DART is dropping about half its bus stops
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DART's regular bus service to the Polk County Jail is expected to end in June. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
DART is cutting about half its bus stops as it rolls out a redesigned network this summer, ending Des Moines' status as one of the top cities in the U.S. for close bus stop spacing.
Why it matters: DART is betting that wider stop spacing will improve service and expand access to jobs — even as some riders lose nearby stops.
State of play: DART is launching its redesigned network on June 14, cutting more than half of its routes.
- The spacing along the remaining routes will have stops every three to four blocks instead of the current one to two blocks.
Zoom in: As stops are placed farther apart, buses can travel faster and cover more distance in the same time, DART spokesperson Sarah Welch tells Axios, citing the agency's redesign study.
- The spacing decisions were made following months of community feedback, with 72% of 1,353 respondents saying they prefer wider bus stop spacing for faster commutes, even if it means longer walks between stops.
The intrigue: With the new design and fewer stops, the agency estimates that 15% more jobs will be reachable within 45 minutes for the average resident.
The big picture: There are wide stop spacing variations across bus transits, per data compiled by the Works in Progress transit blog.
- The average U.S. stop spacing across 43 bus transit systems was 1,026 feet, slightly more than five stops per mile.
Yes, but: Researchers note spacing decisions directly affect how often buses brake and dwell, shaping both travel time and rider experience.
- There is a tendency for additional stops to be added to routes in response to service needs, and it may be useful to comprehensively reexamine them, according to the Federal Transit Administration.
What's next: Crews are now installing over 1,000 new bus stop signs across DSM, many covered until launch day.
- Eliminated stops are getting temporary notices redirecting riders.