Project Resources

DART Reimagined was a year-long statewide transit study led by the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC). The study evaluated the current DART First State transit system and studied how riders are currently using the system and where they need access now and into the future. The study identified opportunities to reconfigure the bus network and future service plan to provide a more sustainable and equitable statewide transit system.

The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) led the DART Reimagined project and is the operator for Delaware’s statewide transit system, DART First State. The mission of DTC is to connect you to what matters – every ride, every customer, every day. DTC is a division of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).

The last study of DART ridership was conducted almost a decade ago. As the state of Delaware continues to diversify and its transit needs, commuting landscapes, and priorities evolve, a consistent and coordinated effort to improve the transit system is necessary. DTC remains committed to its mission and is conducting the DART Reimagined Transit Study to identify system improvements that better accommodate riders.

The DART Reimagined project team engaged and collaborated with communities, riders, stakeholders, and businesses throughout 2023. The team provided opportunities for input in several ways:

• Held seven Stakeholder Committee meetings with over 90 stakeholders from across the state of Delaware
• Disseminated a Customer Survey in spring 2023 that received over 2,400 responses
• Hosted or attended 27 outreach events across the state
• Held five Community Workshops, four in-person in New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County, and the City of Wilmington, and one virtually

DTC is committed to providing public transit service that protects and preserves the environment with every trip on DART services and every dollar invested in green technology.

DART Reimagined coordinated with existing planning efforts throughout the region. The study examined possible improvements to and/or implementation of various modes of transportation. Any common themes or topics that arose over the course of the study were addressed and thoroughly explored by the project management team. Ultimately, the study led to a comprehensive State of the System report consisting of an overview of the transit system and market assessment, trends in transportation and land use, and gaps, issues and opportunities for an improved overall system for the State of Delaware.

The study not only examined where riders are currently going and where they want to go in the future, but also which areas most rely on service. DART Reimagined provided recommendations for adding new and/or expanding existing bus routes and other transit services to assist riders with connecting to the places (work, school, healthcare or leisure) they need to go.

DART views mobility as a right and will work to identify and serve vulnerable populations with better access and transportation options. Our goal is for DART to be an accessible, fair, and inclusive transit system that serves the needs of all its riders regardless of their background, identity or where they live in the state.

DART Reimagined was heavily centered around public and stakeholder engagement to help achieve this goal.

Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) members were selected by Delaware Transit Corporation leadership to help develop key elements of the study and provide policy-level guidance. This group consisted of 14 statewide representatives who shared diverse perspectives, provided insights on policy decisions and community impacts, and championed outcomes.

Recommendations were incorporated into an implementation plan that describes specific improvement strategies, what they are intended to achieve, how they will work together, and benefits for the community.  This plan includes a timeline and preliminary, high-level assessment of the operating and capital implications for fleet, bus stops, facilities, staffing, and service hours.