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Programs: Opportunities Thru Transit (OTT)

Opportunities Thru Transit (OTT) is a program that allows income eligible individuals within Polk County to ride the city bus for a reduced rate when going to work, looking for a job or traveling to educational and training programs. The program is funded by the City of Des Moines, Des Moines DART & Polk County.

 Who is Eligible?
 How Do I Apply?
 What Types of Bus Fares Are Available?
 How Do I Purchase Passes/Tokens?
 OTT Pass/Token Distributors
 What are the Regulations for Use of the OTT Passes/Tokens?


Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for the OTT program is determined by several factors
as follows:

- Total household income below 125% of poverty (see table below for
income eligibility).

- Not participating in other DART reduced-fare programs (Paratranist service or
disabled fare programs).

- Not employed by a company subsidizing bus passes.

- At least 18 years of age.

- One pass/household limit.

Your agency or community center will verify your income and the DART will determine whether you are on other DART programs or employed by a company that subsidizes bus passes.

Income guidelines at or below 125%

1 person household.....$13,000
2 person household.....$17,500
3 person household.....$22,000
4 person household.....$26,500
5 person household.....$31,000
6 person household.....$35,500
7 person household.....$40,000
8 person household.....$44,500
                                                       Guidelines effective February 1, 2008

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How Do I Apply?

Go to your closest community center (see below for listing). Present proof of entire household income; for example, pay-stubs or social security checks, etc., and complete the OTT application.

After verification, a letter will be sent indicating whether you are eligible for the program. If you are eligible, you may return to the community center where you applied and purchase your bus fare.

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What Types of Bus Fares Are Available?

DART has two ways OTT customers can pay for their bus fare - monthly pass or tokens. The monthly pass is an unlimited use pass that is good from the first day of the month until the last. Senior citizens using the OTT program for occasional trips during the month can use tokens. The agency/community center where you purchase these passes or tokens will determine which fare payment you will be eligible for.

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How Do I Purchase Passes/Tokens?

Once you apply at a specific community center, that community center is the only place you may purchase the tickets. Only ONE individual per household may purchase OTT pass/tokens. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED, CASH ONLY.

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OTT Pass/Token Distributors

Logan Community Services
1740 East Garfield

Archie Brooks Community Services 
(Archie Brooks Site Office)
2100 S.E. 5th Street

Forest Avenue Community Services
2011 Forest  Avenue

YWCA
717 Grand Avenue

CICIL
655 Walnut

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What are the Regulations for Use of the OTT Passes/Tokens?

  • Pass/tokens are good on any DART regular route excluding special event service.
  • The DART is not responsible for lost or stolen pass/tokens.
  • Failure to abide with OTT rules will result in immediate and permanent termination from program.

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