DART seeks input from public in developing new fare policy

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is seeking input from the public about the development of a fare policy which would become effective in early 2015.

                The proposed policy would cover types of fare media such as cash, passes, tokens and smart cards; new options for daily, weekly and monthly passes and transfers for riders paying with cash or tokens. The policy is being drafted in conjunction with DART’s purchase of new fare boxes which would accept a variety of payments, including smart cards, which store cash value.

                There are no immediate plans to raise the price of fares, according to Gunnar Olson, the public affairs manager for DART.

                Input on the policy is being sought via public meetings, phone, e-mail or regular mail. Here is a schedule of the public meetings:

November 18:

                Des Moines: Noon to 1:30 p.m. DART Central Station, 620 Cherry Street;

                Des Moines: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., South Side Library, 1111 Porter Avenue;

                Des Moines: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. DART Central Station, 620 Cherry Street;

November 19:

                Des Moines: Noon to 1:30 p.m. DART Central Station, 620 Cherry Street;

                Urbandale: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Urbandale Public Library, Room B, 3520 86th Street;

                Altoona: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Altoona City Hall, 407 8th Street SE;

November 20:

                Des Moines: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Forest Library, 1326 Forest Avenue;

                West Des Moines: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., West Des Moines Community Center 217 5th Street;

                Johnston: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Johnston City Hall, 6221 Merle Hay Road;

November 21:

                Des Moines: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Avenue;

                Ankeny: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ankeny City Hall, 410 W. 1st Street;

                Meetings will consist of a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

                            Free language, visual, hearing services are available at meetings upon request.  Transportation services are also available. For requests, please call DART at 515-283-8100 with as much advanced notice as possible.

Members of the public can also call the DART office at 515-283-8100 or e-mail DART at dart@ridedart.com. They can send mail to Attn: Fare Policy, DART Central Station, 620 Cherry St., Des Moines, IA 50309. A survey will be available online at www.ridedart.com or by request at 515-283-8100.