Urbandale Council reviews DART updates amid budget challenges and ridership growth

Urbandale's City Council Lunch & Learn Meeting on April 8, 2025, spotlighted significant updates on the DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) system, with a focus on the upcoming "Reimagine DART" initiative. Amanda Wonke, a representative from DART, presented a comprehensive overview of the current transit landscape, revealing that ridership in Urbandale has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching approximately 22,000 users. This surge includes a notable reliance on paratransit services, with many users traveling from neighboring cities to access Urbandale's offerings.

The discussion centered on the need for a fresh approach to public transit, considering the evolving needs of the community post-pandemic. Wonke emphasized the importance of aligning transit resources with community goals, presenting two contrasting strategies: ridership-focused versus coverage-focused models. The council is expected to provide feedback on these models, which will influence the DART commission's decisions in May.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the financial implications of maintaining current service levels versus potential cuts. Urbandale's property tax levy rate has decreased, but future funding challenges loom, particularly with legislative changes that could impact DART's budget. The council is tasked with navigating these complexities to ensure efficient and effective transit solutions for Urbandale residents.

As the council prepares for the May vote on the budget and transit strategies, the outcomes of these discussions will be crucial in shaping the future of public transportation in the region.