The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority wants your comments as it prepares an update to DART Forward 2035, its master plan for public transit. The plan is 5 years old. An advisory committee with representatives of businesses, human service agencies, chambers of commerce and other groups are on board to help.

The authority has expanded and revamped routes, has fielded questions from member cities over the system’s long-term financial sustainability, and is awaiting a task force’s review of a proposal to add bus rapid transit service somewhere in the area. It also has worked to replace aging buses, promoted the idea of transit near affordable housing and has added digital services to make it easier to ride the buses. DART continues to promote bike-bus trips.

“As a growing region that seeks to continue to be a top place for people to work, live and play, we know having access to multiple modes of transportation is essential,” said Eric Crowell, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines, co-chair of the Transit Future Work Group and member of the DART Forward 2035 Advisory Committee. “The DART Forward 2035 update is a chance for the people and businesses of our community to influence the future of public transit in the region, and I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to participate in surveys and public meetings.”

You have several chances to comment on the area’s transit needs:

*Complete a survey at ridedart.com/dartforward.

*Talk to a survey worker if you are contacted as part of a random sample.

*Schedule a DART Forward 2035 plan presentation by visiting ridedart.com/dartforward.

*Attend one of the public meetings taking place the week of Feb. 29. Details are at the link above.

*Call 515-283-8100, email dartforward2035@ridedart.com or send mail to DART Forward 2035 Update, 620 Cherry St., Des Moines, IA 50309.

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