The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has been a steadfast partner of Des Moines Public Schools for years, helping students travel to and from school, and offering students and employees after-hours free access to the bus system.

As school year 2019-2020 begins, DART is announcing a change in its service to DMPS families and staff, and offering some important reminders.

What is not changing

DMPS assigns some middle and high school students to ride DART for their school transportation. These students ride free before 4:30 on their assigned routes with their ID. Students not assigned to DART for school transportation can still use DART to get to/from school by paying half fare. If you have a question about your DART status, ask staff in your school office.

What is changing

Students not assigned to DART for school transportation can ride free with a student ID beginning at 4:30 p.m. on school days and all day any day when school is not in session, including weekends and holidays when DART is operating. This is a change from previous years when the Unlimited Access service began at 4 p.m. on school days. This change will allow DART to complete school trips before Unlimited Access service begins and reduce the number of buses at or over capacity while still ensuring students participating in after school activities have a way to get home.

A reminder to all riders

Students and staff must have their school/employee ID when boarding DART in order to ride for free. A picture of your school/employee ID is NOT valid. Riders without their DMPS ID will be charged a regular fare.