In its first weekend of operations, DART’s Beach Bus ridership hit record highs, thanks in part to a transit center near Lewes.
During Memorial Day weekend, 10,905 trips were taken, a 37 percent increase compared to 2018 and 42 percent more than in 2017. The bus allows passengers to park their cars and avoid parking hassles in Rehoboth.
The city recently raised parking fees and made other changes that include banning cars from backing into spaces. (License plates are now scanned).
DART’s most popular route, 201 – Red Line, traveling frequently between the Lewes Transit Center, Rehoboth Park & Ride and Rehoboth Boardwalk, contributed to 84 percent of the ridership increase.
“We’re ecstatic about the ridership jump. Expanded service hours, increased marketing efforts, along with our partnerships with area businesses and chambers of commerce promoting the service have contributed to this success. And, of course, great weather helps,” said John Sisson, CEO of Delaware Transit Corporation.
The Lewes Transit Center, now in its third season, is a park & ride center off Coastal Highway. The center’s new indoor passenger facility is now open with air-conditioned seating area, restrooms, ticket sales, and large monitors displaying real-time bus information and other information.
DART also has a revised app that provides information and allows fare payments.
Over the Memorial Day weekend, 424 riders paid their fare from their phone.
