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Benefits of Public Transit
Public transportation helps communities move forward. When you ride DART, you are part of a system that connects people, supports businesses and strengthens Central Iowa’s economy.
“As a small business owner, it is incredibly important for people to be able to access our shop through transit – not just our employees, but our customers also.”
— Kuuku Saah, co-owner of Mars Café
What DART Does
Thriving communities depend on affordable transportation that connects people to opportunities. At Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), we provide public transportation across participating communities in the Greater Des Moines metro.
These services help people reach work, school, healthcare and everyday destinations.
DART Drives Local Dollars
Strong local economies depend on people being able to move freely.
Public transportation helps people:
- Get to work to earn a paycheck
- Reach local businesses and services
- Spend money in the local community
9 out of 10 DART trips help riders earn or spend money.
DART Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2022
Public transit generates about $5 in economic value for every $1 invested.
American Public Transportation Association
“I have to get to work, so I chose a place I knew I’d be able to take the bus to get to.”
— Jon, Stock Manager at Price Chopper
DART Keeps Businesses Moving
Businesses rely on workers who can get to their job safely and reliably. Many of those workers ride DART.
3 out of 5 DART trips are to and from work.
DART Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2022
People from all different backgrounds ride for a variety of reasons, including:
- Saving money on transportation
- Avoiding the stress of driving
- Living with a disability
- Supporting an active or sustainable lifestyle
- Simply preferring the convenience of transit
DART Supports Growing Communities
As the Greater Des Moines metro continues to grow, reliable transportation options will be even more critical.
Public transit helps communities grow responsibly by:
- Reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips
- Improving traffic flow for everyone
- Providing affordable mobility options
- Helping individuals access medical care, housing, services, and community activities
Over 12 years, the number of residents age 65 and older grew by 52% in Greater Des Moines.
DART Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2022
This population often chooses to drive less for safety, mobility or financial reasons and needs transportation services, like DART, to stay connected to their communities.
“Having a public transportation system really connects the community and gives people opportunities that they might not necessarily have otherwise.”
— Leetal Cohn, former Drake Student
Other Benefits of DART
Transit supports Central Iowa in many ways beyond daily rides.
DART helps:
- Schools save resources. Des Moines Public Schools partners with DART to provide bus rides for some students.
- Communities respond during emergencies. DART provides free rides to shelters during extreme temperatures and helps with disaster response.
- Attract new businesses. Access to public transit is compelling for companies to decide where to locate.
- Support housing stability. Transit helps people reach jobs, social services, and affordable housing.
- Protect the environment. Riding transit reduces single-occupancy vehicle trips and lowers carbon emissions.
How You Can Support DART
Ride with Us
The simplest way to support DART is to use our services.
Stay Connected
Follow us for updates and information about public transit in Greater Des Moines.
Make Your Voice Heard
Let your elected officials know how public transit impacts your life and why it matters to our community.