As a valued community partner, DART seeks your help in sharing information with those you serve and your employees as we gather public input on possible major bus service cuts.
Why DART is seeking public input
The City of Des Moines is considering whether to pay more than it can collect in property taxes to maintain DART’s existing bus services or make cuts to services. The Des Moines City Council has the option to increase its franchise fee — a tax on gas and electric utility bills — by up to 2.5 percent to help fund public transit.
Without additional revenue from the City of Des Moines, DART will need to cut bus services by up to 40 percent over the next five years, starting Nov. 2024. This level of service cuts would impact nearly all DART routes in Des Moines and thousands of riders who would have less access to services and opportunities across the region.
DART staff is collecting input from riders and community members on an increase in the franchise fee and how to approach service reductions if needed. More information — including a survey and details on upcoming public meetings — is available at ridedart.com/service-cuts.
How your organization can help
We would like your help in sharing this information through your channels. These pieces can be used between November 15 and December 15, 2023. If you share printed surveys with the individuals you serve or your employees, please make sure DART collects them by December 15.
DART encourages all riders, residents and businesses in our 12 member communities to participate in public input. We know a cut to DART services in the City of Des Moines could also impact individuals in other communities who utilize DART.
Please download the various assets below to use within your communications. With any questions or further needs, please contact Sarah Welch, DART’s Communications Manager, at swelch@ridedart.com.
PARTNER RESOURCES
Social Media, Web & Newsletter Content to Promote Public Input
- Toolkit: City of Des Moines
- Toolkit: Des Moines-Based Neighborhood Groups
- Toolkit: All Other Stakeholders
NOTE: The All Other Stakeholders toolkit is relevant for suburban cities and their neighborhood groups, human services agencies, businesses, Chambers of Commerce and DART’s Unlimited Access partners.
Additional Content About the Value of Public Transit
- Article Post: 6 Reasons Riders Use Public Transportation
- Article Post: 4 Ways DART Benefits the Community
Collateral to Promote Public Input
- One-Page Flyer (print on 8.5x11) — available in English and Spanish
- Text available: Spanish, Vietnamese and Arabic
- Two-Sided Flier (print double-sided on 8.5x11)
- Postcard (print two-up, double-sided on 8.5x11)
- Poster (print on 11x17)
NOTE: DART can deliver pre-printed copies of any of the collateral noted above. Please fill out this form to request materials and allow for 2-3 business days for items to be delivered.
