STAR Transit is a public bus transportation service, offering bus transportation in Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster and Wilmer. Anyone in our Service Area may ride STAR Transit. Destinations could include job locations, educational facilities, non-emergency medical appointments, senior centers, and career-training facilities. We can take you to run errands and to visit friends as well.

History

STAR Transit’s history began in May 1980 when Kaufman County Senior Citizens Services, Inc. began providing aging and transportation services to Kaufman County.

1988: Began operating as Kaufman Area Rural Transit (KART)
2005: KART began providing public transportation to Rockwall County
2009: Began services to Medicaid clients in Ellis and Navarro County
2011: KART officially became STAR Transit
2012: STAR Transit launched a fixed route in Kaufman
2013: STAR Transit’s service area expanded to the city of Seagoville
May 2014: STAR Transit’s service area expanded to the city of Balch Springs
Oct 2014: STAR Transit began providing public transportation in Mesquite
Jan 2015: STAR Transit began operating DART Express Bus Route 282 (COMPASS)
June 2015: Launched the Balch Springs Midtown Express Bus Route
Aug 2016: Launched the Seagoville Express Bus Route
Nov 2017: Implemented new fare structure
Dec 2017: Launched The Link, Terrell Bus Routes 803 and 804
April 2018: Launched DeSoto Demand Response and Bus Route 501
November 2019: Launched STARNow App/Same Day Service in Mesquite & Terrell
September 2020: Launched STARNow App/Same Day Service in Balch Springs & Kaufman
October 2021: Launched STARNow App/Same Day Service in Seagoville
December 2021: Launched STARNow App/Same Day Service in DeSoto
June 2023: Launched dial-a-ride and STARNow App/Same Day Service in Cedar Hill
July 2023: Launched dial-a-ride and STARNow App/Same Day Service in Duncanville
October 2025: Launched dial-a-ride and STARNow App/Same Day Service in Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer

STAR Transit is a political sub-division of the state of Texas and provides over 215,000 rides per year. STAR Transit services are provided with a fleet of 55 vehicles which are all ADA-compliant.

OUR VISION:

Expand mobility services to meet people’s needs and boost economic opportunities.

OUR MISSION:

Improving quality of life through safe, affordable, and reliable mobility..

OUR CORE VALUES:

SAFETY | We prioritize the safety of our riders, employees, and community through ongoing training, education, and maintenance. We exceed industry standards by incorporating the latest data, best practices, and expert recommendations.

PEOPLE FIRST | We prioritize people─our riders, employees, partners, and the broader community. We put people first by demonstrating inclusivity and compassion.

RELIABILITY | We are dependable, transparent, and timely. Our riders, employees, and partners trust us.

INNOVATION | We value creativity and ingenuity, believing that innovation, flexibility, and agility are key to addressing today’s mobility challenges and preparing for future opportunities.

TEAMWORK | We foster collaboration, open communication, and mutual support to effectively achieve our shared goals and drive organizational success.

AWARDS, RECOGNITION & CERTIFICATIONS:

Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce—2023—President’s Award
Texas Transit Association—2019—Outstanding Rural Transit System
Texas Transit Association—2019—Rising Star Award—Tommy Henricks
LogistiCare (Medicaid Transportation) – Provider of the Year 2017
Seagoville Chamber of Commerce – Business of the Year 2017
Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce — 2016 Medium Business of the Year
Texas Transit Association—2012—Outstanding Rural Transit System
Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives—2011—Best new Chamber of Commerce program in Texas Economic Development Award (Kaufman Trolley)
Lone Star Award—Best Grassroots Education Campaign—Omega Hawkins
CTTA—Certified Safety & Security Officer Certification—Valerie Ashurst