Community News

DART Connect Public Information Sessions

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Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) will conduct two virtual Public Information Sessions on Tuesday, March 30 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and Wednesday, March 31 from 5 PM to 6 PM via Zoom to share information about a new transit service, DART Connect, in and between Georgetown and Millsboro that will launch on Monday, April 12, 2021. DART Connect will replace DART Flex Routes 901 and 902 with on-demand, microtransit – a more flexible and convenient way to travel within and between Georgetown and Millsboro.

DART Connect is a 12-month pilot service funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration to explore new transit models that provide more efficient and frequent service.

DART Connect will operate the same days/hours with the same fare as the current Flex Routes 901 and 902 Flex it is replacing: Monday through Friday from 5:45 AM to 8:00 PM, $2.00 per ride. Customers will be able to schedule DART Connect rides using a new mobile app or by calling 1-800-652-DART, option 3. Payment can be made via cash or by using DART Pass mobile app.

DART Connect will use the same DTC vehicles and drivers to operate the service.

Both virtual public information sessions will include a brief PowerPoint presentation about how to use DART Connect followed by a Q&A session. The public is invited to participate in these sessions to learn more and ask questions prior to the April 12 launch in Georgetown and Millsboro.

Workshop 1: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 12:30 PM
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://deldot-gov.zoom.us/j/81347386739?pwd=eGRBVjc0VTRScVJacXQ0MCsxVjh2dz09

Passcode: 431095
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13126266799,,81347386739# or +16468769923,,81347386739#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 813 4738 6739

Workshop 2: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://deldot-gov.zoom.us/j/89611008242?pwd=RGZYUlExdjYwaTZPU2J1Sko5d2NZQT09

Passcode: 845931
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13126266799,,89611008242# or +16468769923,,89611008242#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 896 1100 8242

During the 12-month pilot period, public feedback and data will be collected to evaluate the pilot.

Visit www.DartFirstState.com for information. Interested members of the public may provide questions and comments via email DTC_DARTConnect@delaware.gov

Written comments may be sent to: DART Public Hearing, 119 Lower Beech St., Wilmington, DE 19805-4440. Comments and feedback may be submitted at any time during the 12-month pilot.

If an accommodation such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired or a language translator is needed, please call (302) 760-2827, one week in advance.

DART Launches 23rd Annual “Stuff The Bus”

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Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 9 to 14, to Help Delawareans in Need of Food Assistance


DART today announced their 23rd year of partnering with the Food Bank of Delaware for
the annual “Stuff The Bus” Thanksgiving Food Drive, with a goal of collecting 20 tons of non-
perishable food for Delawareans in need of food assistance. We are looking for the public’s help
to achieve the goal.

“Stuff The Bus” will be collecting food at seven sites throughout the State. The site locations,
collection dates, and times are:

Monday, November 9: NEW Safeway, 19283 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth, 9 AM – 4 PM

Tuesday, November 10: Walmart, 939 N. DuPont Blvd., Milford, 8 AM – 6 PM AND
Safeway, 190 John Hunn Brown Rd., (Corner of S. Bay Rd. at S. Little Creek Rd.) Dover, 8 AM – 6 PM

Wednesday, November 11: ShopRite of First State Plaza, 1600 W. Newport Pike, Stanton, 9 AM – 4 PM

Thursday, November 12: Rodney Square, Market Street side, Wilmington, 7AM – 5 PM

Friday, November 13: ShopRite of Brandywine Commons, 1300 Rocky Run Parkway, Wilmington, 9 AM – 4 PM

Saturday, November 14: ShopRite of Four Seasons, 700 Plaza Dr., Newark, 9 AM – 4 PM

