By Hola Iowa
New bus stops are being prepared across the metro ahead of DART’s redesigned route network, which begins June 14.
Covered bus stop signs appearing along streets in Des Moines, Ankeny and other parts of the metro are tied to upcoming changes in the local bus system. DART will launch its redesigned route network on Sunday, June 14, and the covered signs mark new stops that are not yet active.
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, known as DART, says the new system will replace current local routes with 10 core routes. The agency says the redesigned network is intended to offer more frequent service on major corridors, run seven days a week and make transfers easier without requiring every trip to go through downtown Des Moines.
New routes begin June 14
DART’s new route network is scheduled to begin Sunday, June 14, 2026. Riders who use the bus for work, school, appointments or errands may need to check whether their usual route, stop or schedule is changing before that date.
The new system will focus service on 10 main routes. Four major corridors are expected to have service every 15 minutes during much of the day, while other routes will run less frequently depending on location and demand.
The route redesign was approved as part of DART’s broader effort to reshape transit service across the Des Moines metro. The agency has described the change as its first major route and service redesign in more than a decade.
Some bus stops will be farther apart
One of the most visible changes will be the location of bus stops. DART is moving to wider stop spacing, which means some riders may have to walk farther to reach the nearest stop.
The agency says wider spacing can help buses move faster, make fewer stops and cover more distance. DART has estimated that the redesigned network could increase by 15% the number of jobs reachable within 45 minutes for the average resident.
The change also means some existing stops will no longer be used. Covered signs now visible in parts of the metro mark future stops that will become active when the new network begins.
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Current local routes will be replaced
The redesign will replace DART’s existing local route structure. Riders should not assume that their current bus number, stop location or transfer pattern will stay the same after June 14.
In several areas, new route numbers will serve corridors similar to current routes, but with different stop locations or connections. DART has directed riders to check the new maps and compare their current route with the new network before the switch.
The redesigned network includes major corridors such as University Avenue, Merle Hay Road, Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, SE 14th Street, SW 9th Street, Hubbell Avenue, Easton Boulevard and 6th Avenue.
School and work trips may need extra planning
The changes may affect families with students who use DART as part of their school commute. Local reporting has noted that the redesign could affect routes used by Des Moines Public Schools students and that the district has planned to hire additional drivers to help cover transportation needs.
DART has provided more than 3,400 student trips per day for Des Moines Public Schools through an existing partnership, according to local reporting on the route changes.
Families should check summer and school-year transportation plans before the new network begins. For workers, the same applies to morning and evening commutes, especially if a usual stop is being removed or moved farther away.
Bus rides will be free during the transition
DART says rides on fixed bus routes will be free from June 14 through June 30 to help passengers adjust to the new network.
Regular fares are expected to resume July 1. DART’s standard fare is $1.75 per ride, and the agency also offers an unlimited day pass for $4.
The free-ride period applies to bus routes during the transition. Riders who use other DART services should check whether separate fares still apply.
DART is offering help before the change
DART has published new route maps, schedules and rider information ahead of the June 14 launch. The agency also has an interactive map for passengers who want to find new stops and compare route options.
Riders can contact DART customer service at 515-283-8100 for help with trip planning. DART also scheduled public help sessions before the change, including sessions at area libraries and DART Central Station.
The covered signs will remain out of service until the redesigned network begins on June 14.
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