12 Tips for Riding the DART Bus in Central Iowa

Here at DART, we want to ensure riding public transit in central Iowa is easy. We’ve rounded up a dozen tips to help make your journey as smooth as possible. Ready? Let’s roll...

12 Tips for Riding the Bus with DART

1. Dress appropriately. Before you leave for your bus stop, check that you are wearing the proper gear. On cold, snowy and windy days, consider wearing a warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf, along with proper cold-weather footwear – especially if you need to wait outside for your bus. On the hottest days of the year, we recommend wearing clothing that is not too thick and heavy, as well as a hat and sunglasses, so you stay cooler as you walk to the stop and wait for your bus.
    
2. Be prepared. DART works hard to keep buses running on time, but unexpected accidents or road conditions during severe weather can cause delays to the schedule. Be ready for any weather during each season. For example, in the summer, wear sunscreen and bring water to drink to stay hydrated. In the winter, you may want to have hand or foot warmers handy on extremely cold days. Read more about riding DART in winter weather.
    
3. Use DART’s rider tools. Our real-time trip planner is available on the MyDART app and also from our homepage. You can take advantage of this technology to plan which bus to take and to check the status of your bus in case there are delays. 
   
   
4. Be early! DART recommends all riders be at the bus stop at least five minutes before their bus is scheduled to arrive.
    
5. Reach out. DART’s Customer Service team is here to help if you have questions. For example, although our real-time trip planner is a great tool, when severe weather occurs, the technology showing buses on the road may not reflect all weather-related delays. If you’re worried about when your bus will arrive, or if something doesn’t look right on the MyDART app, feel free to call Customer Service during open hours (Mondays-Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 515-283-8100.
    
6. Be visible. Riders must stand at the bus stop as the bus approaches. When you sit in a bus shelter or at a bench, the bus driver may not see you. As you see your bus approaching, be sure you are close to the bus stop and the driver sees you. Don't stand behind trees, parked vehicles or other obstructions. Give a wave to the driver to let them know that you’re planning to board.
    
7. Be ready. Have your bus pass or fare payment ready as the bus is approaching. Cash must be the exact amount, as DART bus drivers cannot make change. Additionally, as you see the bus pulling up, be sure to gather your bags in advance. We also recommend you prepare any others you’re traveling with (such as small children) to board. Being prepared will help the bus driver stay on schedule. 
    
8. Stay safe and be courteous. Once on the bus, please remain seated. If you must stand, please hold on to the handrails. Be polite to other riders and please move to the back of the bus if it is crowded.
    
9. Stay alert. Remember to signal the driver about a block before your stop. If you are not sure where to get off, ask the driver when you first get onto the bus.
   
   
10. Signal with confidence. About a block before your bus stop, signal the driver by pulling the cord above the window or pressing the stop button on the handrail.
     
11. Depart quickly. As you approach your destination, please gather your belongings before the bus stops. If possible, exit through the back door. When riders are prepared and ready to board and depart the bus, this helps us maintain on-time service for all customers!
     
12. Be aware. Pay attention to your surroundings and other traffic as you get off the bus. Please wait until the bus pulls away before crossing the street and do not cross in front of the bus.

Easy, right? Next up, we’ll explore some key things to know about what you can (and can’t) do when riding the bus or using other DART services.

Important Rules for Using DART

Whether you’re on the bus or waiting at DART Central Station, there are guidelines that must be followed by all riders. DART’s bus rider guidelines apply to all buses and any other DART transit vehicles, all DART facilities and DART property. The goal of these rules is to maintain public transportation services that are orderly, safe, secure, comfortable and convenient for all. This includes our bus riders, DART staff and the general public.

What is allowed on the bus?

• Closed, sealable containers such as water bottles are allowed on the bus.
• Listening to music or other audio is allowed, however please know that wearing earphones is required.
• Papers, magazines or other materials are allowed, but please take them with you when you leave the bus.
• Bags, such as luggage or groceries, are permitted. Please limit packages or bags to what you can carry on board in one boarding trip, and what you can keep in control while the vehicle is in motion. Bags or packages should not block the aisle.
• Bikes may be loaded onto the bus using the exterior bike racks. Did you know: Bike racks are available on every bus!

What is NOT allowed on the bus?

• Nonsealable containers such as disposable coffee cups are not allowed.
• It is against the law to smoke or drink alcohol on the bus.
• Eating is not permitted on the bus.
• Pets are not allowed on DART vehicles (other than service animals per the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA).
• No loitering, sitting or lying on floors, sleeping or camping.
• No rollerblading, roller shoes, skateboarding or bicycling on board.
• No spitting, aggressive or harassing behavior.
• No use of property without wearing a shirt and shoes.

There you have it! We hope you found these tips to be helpful, and that your next ride on the DART bus is smooth.

If you’re interested in learning more tips for riding DART, consider attending one of our monthly How to Ride Trainings at DART Central Station. You can also browse our website for information on riding the bus, reading schedules and our helpful rider technologies and tools.