As part of our annual food drive, we’ll have live radio broadcasts; come out to meet the
stations’ deejays on:
Monday, November 9: Safeway in Rehoboth – Delaware 105.9 will broadcast live from 11 AM – 1 PM and The Vault 103.5/106.1 will be live from 2 PM – 4 PM
Tuesday, November 10: Walmart in Milford – The Chicken 101.3 from 6 AM – 6 PM
Tuesday, November 10: Safeway in Dover – EAGLE 97.7 from 6 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday, November 11: ShopRite of First State Plaza – WSTW 93.7 will be live from 10
AM – 2 PM
Friday, November 13: ShopRite of Brandywine Commons – WJBR will broadcast live from
11 AM – 1 PM
Saturday, November 14: ShopRite of Four Seasons – WJBR from 11 AM – 1 PM

DART also encourages the public to donate directly to the Food Bank of Delaware, if they are unable to visit any of the “Stuff The Bus” collection sites. For more information on donating food,
contact the Food Bank at 302-292-1305, or visit their website at www.FBD.org.

The Food Bank of Delaware is a nonprofit agency committed to ending hunger in Delaware. According to the Food Bank, over 121,800 Delawareans, including more than 38,600 children, are food insecure and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s anticipated an additional 50,000 Delawareans will struggle with hunger.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation
(DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit DartFirstState.com or call
1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).

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DART Upcoming Service Change Effective October 25, 2020

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Summary by County:

New Castle County – Schedule time adjustments on some routes to improve on-time performance and
connections.

For many years, our riders have asked DART to expand the service on Saturdays and Sundays. The
following weekend service improvements will be made:

Routes 2, 6 and 13 – earlier Saturday morning service.
Routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 13, 15, 33 and 40 – later Saturday service.
Routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 13, 15, 33 and 40 – earlier Sunday morning service.
Kent County – Schedule time adjustments on some routes to improve on-time performance and
connections.
Sussex County – Schedule time adjustments on some routes to improve on-time performance and
connections.
Intercounty – Schedule time adjustments on some routes to improve on-time performance and
connections. Route 301 – Three new roundtrips on Saturday, departing Wilmington at 7:15 AM; 1:25 PM
and 2:25 PM; and departing the Dover Transit Center at 9 AM; 1:19 PM; and 4:29 PM.

For your convenience, route schedules are available online at DartFirstState.com and on buses.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation
(DelDOT), operates DART. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or
call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option,
are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).

Join DART for an Outdoor Community Conversation!

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Public transportation plays an essential role in the lives of Delawareans.  It provides vital connections, bolsters the economy, improves the environment and helps to enhance our quality of life. Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) proudly operates DART services in the First State.

In efforts to continually improve services and provide an enhanced customer experience, DART would like to hear from you!

Topics of Conversation will include:
October 25, 2020 Service Change, including improved weekend bus service in New Castle County.

February 2021 Service Change Coinciding with I-95 Construction – DART bus service will be impacted by DelDOT’s I-95 Rehabilitation Construction project, “Restore the Corridor”.  DART is seeking comments on routing around the construction and service concepts to develop proposals for public hearing workshops later this year.

February 2021 Fare Updates – review and comment on DART fare updates.

Outdoor Community Conversations:
Wilmington Transit Center – 100 N. Walnut St., Wilmington, DE 19801
Tuesday, September 22:  12 PM-5 PM
Thursday, September 24:  7 AM-12 PM

Christiana Mall Park & Ride –132 Christiana Mall Rd., Newark, DE 19702
Tuesday, September 29:  10 AM-2 PM

Newark Transit Center – 250 E. Delaware Ave., Newark, DE 19711
Wednesday, September 30:  10 AM-2 PM

Dover Transit Center – 468 W. Water St., Dover, DE 19904
Thursday, October 1:  12 PM-4 PM

Odessa Park & Ride – DE 1 at DE 299, Middletown, DE 19709
Tuesday, October 6:  6 AM-10:30 AM

Georgetown Transit Center – 108 N. Railroad Ave., Georgetown, DE 19947
Tuesday, October 6:  9 AM-12 PM & 2 PM-6 PM

Lewes Transit Center – 17616 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE 19958
Thursday, October 8:  10 AM-1 PM & 4 PM-6 PM

Bellevue Community Center Pavilion – 510 Duncan Rd., Wilmington, DE 19809
Wednesday, October 14:  4 PM-6 PM

Boyd’s Corner Park & Ride – DE 1 at Pole Bridge Rd., Odessa, DE 19709
Wednesday, October 21:  5:45 AM-9 AM

Stop by any time during the hours above to join the conversation in group discussions or one-on-one with DART team members.  Please bring your own topics, suggestions and ideas to the conversation!

