The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is testing Flex Connect, a new on-demand service connecting riders in the Flex Connect zone to DART buses through a partnership with Uber and Yellow Cab Co.
Flex Connect is DART’s transit vouchers program with Uber and is designed to help make it easier and more affordable to get around. Transit vouchers—provided by DART—are free UberX trips in Des Moines. They get users to or from designated transit stops; the vouchers are easy to redeem in the app; and users get up to 300 free UberX trips. Terms apply. Once users take an UberX trip in an eligible area, the voucher will apply a discount to the ride.
With Flex Connect, riders in the zone can book an Uber, Yellow Cab Co. or a DART accessible vehicle to take them to and from one of three transfer points: Gloria Dei Park & Ride, Buccaneer Arena Park & Ride or Merle Hay Mall. From there, riders can connect to DART buses via routes 5, 14, 16, 50, 92 or 93.
Flex Connect operates Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is free for the duration of the pilot program, which began Oct. 14 and runs through mid-October 2020. Riders pay regular fare when they connect to a DART route.
Riders with smartphones can schedule an Uber trip in real-time within the Flex Connect zone to a transfer point by adding the DART Flex Connect voucher to their Uber payments.
Riders without smartphones, riders who need mobility assistance (ramp or lift), riders who wish to schedule in advance or riders who prefer to schedule a taxi can call DART customer service to schedule their on-demand trip: 515-283-8100.
Using the Uber App:
· First time users need to add the DART Flex Connect voucher to their Uber account.
· Sign into an existing Uber account or download the Uber app and create an account.
· Accept the voucher.
· After accepting the voucher, enter a destination. If the trip is covered by the voucher, the discount will appear above the confirm button. Riders must be within the Flex Connect zone or at one of the three transfer points at the time of booking. Please note: Flex Connect is only valid for UberX. If riders select Comfort or UberXL, they will be charged for the trip.
· Returning users can book trips directly though the Uber app once they have downloaded the DART Flex Connect voucher.
Calling Customer Service – Real-Time Booking:
· Call 515-283-8100 to book a real-time on-demand trip.
· Request a Flex Connect trip and give customer service the name, phone number, current location and destination when prompted.
· Riders will then let Customer Service know whether they would like to book a trip through Uber, a taxi, or if needed, a DART accessible vehicle.
· If riders are booked through Uber, they will receive a confirmation text with a link allowing them to track the on-demand ride without using the Uber app.
· If riders are booked on a taxi or DART accessible vehicle, customer service will confirm the trip prior to disconnecting.
Calling Customer Service – Advanced Booking:
· Call 515-283-8100 to book an on-demand trip. Riders can book a Flex Connect trip up to 7 days in advance.
· Riders will tell customer service whether they prefer an Uber, a taxi, or if needed, a DART accessible vehicle.
· If riders are booked through Uber, they will receive a confirmation text with a link allowing them to track the on-demand ride without using the Uber app.
· If riders are booked on a taxi or DART accessible vehicle, customer service will confirm the trip prior to disconnecting.
