[DSM-Iowa] Fwd: Making Moves: Learn about transit and who uses DART

Fri Nov 1 14:24:51 UTC 2024

Good morning,

Here is some more broad info for those of you interested in the longer-term DART planning. I hadn’t heard of microtransit until DART started throwing the word around. Also, I did not realize that all DART local and express busses will be free Tuesday, not just for people going to vote.

Helen Mejia, President
National Federation of the Blind of Iowa
hmejia at nfbi.org
(570) 983-7867

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Amanda Wanke, DART CEO" <awanke at ridedart.ccsend.com>
Subject: Making Moves: Learn about transit and who uses DART
Date: October 31, 2024 at 2:10:39 PM CDT
To: hstevensnfb at gmail.com
Reply-To: awanke at ridedart.com

 <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ4IjLKr6Z_NKVeglXLIWi5em9N8chseiA3x8TG8E0QKgVnAFE6BnkpoI4LyESErn-wZO-5UVEXeh2ZJ0fmYxIv_UI89C9FU-0r3fQjcksDP5&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>

Greetings!

As a key stakeholder of DART, we want to ensure you have information available about the value regional transit provides to Greater Des Moines. 

If you follow us on Facebook <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ1tvb-arSIFOrM0CNzLOLwmlh6jqKLaI1kn_26ItwQ5xyzR3Ok8981r5ypXcOlvxDF8kWULF17suEMw0Ai1zIwDPhK_isNCZ23ij6TZxWu_sn9b6yqPRR5s=&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>, you will notice that we are featuring a story a week of a DART rider. Many of these stories highlight the ways in which people are traveling between communities to get to work, school, healthcare and other vital destinations. We also plan to offer materials to each member community, sharing the services available for residents and the benefits of public transit to all community members.

We appreciate you taking a moment to learn and encourage you to share what resonates with others in your networks. If you know someone who might be interested in this newsletter, please have them sign up here <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ9Q1o3uwoDAOyqYX0r3bq3vEXVvRzNcLHvYreZFyhAhDktM2RkK02wJRpFyoaajfyu3MmqPpzV-X8xbXAQEibdbo8LOPNMkNuRSNCWyTssI71CPRT5X24kJ9r_iIiPldb94Swuqn5eT_EwofKNayTyobr84SEbxNNTCls_6c4tqD41PlzNron89n12PhAw36vgtEWhQ-uw8akpPyfZ5arsdWTDF9QnH6Jer9WD7IUoDIalJbs-ZQHSGFTRixpkKppFqeRG48Ob1thJ93W08ROdWTGZHxGGjZ_9QVo973D84U&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>. 

Thank you for reading!

Amanda

Amanda Wanke, Chief Executive Officer
DART, Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority
620 Cherry Street, Des Moines IA 50309

In This Issue: 

DART rider stories
Midwest cities expanding public transit
What to know about microtransit
What's happening at DART

Rider Story: Connecting Jon West to a Management Career

Jon West has worked as a stock manager at Price Chopper in Des Moines for nearly 5 years. As a lifelong bus rider, Jon says he chose this career opportunity because of its direct access to public transit. 

"I’ve been taking the bus since high school. I take the bus everywhere. $48 a month for a bus pass is very affordable. Try putting $48 in the gas tank and see how long that lasts you.”

Read his story. <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ9Q1o3uwoDAOu9yv7FYXPfe33vUX0dYpWmlHZpIVuF9ynB4ttjVVpm4Y9CzPQyxT1dLaUoGzzBCygnqg4KCNM0z6U85gJg5Jka59lR54Whoy17LZs-4x5Z69ExF0QqXBtzdEfONO36rm&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>

Rider Story: Father and Son Bond on the Bus

Gary and Josh Dvorak ride a DART Express route from West Des Moines to their offices in downtown Des Moines several days each week. Although they enjoy saving money and reducing their carbon footprint, choosing to take a bus to work has also brought them closer.

“There’s not a lot of people that can say they get to talk to their parents every day,” said Josh.

Read their story <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ9Q1o3uwoDAOdOZBUBesVyHCzGbPh85OqzLu0PpxB_iisnzjkaoEEZNH38mMYjv-32nigQ93DBwwjRyB1wlLpDk49AyJnhddFPdXbO3YxNQiR5wBMjyGPHAZd8jWAv_lXqoAglt-9lrq&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>.

Midwest Cities Expand Public Transit: 4 Examples

Across the Midwest, growing metropolitan areas are investing in public transit to expand people’s access to transportation and encourage higher use. By thinking creatively about what types of service to offer, transit agencies are reaching more residents with buses and shared rides, strengthening their local economies, meeting their workforce needs and addressing equity in their neighborhoods.

Browse through the examples <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ9Q1o3uwoDAO_GcyZngio_2zd6b843gSvJfxDpYuvza9AbE7eWfCkt9XGLbVgMrK-gOLu-ADBl_6PHTpjs-0EcAmIs1Y6EVRz_oDyVi88rgdgHUlrNFuwHzpAdW4c7VXVFLY82dhYLVSv-zozjMzok3X5hV69mmVqYJFP80cj1Rf&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>. 

5 Things to Know about Microtransit

Interest in microtransit is growing across the country as the way people travel changes. A cross between buses that run on set routes and schedules and private rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, microtransit is a shared ride that operates when and where people request trips.

Microtransit has several benefits, but also some limitations to consider, as we’ve discovered through DART’s mobility-on-demand pilots over the past five years.