If an accommodation such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired or a language translator is needed, please call (302) 760-2827, one week in advance.

Can’t make it?  Visit Community Conversations on DART’s website to see details, maps and provide comments or call 1-800-652-DART, Option 2 to learn more.

DART Schedule for Labor Day, September 7

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Labor Day – Monday, September 7, 2020 – New this Labor Day, DART offers bus service in New Castle County on Routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 13, 15, 33, 40, and 47, using a Saturday schedule, with Paratransit operating complimentary ADA-only service. DART’s Beach Bus service and Route 305 Beach Connection will also operate, with complimentary ADA-only service for Paratransit. All other fixed route and paratransit services will not operate.


Monday, September 7 is the last day of operation for the seasonal Route 305 Beach Connection; however, The Beach Bus service will continue to operate 7 days a week, until September 20, with service to Rehoboth Beach and the Boardwalk, Lewes, Long Neck, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, MD, Millsboro and Georgetown.


SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark Line will operate its weekend schedule on Labor Day. See Schedule here. DART’s Transportation Store at the Wilmington Station will be closed on Labor Day. Train passengers are encouraged to purchase their train fares in advance. The On-Board fare can also be paid on the train, and a credit for the difference can be received at a Philadelphia SEPTA ticket counter.


To promote the use of contactless, cashless fare payments using the DART Pass mobile payment app, DART is offering further discounts on Daily, 7-Day and 30-Day passes on the app. For additional information on DART’s services, visit https://www.dartfirststate.com/ or please call 1-800-652-3278. With the free DART Transit app, riders can plan their trip, view bus stops, get real-time bus information, and see where the bus is along its route.

Riders must wear face coverings when riding any DART bus, Fixed Route or Paratransit. Those not wearing face coverings will not be allowed to board the bus. Children 12 years and under are not required to wear a face covering nor are individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition; children ages 2 and under must not wear them.


The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).

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DART First State Uses Solar Panel Technology to Continue its Energy Savings and Clean Energy Campaign

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The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) – DART First State is pleased to announce our “Clean Energy and Energy Savings Initiative” continues to move forward with our recent award of a $2.5 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant for Buses and Bus Facilities Program to install solar array at our Dover Operations and Administration Facility.

This project involves the installation of a canopy system with a solar panel array for our bus facility in Dover, Delaware. This facility, which has 102 bus parking spaces, serves as the primary bus storage location in Central Delaware.

A solar panel array, covering approximately 60,000 square feet, will be installed on top of a canopy structure. This clean energy will be used to assist with power to our facility and our six fully electric buses operating out of this facility.

The benefit of this project includes easing and improving the operation of the bus facility by providing shelter for the bus fleet. The canopy offers year-round protection from extreme weather conditions, improving our fleets reliability while enhancing service to our customers. Additionally, the use of the canopy as a platform for solar panels will allow DTC to generate its own clean power to reduce operating costs and help meet sustainability goals established by the State of Delaware.

“From our growing fleet of fully electric fixed route buses to converting our paratransit buses to propane, our public transportation system is evolving to become more environmentally friendly and efficient,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan. “Modifying existing infrastructure with this grant to increase our clean energy capabilities is another win for all of us.”

