Posted on March, 5 2015
DART today launches three new technologies that make real-time bus arrival/departure information available via mobile app, text message and automated phone system, providing people more ways to access information about bus service in Greater Des Moines.
- onTime Transit is a mobile app service that provides access to real-time and schedule information. OnTime Transit is free and available for download on multiple platforms including iOS, Android and Windows Phone. NOTE: Flex Route data remains in testing and will be available in the near future.
- MyDART Text is an SMS service that informs riders when the bus is estimated, based on real-time bus location information, to arrive at a bus stop. To receive estimated departure times text DART and the Stop ID# (Example: DART0000) to 64274. NOTE: Flex Route data remains in testing and will be available in the near future. Bus stop signs will continue to be posted in the coming months.
- MyDART Phone is an interactive voice response (IVR) service that informs riders when the bus is scheduled and estimated, based on real-time bus location information, to arrive at a bus stop. Additional service information is also available. To receive estimated departure times call 515-283-8100 and selection Option 1.
These new technologies provide a convenience to riding DART previously unavailable. Riders may now more easily wait in a location sheltered from the elements until they see the bus is about to arrive.
Additionally, DART schedule information is now available to technology developers to create transit-minded applications and web tools. Developers should click here for complete details.
The technology advances at DART are part of a larger improvement of public transit service in Greater Des Moines, an effort that includes the opening of DART Central Station in downtown Des Moines and the redesign and expansion of the bus route network throughout the metro area.