City of Alma - Dial-A-Ride Transit (D.A.R.T.)
Randy Sumner - Director of Transportation
Pho: 989-463-6016
Fax: 989-466-5307
rsumner@ci.alma.mi.us
DART is on the move! The new transportation facility is nearing completion
and the ancipated move in date is August 24, 2009. Follow the link for a map
to the new location on
Willow Run
just off Bridge Ave.
Alma DART Title VI Plan
Check out the Alma DART
Back to School Christmas Specials
Dial-A-Ride Gold Card
Dial-A-Ride now offers a Gold Card for adults 75 year or older. Gold Card
holders ride DART for FREE!
All you need to do is stop at the Alma Transit Center, 219 N.
State St., Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm and get your photo taken for your
Gold Card. After receiving your card, you can then ride anywhere in Alma,
anytime DART is running for FREE! Call 463-6016 if you need more information.
DART E-Link
Alma Dial-A-Ride is now offering "E-Link" to keep their riders
well informed. Simply provide DART with your name, address, phone and e-mail
address and you will be kept in the know on all upcoming DART special events, discounts,
special coupons and many other services. Your information will be used by
DART for DART services only. To subscribe to "E-Link", email Randy Sumner.
1980, the Michigan Department of Transportation asked the City of
Alma to become an Intermodal Transit Agency. The City had previously
established a Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) system, and it was
determined that a need existed to develop a intermodal facility in
Gratiot County. In March of 1980, the old Kroger building site was
selected due to its downtown location and the proximity to the
railroad tracks for any future passenger rail service. With 1/3 of
the funding derived from the City and the other 2/3 from the
Michigan Department of Transportation, the facility was acquired and
renovated. In 1982, the Alma Transportation Center was officially
open to the public.
The Alma DART service is an "open door" public transit system.
Support for the service comes from a local voter approved millage,
farebox, contractual service, bus advertising and state and federal
funding. Since its inception in 1975, over 1,800,000 passenger trips
and over 2,400,000 miles have been logged. Historically the Alma
DART has been one of the most efficient systems in the United
States, transporting over 10 passengers per vehicle hour. In a
national survey, the Alma DART was depicted as a system that
outperforms most demand responsive Section 5311 systems in the
United States.
The Inter-City Service of "Depot" provides a sales for various
passenger tickets. Since 1980, the Alma Depot has sold over 29,000
passenger tickets and serviced over 314,000 inquiries. The Alma
Depot is frequently called for inter-city travel information from
other locations. This is due to the quality and accurate service the
customer is given.
Alma DART ridership is diversified. Currently ridership is made
up by 28% Seniors, 25% Juniors, 22% Adults, 12% Disabled, and 13%
Contracted riders. The City of Alma DART takes pride in providing
the citizens of Alma with safe, dependable, efficient and affordable
service.
What are Dial-A-Ride's hours?
Monday through Friday:
- Regular Service Hours: 7:30am to 5:30pm
- Evening Service Hours: 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Regular Office Hours
Monday through Friday:
What is the fare structure?
| Service |
Times |
Adults & Juniors |
Seniors & Disabled |
| Regular One Way in Alma |
7:30am - 5:30pm |
$2.00 ($1.75 Juniors) |
$1.00 |
| Evening Service in Alma |
5:30pm - 8:00pm |
$4.00 ($3.50 Juniors) |
$2.00 |
| Zone 1N (North of Alma to
M-46) |
7:30am - 8:00pm |
$5.00 |
$2.50 |
| Gratiot Community Airport |
7:30am - 8:00pm |
$4.00 ($3.50 Juniors) |
$2.00 |
| Service Within St. Louis |
Mon, Wed, Fri
9:00am, noon & 3:00pm
Tues & Thurs
9:00am, 3:00pm |
$2.00 |
$1.00 |
| Service Between Alma &
St. Louis |
Mon, Wed, Fri
9:00am - 3:00pm
Tues & Thurs
9:00am, 3:00pm |
$4.00 |
$2.00 |
Pre-school children are Free (When accompanied by an adult).
Senior Fare starts at age 65.
D.A.R.T. Ticket Books: $11.00
- Gold Card: Seniors 75 years and older may come into the DART office and
obtain a photo identification card that will allow them to ride DART free of charge
within the City of Alma.
- Prepaid Fares: You may come to the DART office and
pay for rides up to 60 days in advance.
- Student Annual Pass: If you prefer to pay for your
child's ride per semester or for the entire school year, save up
to 25%. Cost for the semi-annual pass is $105.00 one-way per
semester or $205.00 both ways per semester. The annual pas is
$205.00 one-way for both semesters or $405.00 both ways for both
semesters. A similar discount is available for your students
needing transportation between Alma and St. Louis.
- Standing Order: For those who like the convenience of
not having to call-in for a demand response service ride.
- Demand Response: Call early to request your ride, at
least 30 minutes prior to the desired pick-up time.
- Senior Center in St. Louis: Individual may be
transported at rate of $1.00 each way. Telephone for more
information on service time for this special reduced fare.
- Children: Many customers have found DART to be a
safe, reliable travel for children. We ask that an adult be
available before and after the child rides, and that children
are well behaved on the bus.
- Correct Fare: Drivers do not carry change. Please pay when you are boarding
What special events does D.A.R.T. participate in?
The Alma D.A.R.T. plays a vital role in developing our community into
a desirable area for work, living, shopping and recreation. We want
to help you with your special event.
Bus Depot: 989-463-4444
Fax: 989-466-5307
Inter-City Bus Service Regular Office Hours
- Monday through Friday: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Regular Telephone Hours
- Monday through Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Passenger Service
- Alma Inter-City service can connect you to other bus
lines throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The scheduling of
trips, determination of fares, and sale of tickets can be made
from this office.
- Pre-paid Ticket Orders: For the customer who may need
help from someone at a different location. PTO and cash may be
sent from or to the Alma Depot.
- Advance Purchase Tickets: When these tickets are
available, purchase in advance and save BIG!
Who works at the Alma Transportation Center?
Randy Sumner - Transportation Services Director
David Browne - Transportation Services Supervisor
Audrey Raby - Depot Clerk
Terry Binger - Driver II
Sally Gushen, Opal Hoyt, Robert Kade, Dennis
Schmidt, Rod Sutten, Mario Garcia,
and Jerry Munderloh - Drivers
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