METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Advocate: Iowa’s DART not doing enough for paratransit

Des Moines Human Rights Commission says the agency is not meeting the needs of disabled and elderly bus riders, especially on the city’s south side. A DART spokesperson said that one south-side route that consultants proposed cutting was restored based on rider feedback.

February 11, 2013
1 min to read


DES MOINES, Iowa — DesMoinesRegister.com reported that Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is getting criticism from the Des Moines Human Rights Commission for not doing enough to meet the needs of disabled and elderly bus riders, especially on the city’s south side.

A DART spokesperson told the paper that recent changes to the paratransit service were made based on travel patterns, population centers, shopping and employment hubs. Additionally, one south-side route that consultants proposed cutting was restored based on feedback from riders and community leaders. For the full story, click here.

More Paratransit

paratransit bus
SponsoredMarch 16, 2026

Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets

What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.

Read More →
A next-generation HART paratransit SUV.
Paratransitby StaffMarch 3, 2026

Florida's HART Launch First Next-Generation Paratransit Vehicles into Service

The new HARTPlus SUVs — 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility models — represent a significant step toward modernizing mobility and enhancing service for paratransit riders throughout Hillsborough County.

Read More →
title of the webinar over an image of a transit van on the road
SponsoredFebruary 25, 2026

The Future of Paratransit: How to Thrive in an Uncertain Era

See how leading agencies integrate eligibility, operations, staffing, and rider access to protect service and public dollars.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 22, 2026

5 Costly Myths About Paratransit Vehicles

What agencies often overlook when selecting vehicles.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Fleet Software ROI: Boost Uptime & Safety

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 15, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Supplying TTC Subways, SilverRide Lands California Contracts, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 5, 2026

Forest River Working to Redefine Reliability, Responsibility in the Bus Industry

As the transportation landscape continues to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, few manufacturers have faced, or embraced, change as decisively as Forest River Bus.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

New York MTA Marks Record Year for Ridership, Performance in 2025

The subway, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad all recorded record-highs for on-time performance in 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A white and blue graphic with text reading "Milwaukee County Transit Plus Riders Join WisGo in 2026."
Paratransitby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

Milwaukee County Transit Plus Riders Join WisGo in 2026

Transit Plus riders gain access to WisGo cards and mobile fare payment through the Umo app in 2026.

Read More →