Dart History
The History of Dart
The name dart stands for the Downtown Area Runabout Transit. It was designed to be the perfect solution for getting around Birmingham's business and entertainment district. Initially, the cost was 25 cents a ride.
Prior to 2000, dart consisted of North-South and East-West routes and used electric trolleys.
In October 2001, the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) purchased seven vintage CNG trolleys and expanded the downtown routes to include a "20th Street Express" lunch dart with routes running every five minutes for 50 cents during the peak lunch hours. The "20th Street Express" was discontinued in 2001.
The trolleys became so popular that BJCTA purchased three additional vehicles in 2002.
In 2002, the dart City Center Circulator began operating with the addition of the Southside Loop.
Working in conjunction with the Regional Planning Commission, a Regional Alternative Transportation Analysis Plan was developed that identified transit corridors and opportunities for expansion, alternative mobility options and funding.
Currently, the fare for the dart is 25 cents. Presently dart consists of two routes in the central business district and one in the UAB area. dart circulator hours of Operation are as follows:
North/South Trolley (Darts) Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 10:04 p.m.
North/South Trolley (Darts) Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:14 Midnight
North/South Trolley (Darts) Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 9:14 p.m.
East/West Trolley (Darts) Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.
South Side Loop Trolley (Darts) Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:17 p.m.
South Side Loop Trolley (Darts) Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:57 p.m.
South Side Loop Trolley (Darts) Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 8:57 p.m.
Working with local elected, business & citizen groups, the Authority seeks to find ways to secure a long term dedicated transit funding source.
