MyDART Des Moines

Reclaiming Independence I’m starting with 3 stars because I’m just beginning this adventure. At 73, with no car and a proud “do it myself” attitude, I needed to find a way to travel around Des Moines, where I want to go and when I want to do it. Taxi? Uber? Lyft? All too expensive on a Social Security budget. Hence, the city bus. I have to admit, it has taken me months to work up enough courage to start. First step - find the My Dart App on the App Store. Think awhile on it, then download it, then look at the app icon awhile. Open the app, get overwhelmed, close and think on it awhile. My grandson, who lives about 2 blocks from me, recently started working at Walmart. He takes the bus everyday. Hmmm…maybe ask him about it. Think on it awhile. Ask him some simple questions like How do you find out where to get on? Where to get off? How much does it cost? How do you pay? Is it scary? Are the people who ride scary? Are the drivers mean or friendly? He chuckled at me. He said “tomorrow is my day off. How about if I walk to your apartment and we explore the city via the DART bus system?” I’m nervous and also excited! I hope to give another review with 5 stars.

I think dart gets a bit of a bad wrap but im not sure why! I just used dart for the first time and omg I was so impressed the route planner is helpful and you can tell that everyone at dart is really working to make it a convenient experience from the app to the helpful folks at dart central station to the sheer amount of ways to get the bus sechedule. There are printed versions, there’s this app there are the text and call features on the signs for each stop. I think we in Des Moines need to take greater advantage of this wonderful resource! Thank you dart!

If not, for Dart, I would not be able to do all that I do, go everywhere I go! I am in a wheelchair and am able to utilize the ParaTransit program. It is $3.50 to go one way within the city limits, I am able to get to all of my appointments mostly on time they do get very busy. The drivers Are very friendly. I used to take the 72 to Mercy One Health and fitness but they cut back on that route and now you have to take the 72 to Valley West and get on the 52 to get there so I pay seven dollars to get there and back so that makes it a little more of a talent but it’s still very helpful. If they keep cutting back it will be harder for people to get places, I’m the lucky one that has transit as a back up Thank you, Dart Thank you, dear drivers