DART Connect, an on-demand transit program, launches in Newark today.
DART Connect allows riders to use a mobile app to connect with on-demand bus services throughout the city of Newark and surrounding areas.
The program replaces the Newark Unicity bus service, which had been seeing declining ridership. The University of Delaware also operates its own bus system in the city. DART Connect will run concurrently with Unicity until the phase-out date of September 29.
The cost to use DART Connect is the same as a DART Bus fare – $2 per ride. Day, week, 30-day and 20-ride passes are available. Fares can be paid using cash or the DART Pass app.
With DART Connect, riders can book a trip within minutes. The system also allows riders who are commuting to work at locations away from DART’s Newark hub or the city’s train station to get to their workplace. It will also allow residents to get to Main Street or the supermarket.
DART Connect was initially introduced in Sussex County as a pilot program in April 2021, providing service both in and between Georgetown and Millsboro. Originally funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the service has continued based on its success. Since its launch, the service has provided 43,861 rides.
“Since our introduction of DART Connect in the spring of 2021, we have had much success in Georgetown and Millsboro. We are excited to expand this on-demand service to the city of Newark for thousands of residents, workers, and visitors lacking access to a vehicle or who rely on bus service to travel to jobs, medical and social services throughout the community”, stated John Sisson, Chief Executive Officer of Delaware Transit Corporation.
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