DART Plans Major Bus Route Cuts to 10 in Budget-Driven Redesign

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is proposing a major redesign of its bus network, reducing the number of fixed routes from 27 to 10 to prioritize fewer, high-frequency routes focused on the busiest corridors. This plan, part of the Reimagine DART initiative, aims to provide faster, more reliable service while cutting total service hours by 10% to address looming budget challenges, including a projected $6.7 million shortfall by 2027. The redesign includes later start and earlier end times for service on weekdays and Saturdays, the creation of three microtransit zones offering on-demand rides in select suburbs, and a slight operating budget reduction from $45 million to $43.7 million for fiscal year 2026-27. DART’s leadership emphasized that the plan aligns with community feedback prioritizing frequent service over broader coverage, and the agency is actively seeking public input through surveys and meetings before finalizing the map. The overhaul is expected to improve access to jobs and transit usability despite some riders needing to walk farther to bus stops. Des Moines city officials support the plan, noting that faster routes could boost ridership and revenue, while funding adjustments such as a franchise fee increase aim to sustain the transit system amid rising costs.