What is DART?
DART is a membership-based carsharing service providing 24/7 access to electric vehicles on an hourly basis in Grand Rapids, Michigan. DART is part of the Michigan Carshare program. As a member, you can book a car by downloading the MDO Carshare app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
What happens if I get a parking ticket?
Members are responsible for all parking citations while using the service. If you receive a parking citation in the City of Grand Rapids, it is recommended that you pay the citation as soon as possible. After ten days, the citation will double. After 30 days, the citation will triple. You can pay parking tickets at this link.
The DART that I reserved is in a parking ramp how do I enter/exit?
There is an access card in the car. The card should be in the visor on the driver’s side. If there is no card, please notify customer service immediately at 616-816-2030. Members will be held responsible for the cost to replace the access card if they remove it from the car.
What do I do if my parking ramp access card is missing?
Please contact customer support immediately to report the missing card at 616-816-2030. Customer support will give you instructions on how to enter/exit the ramp without the card.
I cannot find the DART in Government Center Ramp?
DART in Government Center Ramp is in the northeast corner on level 2 or otherwise known as the Ottawa Level. The easiest way to locate DART in the Government Center Ramp is off Ottawa Ave. If you are on foot, enter the north stairwell near the on-street EV Charger. Go down to level 2 and enter the parking ramp. The car should be on your right as you enter. If you are entering the parking ramp by vehicle, use the parking ramp entrance off Ottawa Ave. When you enter the parking ramp, you will want to turn left. You need to make another left turn to head towards the northeast corner of the ramp.
How do I get the keys for the car that I reserved?
You will not need physical keys to operate DART. You will be able to unlock and lock the car from your booking in the MDO carshare app. Once you are in the vehicle, you will have the ability to start the vehicle.
What parking stall do I park in when I return?
The parking stall on the right is designated for DART. Please only park in this stall and notify customer support at 616-816-2030 if another car is parked there.
What if I get stranded?
Contact member support immediately at 616-816-2030.
Where can I park my bike when I am using DART?
Burton/Division lot: There is a bike rack located on the sidewalk adjacent to the EV charging parking spot.
Ethel Lot: There are bike racks across Ethel Street just south of Wealthy Avenue.
Government Center Ramp: There are bike racks on the Monroe Avenue side of the ramp. They are located at the entrance to the City-County Administration Buildings.
Madison Square Lot: There are bike racks that are adjacent to the parking lot off Hall Street.
West Fulton Lot: There are currently no bike racks that are adjacent to the parking lot.
Weston/Commerce Ramp: There are bike racks inside the ramp. Located near the AB Level door.
How do I charge the car?
To charge the car you will need to get the ChargePoint card out of the visor in the car. Tap the card on the charger and you should hear the charger unlock. You will unhook the charging cord from the port and plug it into the car. Wait to see if it turns blue. If it is blue, the car is charging. If it is red, it is not charging. If it is not charging, you will need to verify it is properly plugged in or re-tap the card.
How do I locate charging stations if I am traveling a long distance?
An easy way to locate charging stations is by using PlugShare app, which uses a GPS system to find stations in searched areas.
What are the membership qualifications?
Members will have their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) reviewed and must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license, no major accidents, no major moving violations, no DUIs and/or DWIs, and not more than 2 minor traffic violations in the last 5 years. All members must complete an orientation.
What is included?
Insurance, vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance are all included in the hourly and daily rates. In the event of an accident, you are responsible for a $500 deductible. You will be fully responsible for the cost of any third-party claims in the event that MDO’s third-party insurance coverage is invalidated due to your failure to follow procedure.
How does the application process work?
Download the MDO Carshare app on Apple or Google Play, create an account, and enter the requested information. After paying a one-time $10 processing fee, either an acceptance or rejection email will be sent within 3-7 business days after the initial sign up. If the applicant is approved, a follow-up email will be sent to coordinate scheduling a 15 to 20 minute over-the-phone orientation. After the orientation, the application process is complete, and you can make your first reservation.
Can I be a member of multiple Carshare programs at the same time?
Yes. You’ll have to enter your credit card information again to use a different program, but you won’t have to go through the application process again. You should be able to book vehicles immediately. If you are having trouble accessing a new network, reach out to the local program at their phone number listed at the bottom of this page.
How do I find the car I booked?
Each DART vehicle is parked at a designated “home” space. No other vehicles are allowed in these special tow-away zones. All of our vehicles and parking stalls will have the DART and MDO Carshare logos on them. The license plate information of the vehicle you booked will also be located in the MDO Carshare app.
How far can I drive the vehicle?
There is a cap on how many miles are included per reservation and after you reach your limit of 150 miles per trip there will be a charge of .45 cents per mile. Remember that you are driving an electric vehicle, and it has a range of 200 miles it can go before it needs to be recharged.
What kinds of vehicles are available?
We currently have Chevy Bolts available. They have a 200-mile range until they will need to be recharged.
What if I am late bringing the car back?
If you know that you are going to be late, call customer support at 616-816-2030 to see if you can extend. If someone has the car immediately after you, your extension will not go through, and you should call us to avoid getting a penalty on your account. We will help make arrangements to accommodate your late return for the next member. If you are the member who is waiting, we will contact you as soon as we know your car might be late.
What if the car I booked is not there upon arrival?
This is unusual, but does happen occasionally. Call us immediately at the member services at 616-816-2030 and we will help you locate the car, move you to another car, or do our best to get you to your destination another way.
What happens if there is an emergency?
If there has been an accident, call 911 or the police, just as you would for any car crash or fender bender. Make sure everyone involved is safe or being cared for. Then call customer support immediately at 616-816-2030 and we will help you. In all cases you must contact us before continuing your trip. In the majority of cases, we will require you to wait and obtain a police report.
What if the car isn’t operating properly?
Call member support immediately at 616-816-2030. Please note it is an electric vehicle and you may not hear the car start.
Are passengers covered by your insurance?
As a DART Carshare member, you can drive the vehicle with other people in the vehicle, and they are also covered. However, if it is discovered that a non-member has driven a car, the member risks possible termination of membership.
Are there child seats available?
We do not provide child seats and encourage you to use your own child seats should you need any during your trip.
What happens if the car is dirty when I arrive to pick up my reservation?
If the vehicle you reserved is dirty when you pick it up, please report it immediately in the app, or email support@mobilitydevelopment.org. Please include the date and time of your booking along with a description of the mess and any supporting photos.
Are pets allowed in vehicles?
Yes. Service animals ONLY! DART Carshare will only allow service animals in the vehicles where members have notified member services and submitted documentation certifying that the animal is a service animal. Along with certification, members must sign an acknowledgment form adhering to being fully responsible for damage and clean up. The form is a signed agreement that if there is indeed damage or the vehicle is left unclean, the member will be charged a $250 fee.