DART Forward 2035 draft released
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority released its draft DART Forward 2035 plan today, eyeing an expansion that would bring more frequent and in some cases speedier service at a cost of tens of millions of dollars.
The report raises the prospect of higher sales taxes, property taxes or vehicle registration fees, but doesn’t recommend a specific plan. DART officials plan to circulate the plan through the website and a series of public meetings before the final report is considered by the DART Commission. (The meetings are listed on the website.)
Depending on which plan is chosen, we could see:
- A network of “enhanced corridors” offering bus rapid transit-style service, quicker trips and shorter waits.
- “Mobility hubs,” including a large one in the western suburbs, that would make it easier to ride the bus and bike, for example, to reach a destination.
- Less waiting, with a standard of 20-minute frequencies for many routes, less for some.
- On-demand service.
- An extra two hours of service per day.
- The addition of 250 new shelters.
- Regional service to Ames, Indianola, Norwalk and Waukee.
Scientific surveys of nonriders and online polls open to anyone showed that many in the area think DART deserves more funding over the next five years, but that enthusiasm wanes quickly when respondents are asked about specific ways they could pay for the plans. The operating cost in 2035 dollars would range from $53.9 million for modest improvements to $99.3 million for the expanded regional network and associated improvements.
A final plan is expected this winter, followed by discussions on financing, staging and other implementation items.
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