Staying Safe When You Ride DART

When you ride with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), you’re engaging with a system built on the belief that public transit should be safe, reliable and worthy of your trust.

We know the way we operate and respond to safety concerns impacts you and your family. That’s why Safety is a core DART value that drives our actions every day. Here’s how we take safety seriously in everything we do:

Safe by Design at DART Central Station

We proactively keep our facilities secure in several ways.

Inside DART Central Station,  

• Uniformed security or police officers are present at busy times of day. 

• Security personnel monitor the facility when it is closed.  

• A comprehensive system of internal and external security cameras allows us to continuously monitor activity in the facility and investigate incidents when they occur.  

• Riders have access to emergency call buttons on the bus platform. One push of the large red button instantly alerts police to send help immediately. 

A Bus Trip You Can Trust

Our buses are equipped with numerous safety features to monitor and protect our operators and passengers.

On DART buses, 

• Multiple HD video cameras capture activity inside and outside the bus.  

• Microphones pick up audio in real time. 

• A mobile data terminal puts bus operators in constant communication with DART dispatchers and on-the-road supervisors. 

The technology we have in place ensures we are promoting a safe experience anytime someone rides the bus, and we respond quickly when an incident occurs. 
 

Proactive Safety Response

Our operators are on the front lines, interacting directly with DART riders and other members of the community. To protect them and to help them promote a safe environment when driving the bus: 

• We've installed secure partitions between the operator and passengers. 

• We provide de-escalation training. 

• Every new operator receives classroom training and 50-60 hours of hands-on experience before operating a bus. 

We empower operators to engage with riders respectfully, understand warning signs and reduce tension before it becomes conflict. Our goal is to prevent incidents, not just respond to them, so our employees and riders feel safe. 
 

Quick Action to Incidents

At DART, we track every incident — such as verbal assaults, fare disputes and suspicious behavior. If our data shows recurring safety concerns on a certain route, we conduct staff training, partner with law enforcement to tackle the issue and re-evaluate our procedures.  

When incidents occur, all DART operators and supervisors complete post-incident reports. The reports are compiled into a database, allowing our safety team to:  

• Identify hot spots or high-risk routes. 

• Adjust training and resources accordingly. 

• Improve system-wide strategies for safety outcomes. 
   

Strong Partnerships, Stronger Communities

Our commitment to safety extends beyond our doors. For example, we support an average of two to three law enforcement investigations that don’t directly involve DART per week using on-bus or on-property footage.   

DART is proud to work directly with the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD), Polk County Emergency Management and numerous other community agencies across Central Iowa. These partnerships are vital for sharing information, responding to emergencies, preventing future incidents and building resilient communities. 
 

We Need Your Help

Creating a safe environment goes beyond enforcement and infrastructure. It also depends on riders treating each other, DART staff, buses and other DART property with respect. 

Our Rider Code of Conduct outlines rules DART riders are expected to follow while onboard buses and at DART facilities.   

Key guidelines include: 

• No smoking or use of tobacco (including e-cigarettes and vaping devices) 

• No alcohol consumption 

• No loud music or sounds 

• No littering or spitting 

• No aggressive or harassing behavior 

• No rollerblading, roller shoes, skateboarding or bicycling inside facilities 

• No loitering, sleeping or camping 

• Shirt and shoes are required 

• Only service animals are permitted on buses 

These rules are about shared responsibility. No one should have to feel unsafe because of someone else’s bad behavior. 
 

Everyone Deserves a Safe Trip

DART buses, bus stops, and DART Central Station are public spaces, meaning they are open to all. Everyone deserves to have safe trip on DART to work, school, the doctor or the grocery store. It is important for you to stay aware of your surroundings, watch your belongings and speak up when something doesn’t look or feel right.

If you notice something is wrong, notify a bus operator or staff member at DART Central Station right away. 

Next time you ride DART, know this: There's a dedicated team behind every bus, every route, and every building working every day to keep you safe.