More fairgoers took advantage of public transit this year, as ridership between the DART Park & Rides and the Iowa State Fair increased 8 percent over last year, reaching an all-time-high of 221,188 rides.
This is the second straight year of increasing ridership on DART’s service to the state fair, despite a dip in state fair attendance. The trend shows sustained and growing interest among fairgoers for avoiding the expense and hassle of parking near the fairgrounds, DART General Manager Elizabeth Presutti said. She said the increase can also be attributed in part to more accurate figures, due to the ticketing system implemented at the Center Street and State Capitol Park & Ride locations, as well as to the discount being offered to fairgoers with prepaid fair tickets.
“We like to think the state fair service serves as a yearly reminder of DART’s everyday value to Greater Des Moines,” Presutti said. “It offers a great alternative to driving and relieves congestion.”
