Des Moines Transit Plan Increases All Day Bus Service and Reduces Peak Routes

The Des Moines City Council meeting on July 24, 2025, focused on significant changes to the city's public transportation network, particularly routes serving Des Moines. The discussions highlighted a positive community response to Routes 164 and 166, which are part of a broader network restructure aimed at improving service frequency and accessibility.

City officials announced plans to enhance public transit by reallocating resources from suspended peak-only bus routes, which have not operated since 2020. This strategy will increase service on key east-west connections, introduce new weekend services, and simplify existing routes. Notably, weekday trips will see a 47% increase, Saturday trips will rise by 61%, and Sunday service will double.

To fund these improvements, the city will eliminate nine suspended peak-only routes and two in-service routes, specifically Routes 162 and 177. The adjustments are designed to prioritize all-day, all-week connections, responding to community feedback about the importance of consistent service.

The meeting also addressed specific route changes. The Rapid Ride A Line will remain unchanged, despite requests to extend it to Star Lake Station, which would have incurred significant costs. Route 156 will see expanded hours to accommodate airport shift workers, while Routes 164 and 166 will be restructured to improve reliability and frequency. Route 164 will become a new frequent all-day route, enhancing connections between Kent Des Moines Station and Green River College, while Route 166 will add peak period trips and additional stops to improve access.

Overall, the council's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing public transportation in Des Moines, focusing on community needs and efficient resource allocation. The next steps will involve implementing these changes and monitoring their impact on local transit users.