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Reduced Fare Bus Pass Programs | Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)

620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Eligibility
See notes for each program on DART's website www.ridedart.com/halffare
Required documents
Photo ID, proof of disability (if applicable), student ID (if applicable), refugee must be referred by agency, proof of applicable community benefit (see website for full list)
(515) 283-8100
Voice·

Main Phone

Application process
Enroll or apply in-person at DART Central Station during customer service hours
Fees
Varies by bus pass, call or visit website for more information
Service area
Polk County, IA
DART offers a Half Fare program for people to ride for about half the cost of regular bus fare. Who is Eligible?
  • Adults 65 and older
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Refugees
  • Students (middle and high school)
Ride to Thrive Program: DART’s half-fare program; acceptance in the program is good for two years with options to renew eligibility. Who is Eligible?
  • Individuals receiving food assistance
  • Individuals receiving housing assistance
  • Individuals receiving workforce assistance (including unemployment and childcare assistance)
How to Enroll in the Half Fare Program or DART's Ride to Thrive Program. 1. Go to the Customer Service window at DART Central Station, 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Bring the required documents for your program, visit www.ridedart.com/halffare to see what documents are eligible. 2. Ask for a Half Fare or Ride to Thrive enrollment form and fill it out with your information. Students do not need to apply, but can simply show a current school year ID to buy passes. 3. A Customer Service member will review the form. This usually takes a few minutes unless more documentation is required. 4. If approved, your photo will be taken and you will be given a Half Fare or Ride to Thrive program ID card with your name and photo. 5. Use this ID card to pay with cash on the bus or to buy a bus pass. Ask Customer Service to add Half Fare or Ride to Thrive passes to your MyDART account if you are using the MyDART app to pay. Cost to Ride: Riders accepted into the Half Fare program or DART’s Ride to Thrive program will receive an ID card* to use when they pay with cash on the bus or buy passes in the MyDART app, at Customer Service or at pass sales outlets. *Students with a current school year ID do not need a separate Half Fare ID card. Local, Express and On Call (Does not include Paratransit service)
  • Single Ride - $0.75
  • Day Pass - $2.00
  • Weekly Pass - $7.00
  • Monthly Pass - $24.00
  • Tokens (1 token = 1 ride) - 10/$7.50
Date of Last Formal Update
07/14/2025
Data provided by
United Way of the Midlands
Providing organization
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)
Regional and local public transportation.