Posted on January, 7 2025
Many DART riders ask for shelters and benches at bus stops. Based on this feedback, DART is working to add shelters and benches at its busiest bus stops.
Upcoming DART Shelter Locations for 2025:
Des Moines
- West side of Ascension St. at 6th Ave.
- Southeast corner of Ingersoll Ave & 35th St.
- Southwest corner of MLK Jr. Pkwy & Post St.
Altoona
- Southwest corner of 34th Ave. SW & Walmart
Shelters Update
Over five years, DART has added 21 new shelters at bus stops. There are now 56 shelters with plans to add more than 20 shelters in the next two years. Shelters were recently added on University near Hy-Vee in Windsor Heights, Merle Hay Road near Johnston City Hall and NW 86th near Urbandale City Hall.
DART expects to add more shelters in 2025 including five on Ingersoll Avenue, three on 6th Avenue, three on SW 9th St, four on University Avenue and more.
Benches Update
DART is aware that benches were removed from bus stops in Des Moines. In 2022, the City of Des Moines ended its contract with the company that provided those benches.
DART plans to add benches at bus stops and will select sites based on the number of riders using a particular bus stop and with public input. We installed the first 14 benches in 2023 and 2024 at highly requested locations along 6th Ave, University Ave and others. All benches will meet ADA standards.
To provide input on bench locations, contact the DART Planning Department by one of these options:
- Email by filling out the contact form
- Call DART Customer Service (515-283-8100) and leave a comment for Planning
- Share a comment with the Customer Service staff member at the window in the lobby of DART Central Station (620 Cherry Street)
- Mail comments to: DART Planning, 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-4530