DART Redesigns and Expands DART On Demand Service

On Demand service is now available in four suburban communities

DART launched a redesigned DART On Demand service and added two new zones today – improving efficiency and giving more central Iowans access to public transit. DART On Demand has expanded to Altoona, Clive and Urbandale and continues to operate in Ankeny, where it has been a popular service for the past five years.

DART On Demand is a shared ride on a smaller bus that operates when riders request trips to travel within a designated zone. Riders can use DART On Demand to travel to major destinations, known as hubs, within their zone.  Hubs are located where many people go for their daily needs, like grocery stores, medical clinics, shopping centers and city services, as well as bus stops to access DART routes and travel regionally. Once a trip is booked, riders will be asked to walk to a main street corner (up to a 5-minute walk) to meet the bus and travel to their destination.

Adding DART On Demand service is the final step in implementing DART’s reimagined bus network. The service works best to give residents in areas of less dense development access to public transit, while fixed bus routes remain the most efficient service in areas of higher demand. The redesigned DART On Demand model allows DART to maximize the number of trips it can provide so more people can use the service.

“DART On Demand expands access to public transit in Clive, giving more residents a convenient and cost-effective way to reach key destinations in Clive and beyond,” said John Edwards, Mayor of Clive and a member of the DART Board of Commissioners. “We’re excited to see this service strengthen connections across our community.”

The new service also provides another transportation option as communities continue to grow.

“Altoona has grown more than 60% since 2010, and that means we must keep thinking about how people get around our community,” said Dean O’Connor, Mayor of Altoona and a member of the DART Board of Commissioners. “DART On Demand gives more residents a way to reach jobs, shopping and services here in Altoona, while also connecting them to the rest of the region.”

“This new DART On Demand service maximizes the resources our communities invest in public transit, ensuring more people can reach essential places,” said DART CEO Erin Hockman. “In return, they are able to earn and spend money that is reinvested in the local economy.”

Service Details

• Service Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Cost: $3.50 per trip, with reduced-fare options available for riders who qualify
• Booking: Riders should book a trip when ready to travel, using the DART On Demand app, an online web portal or by calling DART Customer Service.
• Eligibility: DART On Demand is open to the public. There are no eligibility requirements for this service. All vehicles are ADA accessible.

Maps of each DART On Demand zone are available at rideDART.com/on-demand.