Connie Boesen

The Reimagine DART Final Network Report details a collaborative effort to transform public transit in Greater Des Moines. This plan outlines a new bus network focusing on maximizing ridership with increased frequencies on fewer routes, timed connections at DART Central Station, and wider stop spacing for faster travel, alongside microtransit zones for coverage in Altoona, Ankeny, and Clive/Urbandale. Key outcomes include a projected 15% increase in job access for the average resident (89% on Sundays) and a 5% increase in residents near transit, particularly benefiting low-income individuals and residents of color. The redesigned network, approved in December 2025, is scheduled for implementation starting June 2026, with further projects planned for 2026 and 2027.

The public meeting focused on the proposed realignment of local Route 5 (Franklin Avenue) and local Route 51 (Merl Hay Cross Town) into a single new route, described as a service improvement connecting more people to more places. The discussion detailed the current routes, service hours, and frequency for both existing lines. Key aspects of the proposed combined route were reviewed, including routing changes that discontinue certain segments of the existing routes. Benefits discussed included improved accessibility to specific locations like Kenan Middle School, Scottish Wright Senior Living Center, and Drake University neighborhoods, as well as faster connections to other routes such as Route 60 and Route 14. Performance indicators showed that both current routes averaged low productivity, especially Route 51. The presentation outlined a proposed timeline for completing public meetings, soliciting survey feedback, seeking commission approval in May, and targeting an implementation date in August 2015.

The Annual Meeting agenda included the DART Commission Officer Election for 2026, welcoming new Commissioners, and receiving public comment. Consent items involved the approval of previous Commission Meeting Minutes from December 2, 2025, and approvals related to the withdrawal of Pleasant Hill and Bondurant as participating communities. Also approved under consent were extensions for Federal Lobbying Services, contracts for IT Network Hardware Modernization and Bus Stop Sign Fabrication, advancement of Phase II design for the Operations and Maintenance Facility, and the November FY 2026 Consolidated Financial Report. The action item focused on approving the 2026 State Legislative Priority regarding maintaining and diversifying transit funding. Discussion items included an analysis of Paratransit Service Area, an update on the FY 2027 DART Budget, and an update on the Workforce Shuttle program. Departmental reports covered Operations and Planning, External Affairs, Human Resources, Customer Service, and the Chief Executive Officer.

This document outlines the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority's (DART) Equal Employment Opportunity Program for 2022-2026. It details the organization's commitment to equal employment opportunities, non-discrimination, and compliance with federal and state EEO laws. Key pillars include internal and external policy dissemination, designated EEO personnel, a comprehensive utilization analysis of the workforce, established goals and timetables to address underrepresentation, and an assessment of employment practices covering recruitment, selection, training, promotion, compensation, layoffs, discipline, monitoring, and contractor requirements. The program aims to foster a diverse workforce that mirrors the community it serves.

The meeting focused on the Clive, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights Long-Range Transit Planning, providing an overview of the existing transit provider (DART), which offers fixed route, rideshare, and paratransit services. Key discussion points included customer usage patterns (primarily commuting to work), service enhancements such as earlier morning and increased midday service, and route expansions to serve job sites like the Amazon fulfillment center. The presentation detailed specific route adjustments in Clive, including the realignment of Route 72. Technology and fleet modernization efforts, such as incorporating electric buses and smaller diesel buses, were reviewed. A pilot program replacing a DART route with a Flex Connect Zone utilizing Uber and Yellow Cab for first-mile/last-mile connections was highlighted. Future challenges discussed were regional population growth and funding constraints, emphasizing the need to diversify revenue streams. The process for the long-range planning study, including existing conditions analysis and public input collection, was outlined, aiming for a final plan by the end of the calendar year.