Residents asked: 'Where do you like to DART?'

This News by You was provided by the city's Public Transit Department.

In an effort to thank its many current riders and to reach out to potential new riders, the Phoenix Public Transit Department is celebrating its free neighborhood circulator service, DART - Desert Ridge Area Revolving Transport, by holding a public celebration on Oct. 4.

Already under way is a special drawing that asks residents to tell their favorite places in Desert Ridge.

From Sept. 13 to Oct. 4, residents are encouraged to visit either the Rock Bottom Brewery or Malee's Bistro in Desert Ridge Marketplace to obtain information on the free bus route as well as to enter to win several prizes donated by Desert Ridge businesses.

By simply answering the question: "Where do you like to DART?" participants will have a chance to enter the drawing. Drop boxes are also located at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale's Vestar Branch and Pinnacle High School.

The contest is open to all ages and participants need not be present to win. However, each entry form must include contact information to be eligible. Submissions are limited to one per person, must be completed and submitted during regular business hours and must be turned in by Friday, Oct. 3.

A public celebration will begin at 10 a.m. on Oct. 4 at the Dave and Buster's Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace, with Vice Mayor Peggy Neely choosing winners in a random drawing. To remind people to take care of themselves at bus stops and anytime they are outside, Neely and Public Transit Department staff also will hand out a limited amount of sunscreen packets, sun/heat brochures and red umbrellasprovided courtesy of Travelers, a provider of auto, home and business insurance.

Travelers, whose logo is a red umbrella, has partnered with the Phoenix Public Transit Department to help promote its auto insurance programs to those who drive vehicles with low annual mileage. The celebration will conclude at noon.

Contest prizes include gift certificates to several Desert Ridge eateries including Rock Bottom Brewery, Malee's Bistro, Island's, Dave and Buster's and Paradise Bakery, as well as AMC movie passes, a two-night stay at the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge and several other prizes from area businesses.

DART route maps and schedules will also be available at the program. For specific DART route information and other updates visit ValleyMetro.org. Also, contact transit information at (602) 253-5000; for persons with text telephones TTY (602) 261-8208.

Several areas of the city have these neighborhood buses, but the DART is one of the newest.