Learn more <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ4QSjzcGF6MVbFxpxnSBqFpvVPYcdPh0pWXSi39QeK_1eJMKXTTthQQub8s_SzcOyi3tx5PtHXw7N80vHOyMMQYiT0CzpUi7ChrokicmJ2vp8fOkWt9NzRsofJxqCgiHxtGB6Xtd5DiUeYACMIKDeR4=&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>.

What's Happening at DART 
Here are a few things we're up to as we aim to best serve riders and communities. 
Reimagining Our Network

In early September, we launched Reimagine DART <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ51cvEpjsHIPMqlrQgf8MZqeD8Klg_nlop8aE4lJ16wACzGNoTzrGLhJV8XruBiK1xT2tl8AWe8DyueRa1TDioStod-p5xYFc02y2B2MEI4IIav5jbwoSV4=&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>, a collaborative effort to transform public transit in Greater Des Moines. This once-in-a-generation opportunity will allow our region to think creatively about how our public transit system can connect our communities for the next 20 years.

This month, the DART Commission unanimously approved hiring Jarrett Walker + Associates <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ4QSjzcGF6MVYhtcASne_0QXA2wxUtv9BXnhKyJlm2u25InoJWmR3H9cdnr2HY25FS74i_HWjDdaTBgJUp4ySX6euaxGNvZfMsoZAt1pMmSs&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==> (JWA) and Transpo Group <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ4QSjzcGF6MVjemOMx6g4mlyzwHyhnnoU0wzAl4YJfRe48S1AKldwxwhId_j1g_O9vUO_u4B2UP1i7v6M9XacI8QVLl9kNPYhVJlDVsfh833&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==> to work on a comprehensive redesign of our transit network. JWA was founded by Jarrett Walker, author of the book Human Transit, and is a small firm that specializes in transit network redesigns. Transpo Group is a leader in transit planning with small and mid-sized agencies and has expertise in Paratransit and microtransit options.

The redesign will consider changes in how people are traveling today and strive to increase residents’ access to opportunities through public transit with the level of funding we expect to receive from member communities. The first major public input opportunity will be in spring 2025 to gather feedback on network concepts. 

Sign up here <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ8dIEh38oGioQTMFnR_aAg7430B8rHM4aoPBYzS7kC62PTwDsi3kVc2KM7qRoNqD9EmqLg0gk25DX1QAPHIlzN7BnZy0vXykS_ZWpr9Ww2FzZCBVTyF5VMk=&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==> to receive Reimagine DART updates.
Supporting Civic Participation

All DART Local and Express route riders can ride for free on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, even if they are not traveling to a polling site. Paratransit riders can ride fare-free to and from polling locations if they reserve their ride in advance.

Civic participation is a key component of well-being. Providing fare-free service on Election Day is our way of ensuring as many people as possible can vote within our member communities.

Improving the Rider Experience

DART just installed new digital signs at each of our bus platforms to let riders know how soon their bus is leaving. Riders who are blind or have low vision can also press the “Push for Next Trip” buttons to have the information read out loud. Thanks to a federal grant for infrastructure improvements, we are proud to offer this update for our riders. 

Thank you for joining us in our mission of enriching lives, connecting communities and expanding opportunities.
ridedart.com <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ4IjLKr6Z_NKVeglXLIWi5em9N8chseiA3x8TG8E0QKgVnAFE6BnkpoI4LyESErn-wZO-5UVEXeh2ZJ0fmYxIv_UI89C9FU-0r3fQjcksDP5&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>	
 <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ1tvb-arSIFOrM0CNzLOLwmlh6jqKLaI1kn_26ItwQ5xyzR3Ok8981r5ypXcOlvxDF8kWULF17suEMw0Ai1zIwDPhK_isNCZ23ij6TZxWu_sn9b6yqPRR5s=&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>   <https://sqijm7dab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015vN422EEd5sNs1lxy17Z7AFvhL0qhefs9IqaypLg2DhADiwON7BSQ1tvb-arSIFO7QUOnRKLhqDRzEnHqdIXMvy5SLqAqbcM1Gyq6nbWoA_mpQTMwZWj_rHOxsow26P9bA-6wR_6F1MMQ-cazBk2bpYUze7W3ih2&c=VcV1v4efr3Et93IzTUaGF_VGsADZwu7KvWy4eh_JHS4okIXzQVp1dg==&ch=Ez_7z0CaZCfmGV60-v6f47Vm-ACYaqTwG2trp9tF5LMKe5jNG35bkA==>   
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority | 620 Cherry St | Des Moines, IA 50309 US
Unsubscribe <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001NWr6ztmwCMB1EoH2RCbIWQ%3D&ch=ce9b63de-ae78-11ee-a427-fa163e37306a&ca=cf9a1bbe-464c-4539-bfb3-70b614fc29b1> | Update Profile <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001NWr6ztmwCMB1EoH2RCbIWQ%3D&ch=ce9b63de-ae78-11ee-a427-fa163e37306a&ca=cf9a1bbe-464c-4539-bfb3-70b614fc29b1> | Our Privacy Policy <https://ridedart.com/privacy-policy> | Constant Contact Data Notice <https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice>
 <https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/vr/home?cc=nge&utm_campaign=nge&rmc=VF21_CPE&utm_medium=VF21_CPE&utm_source=viral&pn=ROVING&nav=cf9a1bbe-464c-4539-bfb3-70b614fc29b1>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/dsm-iowa_nfbnet.org/attachments/20241101/71b4f13a/attachment.htm>