’s governing body – comprised of an elected official from each of our 12 member communities – will make decisions on DART’s goals, services and budget.
DART Staff: The team will facilitate the process, provide opportunities for public input and inform recommendations. Staff will implement the service network.
Consulting Team: A team of consultants with expertise in public transit will propose options for how DART could deliver services to meet the Commission’s goals. Consultants will provide a final recommendation on a service network that can be scaled up or down depending on funding.
Advisory Cabinet: A group of business and community leaders will learn alongside the DART Commission and provide insight to help champion a reimagined public transit network.
Business and Human Service Agencies: DART seeks to engage many partners in learning, sharing information and helping gather feedback to inform our future.
Riders and Residents: Central Iowans – including you! – will play a valuable role by sharing feedback to inform decisions throughout the process.
Why is DART hiring a consulting team to work on a network redesign?
Hiring a consulting team will expand DART staff’s capacity and bring an outside perspective of how DART's service network could look. DART staff and the Commission will work collaboratively with a consulting team to give direction and a local understanding of public transit as the consultants also offer knowledge from work with other transit agencies across the country. We will engage staff, riders and residents to provide feedback on the options the consulting team develops.
Some scenarios may consider a smaller transit network. The process of reimagining the service network will still be important to evaluate how DART can maximize the resources we have to deliver services that best meet communities’ and riders’ needs.
How is Reimagine DART funded?
We are grateful for the Principal Foundation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, EMC Insurance, Delta Dental of Iowa and Polk County for providing more than $300,000 in grant funding to support Reimagine DART. We are still determining the total cost of Reimagine DART as we finalize everything we need to accomplish and continue to apply for grant opportunities.
The DART Commission has agreed that this planning process is the best way forward for DART to provide greater stability long term. What we don’t raise through grants will be covered by our capital budget, which is separate from the budget we use to operate services.