Last month, transit riders in Detroit began using the new Dart app to pay for transit passes. Dart is a unified payment system that launched in May with the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), enabling customers to buy passes that can be used on both agencies fixed route buses. Now with the Dart mobile app, customers can buy Dart passes to ride DDOT and SMART directly on their smartphones. Starting October 1, QLINE will officially join the Dart app and accept Dart mobile passes on the streetcar.
The Dart app, created by Passport, is an innovative way to purchase transit passes. Users download the app, create an account with their payment information and then, buy passes directly on their phones. Upon purchase, users have immediate access to an electronic pass to show the driver upon boarding. With the Dart app, users can select a 4-hour or 24-hour pass, or the 7- or 31-day pass at standard or reduced fare rates. Currently, the app features Dart passes, but will support DDOT, SMART, and QLINE passes in the future.
“Today is a big step towards making it easier to ride transit in the Detroit region,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “The Dart mobile app is another demonstration of DDOT, SMART, and QLINE leadership and staff working together to improve the transit experience for our residents.”
“DDOT and SMART are excited to launch the new Dart mobility app to give riders another method of payment with ease,” said Angelica Jones, Interim Director of Detroit Department of Transportation. “Since QLINE announced its fare restructure to align with Dart, the launch of the Dart app further demonstrates our commitment to the customers that our transit agencies are working together for the betterment of the city of Detroit and the metro Detroit area.”
“We are happy to continue our collaboration with DDOT and now, our newest partner QLINE. The Dart app helps solidify our efforts to improve transit, making it easier to people to pay and connect to places in the city and in the suburbs,” said John C. Hertel, General Manager of SMART.
Passport works with the City of Detroit on a number of transportation initiatives, including the Park Detroit mobile app for parking and the QLINE Detroit mobile ticketing app. Detroit is also a part of the company’s micro-mobility pilot program to test electric scooter pricing models.
“We are thrilled to continue our work with the city of Detroit to power the new Dart regional transit app,” said Tom Weise, sales executive at Passport. “With the app, we can make it easier for customers to pay for transit passes and encourage transit ridership throughout the Detroit area.”
Riders can learn how to use the Dart app at Dart Demo Day on Thursday, August 29 at Spirit Plaza from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event also includes food trucks, giveaways and live entertainment.
Customers can download the Dart app from the App Store or Google Play and can visit www.thedartapp.com for more information.
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