STAR Transit and City of DeSoto Celebrate Milestone

STAR Transit is celebrating its one-year anniversary of providing public transportation in the City of DeSoto. In April 2018, with the support of the DeSoto City Council and the North Central Texas Regional Transportation Council, STAR Transit began serving the City of DeSoto with demand response, curb-to-curb service as well as a commuter bus route.

“Mobility is one of the most critical factors to DeSoto’s continued success. The services that STAR Transit has provided over the past year are greatly appreciated and definitely help us to move forward,” said DeSoto Mayor Curtistene S. McCowan. “The service along DeSoto’s Route 501 not only makes it easier for our residents to run errands, or connect to other transportation hubs, but also the frequent stops at our industrial parks help many get to work or even seek out new employment opportunities.”

Route 501 serves the City of DeSoto, including area industrial parks with stops located at the Kohl’s e-Fulfillment Center and Wal-Mart Distribution. The route also accesses Methodist Charlton Medical Center and the UNT Dallas Station on the DART Rail Blue Line. This service also connects DeSoto to multiple cities located in the inland port area with transfer points at The Crossing Shopping Center and the UNT Dallas Station on the Hutchins Shuttle Route 401.

Omega Hawkins, STAR Transit Executive Director, said, “We are proud to be partnering with the City of DeSoto to provide our services to seniors, families and those wanting affordable, dependable transportation to their jobs. “Public transportation is an important factor in a community’s quality of life. It supports job generation and sustainability. DeSoto’s path forward is definitely one of positive, managed growth,” Hawkins continued.

According to research data from the American Public Transportation Association, a total of 87% of the trips taken using public transit contributes positively to the local economy,

For the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the City Council has opted to contract services for one Demand Response bus and one bus that operates bus route 501. If popularity in the services persists, modifications to existing services will be sought for fiscal year 2019-2020 and beyond.

For more information about STAR Transit and the DeSoto services, visit www.STARtransit.org or call 877-631-5278 during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Kim Britton, Chief Communications Officer, STAR Transit
469-474-2371, [email protected]

Matt Smith, Communications Manager, City of DeSoto
469-636-9744, [email protected]

STAR Transit continues to expand, adds Mobility on Demand in Terrell

STAR Transit will now offer same day rides with the start-up of its newest service, Mobility on Demand, (MOD) on Thursday, Nov. 1. The pilot will initially operate inside the Terrell city limits.

“Same day rides support the greater community in all that our residents are doing—whether they are going to work, last minute medical appointments, shopping, or even to visit friends and family,” said Omega Hawkins, Executive Director. “Our new Mobility on Demand program will provide independent and seamless mobility options that will support a myriad of situations.”

“We are pleased and excited to add another form of transportation to our portfolio. Terrell is our base so it’s logical to test the new service here, before launching in other cities.”

“Same day trips will be available Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and can be booked by calling 877-631-5278 and pressing 5,” she continued. “The fare for the new service is $6 per trip, $3 for qualified seniors 60+, veterans and disabled riders. Rides are based on vehicle availability.”

Along with adding MOD, revisions to Routes 803 and 804 will go into effect. After reviewing the ongoing usage of Routes 803 and 804, fixed route stops are changing and will operate as the 803 Loop.

New stops include Airport Rd. @ S. Virginia St., Holiday Inn Express, Mattress Zone, Virginia Ann Apartments, Country Club Manor Apartments, TISD ExCEL Center, Bridge St. @ Hwy 80 and E. High St. @ Delphine St. Stops at TVCC, AutoZone, Old Castle, Dellis St., TigerMart, Southwestern Christian College and Metro Dr. @ Apache have been eliminated. These locations can be accessed by using the Demand Response and new same day MOD services.

Fares on the fixed-route are $1, each way. Drivers do not carry cash so they cannot make change. If one prefers not to pay cash, tickets may be purchased online at STARtransit.org or during normal business hours at the Terrell office, 500 Industrial Blvd.

Qualified seniors 60+, veterans and disabled riders may ride free. For more information about how to qualify, contact the Mobility Management Department at 877-631-5278.

Additionally, STAR Transit offers connections to DART from Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, Hutchins and DeSoto.

Media Contact: Kim Britton, Chief Communications Officer