The Dover Operations Facility houses fixed route and paratransit buses, including six electric buses, a bus wash and other facility support services. The solar panel project will assist with enhancing the facility by reducing maintenance costs and extending the service life of vehicles while reducing energy costs and promoting the use of clean sustainable energy.

John Sisson, DTC’s Chief Executive Officer, stated “We are very excited to continue our efforts towards a cleaner transportation network. Along with the solar panels that were installed at this facility with a previous FTA grant in 2011, we will be producing up to 900 kWh of energy to support our operations and fuel our electric buses.”

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART.  Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).

DART “Stuff The Bus” Food Drive To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts Collected 4.5 Tons of Food For Delawareans

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            Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) announced today that DART’s “Stuff The Bus” COVID-19 Relief Efforts Food Drive collected 4.5 tons (9,097 pounds) of food.  The week-long food drive took place from June 22 to June 26 at the Safeway stores in Rehoboth and Dover, and the ShopRite stores at First State Plaza, Brandywine Commons and Four Seasons Shopping Centers.  The Food Bank of Delaware will distribute the donated food through its Hunger Relief Partners to Delaware residents in need of food assistance. 

            John Sisson, DTC’s Chief Executive Officer, stated “I’m proud of our employees, business partners, bus riders, and the community, along with Safeway and ShopRite, whose generous donations will help out their fellow Delawareans in need of food assistance.”

            Chad Robinson, Food Bank of Delaware Community Relations Director, stated “The Food Bank of Delaware is so thankful to our friends at DART First State and DelDOT for stepping up during this time of unprecedented need.  While we are all familiar with the Stuff the Bus at Thanksgiving time, the outpouring of support we saw in this “COVID-19 Edition” was amazing.  The donation of over 4.5 tons of food last week will go out to support the needs of thousands of food insecure Delawareans suffering during this time.  We are grateful for this ongoing partnership and look forward our annual Stuff the Bus again in the fall.”

            Donations were received from the general public, as well as businesses, and organizations throughout the entire State, including the employees from DART and DelDOT, which filled three 28-foot paratransit buses full of non-perishable food.  DART’s partner, Sharp Energy, donated over $2,000 worth of food, which was loaded onto a DART propane autogas paratransit bus.  To see photos from the event, visit DART’s Facebook page.

DART partnered with The Vault 103.5/106.1 FM, part of The Voice Radio Network and thanks to their staff and listeners for helping make “Stuff The Bus” in Rehoboth a great success. 

Thank you to everyone for their generosity and support in helping us “stuff” our buses.  Together as a team, we have helped to make a difference in providing food assistance to Delawareans in need. 

For more information on donating food, contact the Food Bank at 302-292-1305, or visit their website at www.FBD.org.  The Food Bank of Delaware is a nonprofit agency committed to ending hunger in Delaware.   

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State.  For more information, please visit DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART.  Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android). 

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See the Pictures!

DART Launches “Stuff The Bus” Food Drive To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts

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DART announced today their “Stuff The Bus” Food Drive in support of the Food Bank of Delaware
COVID-19 relief efforts. The food drive will be collecting non-perishable donations for Delawareans in need of food assistance during this time of increased demand. We are looking for the public’s help by stopping by one of the drop off locations with their non-perishable donation.

“Stuff The Bus” will be collecting food at five sites throughout the State. The drop off locations,
collection dates and times are:

Monday, June 22: Safeway, 19283 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth, 9 AM – 4 PM
Tuesday, June 23: Safeway, 190 John Hunn Brown Rd., Dover, 9 AM – 4 PM
(Corner of S. Bay Rd. at S. Little Creek Rd.)
Wednesday, June 24: ShopRite of Four Seasons, 700 Plaza Dr., Newark, 9 AM – 4 PM
Thursday, June 25: ShopRite of Brandywine Commons, 1300 Rocky Run Parkway, Wilmington, 9 AM – 4 PM
Friday, June 26: ShopRite of First State Plaza, 1600 W. Newport Pike, Stanton, 9 AM – 4 PM

In support of the food drive, on Monday, June 22, The Vault 103.5/106.1 will be live from 12 PM to
2 PM at the Rehoboth Safeway.

