DART

DART is accepting applications from eligible nonprofit organizations and government agencies for its 2026 Van Award Program! This year, we will award three retired passenger vans to organizations working to address transportation needs in DART’s member communities.

Read more! 👉 https://www.ridedart.com/news/dart-announces-van-award-opportunity-to-enhance-community-mobility-in-central-iowa/

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on November 6, 2026. Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by mail to DART, Attn: Caravan Department, 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

For more information about the Van Award Program, please contact Ellie McElvain, Caravan Coordinator at [email protected].

DART On Demand is now available in Altoona, Clive and Urbandale! You can request trips within the new On Demand zones on weekdays. Buses will pick you up on a main street corner near your starting address and take you to busy places like grocery stores, medical clinics and city services. We also are continuing to provide this service in Ankeny.

Expanding DART On Demand means more people can use public transit to connect to jobs and other important places. Explore where you can go and learn how to book a trip: ridedart.com/on-demand/

Changes to the way DART On Demand operates in Ankeny begin next week. On September 28, we’re adjusting some parts of the service so we can provide more rides with the resources we have – which means you’re more likely to have a trip available when you need it.

See what’s changing and start planning future trips at rideDART.com/on-demand.

Calling all Altoona, Clive and Urbandale residents: We’re bringing DART On Demand to your community beginning September 28! This flexible, lower-cost travel option can help you reach busy places like grocery stores, medical clinics and city services. You can also take a ride to a bus stop to connect with one of our bus routes.

We’re excited to expand this service to new areas, allowing more central Iowans to use public transit to connect to jobs and essential services.

See how the service works and learn how to book a trip at rideDART.com/on-demand.

City of Altoona, Iowa - Government
City of Clive
City of Urbandale, Iowa

Plan ahead! We will not have bus service and DART Central Station will be closed next Monday for Labor Day.

Regular weekday service will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

Thank you for your patience as our team takes time off to enjoy the holiday!

Summer isn't over yet! With a stretch of extreme heat and humidity in the forecast this week, we're offering free bus rides to cooling centers in Polk County, Central Iowa Shelter Services (CISS) and Bethel Mission locations.

WHEN: August 31-September 5, 2026

You must be traveling to a cooling center in order to get a free bus ride. Please let the driver know that you're going to a cooling center when you board.

As we round out the week, we want to congratulate Marlon Paiz on reaching an incredible milestone – 25 years of service with DART!

Marlon began his career doing service and utility work in our Maintenance department. For the past decade, he has served as DART’s tire technician. He is a valuable, reliable and dedicated member of our team.

Outside of work, Marlon owns and operates an automotive detailing business and enjoys traveling with his family and friends.

Way to go, Marlon! 🎉

Calling all fairgoers! Parking is filling up fast at our State Capitol Park & Ride, so we strongly encourage you to come see us at the Center Street parking garage in downtown Des Moines.

We have a lot of space available in the garage and plenty of friendly DART faces eager to help you get on the bus to the Iowa State Fair!

📍 Location: 7th & Center Street, just south of I-235 (follow the signs!)