Douglas County commissioners hear DART ridership and funding details; staff seek expansion of fixed routes
November 07, 2025 | Douglas County, Nevada
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Douglas County staff gave a detailed briefing on Douglas Area Rural Transit (DART), the county's senior and public-transportation service, highlighting ridership, routes, funding, staffing and planned expansions.
Service overview: Amanda Reid, community services manager, described two primary services: the DART Express fixed-route service (open to the general public with scheduled stops) and Dial-a-Ride shared rides prioritized for residents age 60 and over and ADA-certified passengers. The fixed route starts in the Ranchos and runs through Carson Valley with stops at the community center, medical center and retail stops; staff also work with the Douglas County School District to provide after-school access by adding a stop at Paolu Middle School.
Ridership and fleet: Staff reported nearly 31,000 rides in fiscal year 2024' 25, with roughly 2,400 of those on the fixed route. The fleet totals about 10 buses (various sizes, all ADA-capable) and several smaller vans; grants currently fund two 18-seat buses and two transit vans.
Funding and staffing: Reid said operating funding comes primarily from NDOT and the state Division of Aging Services; combined grants cover about 75% of operating costs. The program relies on a mix of full-time, part-time and on-call drivers; staff said recruiting drivers (CDL with passenger endorsement) is a continuing challenge and that three full-time positions were vacant at the time of the briefing.
Expansion plans and emphasis: Staff requested direction on expanding fixed-route service into Topaz Ranch Estates and noted that doing so would likely require additional vehicles and drivers. Fare policy: suggested donation of $1 each way for seniors; $2 for adults; $1 for students with ID. Prepaid ride passes and community partnerships (Douglas County Foundation, Kiwanis) help reduce family burdens for school-rider trips.
Why it matters: Staff said DART provides essential mobility for seniors and ADA riders and helps reduce social isolation; the fixed-route and middle-school connections also create after-school recreation access.
Next steps: Staff will return with details if the board confirms direction to expand fixed-route service, and will continue to apply for capital grants to replace and expand vehicles.
Service overview: Amanda Reid, community services manager, described two primary services: the DART Express fixed-route service (open to the general public with scheduled stops) and Dial-a-Ride shared rides prioritized for residents age 60 and over and ADA-certified passengers. The fixed route starts in the Ranchos and runs through Carson Valley with stops at the community center, medical center and retail stops; staff also work with the Douglas County School District to provide after-school access by adding a stop at Paolu Middle School.
Ridership and fleet: Staff reported nearly 31,000 rides in fiscal year 2024' 25, with roughly 2,400 of those on the fixed route. The fleet totals about 10 buses (various sizes, all ADA-capable) and several smaller vans; grants currently fund two 18-seat buses and two transit vans.
Funding and staffing: Reid said operating funding comes primarily from NDOT and the state Division of Aging Services; combined grants cover about 75% of operating costs. The program relies on a mix of full-time, part-time and on-call drivers; staff said recruiting drivers (CDL with passenger endorsement) is a continuing challenge and that three full-time positions were vacant at the time of the briefing.
Expansion plans and emphasis: Staff requested direction on expanding fixed-route service into Topaz Ranch Estates and noted that doing so would likely require additional vehicles and drivers. Fare policy: suggested donation of $1 each way for seniors; $2 for adults; $1 for students with ID. Prepaid ride passes and community partnerships (Douglas County Foundation, Kiwanis) help reduce family burdens for school-rider trips.
Why it matters: Staff said DART provides essential mobility for seniors and ADA riders and helps reduce social isolation; the fixed-route and middle-school connections also create after-school recreation access.
Next steps: Staff will return with details if the board confirms direction to expand fixed-route service, and will continue to apply for capital grants to replace and expand vehicles.
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