DART also encourages the public to donate directly to the Food Bank of Delaware, if they are
unable to visit any of the “Stuff The Bus” collection sites. For more information on donating food, contact the Food Bank at 302-292-1305, or visit their website at www.FBD.org. The Food Bank of Delaware is a nonprofit agency committed to ending hunger in Delaware.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).

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Download the Flyer!

DART’s Schedule for Memorial Day 2020

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Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020 – New this Memorial Day, DART offers bus service in New Castle County on Routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 13, 15, 33, 40, and 47, using a Saturday schedule, with Paratransit operating complimentary ADA-only service.

John Sisson, Delaware Transit Corporation’s CEO states, “We’re pleased to offer this additional holiday service for essential workers and riders needing access to critical services.”

With beaches opening in Sussex County, Routes 201, 204, 206 and 215 will operate a weekday service schedule on Memorial Day, with Paratransit operating complimentary ADA-only service. All other DART services, fixed route and paratransit, will not operate. With the free DART Transit app, riders can plan their trip, view bus stops, get real-time bus information, and see where the bus is along its route.

SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark Line will operate its current daily schedule on Memorial Day. See Schedule here.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).
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Wilmington Transit Center Opens

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Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) announces the opening of the Wilmington Transit Center, located at Front and Walnut Streets, operating as the new transfer location for most DART bus routes in downtown Wilmington. The new transit center has the capacity to have up to 10 buses stage at one time allowing bus layovers without blocking city streets, and offers riders a smoke-free covered, seated waiting area, real-time bus displays, ticket sales, WiFi, USB charging stations, vending machines, and bike racks with a bike repair station.

Strategically located adjacent to Wilmington’s Joseph R. Biden Rail Station, the transit center provides convenient access to Amtrak, SEPTA, Greyhound/Trailways, and cabs. The center also provides parking for rental cars, and offers 90 public parking spaces, including two electric car charging stations.

“We have made significant investments in the City of Wilmington and our infrastructure that has helped create jobs, improve travel, and spur economic development,” said Governor John Carney. “This transit center will serve 75 percent of the bus routes in Wilmington, and it will make it easier for passengers in and around the city to get to their destinations.”

“The Wilmington Transit Center truly is a multi-modal facility that provides Wilmington with a much-needed hub for trips into Wilmington and surrounding New Castle County,” offered Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“Wilmington is grateful for the new, modern, convenient transit center that sits within the City’s multi-modal transportation hub,” said Mayor Mike Purzycki. “This facility is in line with what we are building in Wilmington—a city for the future but one that meets the needs of today. My thanks to Governor Carney, Transportation Secretary Cohan, Delaware Transit Corporation Executive Director Sisson and all of the partners on this project for adding another plus to living, working and visiting a great city like Wilmington.”

The $10 million-dollar project constructed as part of a public-private partnership between DelDOT, DTC and Transit Center, LLC (Colonial Parking, EDiS Company, and Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.), used 100% State and private funds.

“We’re so excited and proud to open this wonderful new facility to provide our riders with the convenience and amenities they deserve,” said DTC CEO John Sisson.

Jed Hatfield, President of Colonial Parking, Inc. commented, “On behalf of my partners at EDiS Company, Emory Hill Companies and myself, it has been our great pleasure to partner with everyone at the Delaware Transit Corporation to develop the Wilmington Transit Center. It is a beautiful facility that will serve the mobility needs of Wilmington with access to all modes of transportation including train, bus, automobile, rental vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.”

The eye-catching art installation consisting of 26 banners was designed by Nathaniel Rambo, the first-place winner of an art contest among Delaware College of Art and Design (DCCAD) students. Along with having his artwork prominently displayed, he is the proud winner of the $1,000 prize awarded by Transit Center, LLC.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).
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