Des Moines orders 20 Orion VIIs

DART, with a fleet of more than 150 buses, operates the largest mass transit service in the state of Iowa, serving the entire metro Capital region including its 19 cities and towns.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

September 18, 2009

1 min to read

Des Moines Area Regional Authority (DART) announced an additional order of 15 Orion VII clean-diesel transit buses from Daimler Buses North America. This order will bring its total order to 20 transit buses for delivery in early 2010.

The Orion VII transit buses provide DART with a cleaner, more efficient diesel engine that incorporates the more stringent 2007 emission standards. The Cummins ISL clean-diesel engine reduces particulate matter by 90 percent and provides further significant reductions in the oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The more environmentally-friendly Orion VII buses also include several design changes that provide greater efficiency and ease of maintenance for DART.

"The order of 20 Orion VII clean-diesel transit buses shows that DART is committed to providing the most modern, clean transit buses to its passengers and communities," said Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer, Daimler Buses North America.

DART, with a fleet of more than 150 buses, operates the largest mass transit service in the state of Iowa, serving the entire metro Capital region including its 19 cities and towns.

Topics:Cummins Daimler procurement regional transit authority Technology Bus

More Bus

Bus•by Staff•May 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Bus•by Staff•May 1, 2026

Fed Leaders Highlight Growth, U.S. Manufacturing at ENC

The visit is part of the SF Fed's ongoing engagement with major employers and industries across Southern California and, more broadly, the western U.S. to better understand regional economic conditions and business outlooks.

Management•May 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon

Management•by Alex Roman•April 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Management•by Staff•April 28, 2026

Keolis Contract Extended for Valley Metro's East Valley Fixed-Route Bus Service

Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.