For thousands of families across central Iowa, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, or DART, is how they get to a shift at MercyOne, community college classes, or church on a Sunday morning.
The problem: DART still operates out of a facility built in the 1970s. Since then, service has expanded to 11 cities, ridership has grown to 3.8 million rides a year, and the modern fleet of buses that get central Iowans from A to B has outgrown the aging depot.
DART brought forward an ambitious expansion plan — a new facility, upgraded infrastructure, and room to grow — and made clear that federal support would be critical to getting it across the finish line.
What’s new: We took their case to Washington, and I worked with the Federal Transit Administration to ensure DART received full consideration — and just this week, we secured a $20 million federal investment to:
🚌 Expand bus storage capacity
🛠️ Modernize maintenance space
🚿 Build updated wash and fueling facilities
Why it matters: This investment will make DART more reliable and efficient for every Iowan who depends on it — whether they’re heading to work, school, or picking up groceries. Moving DART into a modern facility also supports future economic development opportunities in the heart of central Iowa.
Bottom Line: Central Iowa’s growth is only as strong as the infrastructure behind it. I’ll keep fighting to bring home the federal investments Iowa’s workers, students, and families need to get where they’re going and build a future right here at home.