Public Invited to Review ‘Bus‐Rapid Transit’ Proposal

Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The proposal for developing “bus‐rapid transit” along portions of University and Ingersoll Avenues in Des Moines will be the subject of three open houses scheduled for Thursday, January 26.

11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. –
Arthur Davis Room, Greater Des Moines Partnership, 700 Locust St.

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. –
Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted Center, Drake University, 2507 University Ave.

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. –
Greenwood Room, Plymouth United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave.
 

Bus‐rapid transit – often described as rail‐like service that is delivered with buses – can include many features to improve the level of service along a bus route. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is wrapping up an investment study on the possibility of developing bus‐rapid transit on a planned new Route 60 loop route.

Starting next year, Route 60 will provide frequent service in both directions on Ingersoll and University Avenues between downtown Des Moines and 42nd St. These established transit corridors feature high‐density residential neighborhoods and an abundance of destinations including two medical centers, three institutions of higher learning, multiple shopping districts and employment centers, and many other services.

As part of the investment study, DART is proposing to build bus stations along the route with real‐time arrival and departure information, to offer 10‐minute service at peak usage, to use technology to change stoplights and accelerate travel times, and to develop separate branding for the service.

This investment study is called an “Alternatives Analysis,” a first, critical step in qualifying for federal funding through the Very Small Starts program of the Federal Transit Administration. DART is asking the public for feedback on its proposal.

More information about bus‐rapid transit and the investment study is available online at www.ridedart.com/busrapid-transit‐study.cfm.