ARTICLE
In its first weekend of operations, DART’s Beach Bus ridership hit record highs. During this past Memorial Day weekend, 10,905 trips were taken, a 37% increase in rides compared to 2018 and 42% more than in 2017. DART’s most popular route, 201 – Red Line, traveling frequently between the Lewes Transit Center, Rehoboth Park & Ride and Rehoboth Boardwalk, contributed to 84% 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 catching on as a convenient Park & Ride for a quick, convenient ride to the beach and other areas in and around the beach communities. The center’s new indoor passenger facility is now open with air-conditioned seating area, restrooms, ticket sales, and large LCD monitors displaying real-time bus information and other relevant news and information. 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. And, for faster boarding and convenience, riders can pay their fare from their phone with DART Pass mobile payment. The use of the DART Pass mobile fare payment continues to increase. Over the weekend, 424 riders paid their fare from their phone, making for convenient and fast boarding. These passenger amenity and technology enhancements are all part of improving the DART customer experience.