Author: Kim Britton

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit Launches Service Updates in Wilmer, Hutchins and Lancaster

Mayors Speak to the Partnership’s Importance to Communities.

(Sept.24, 2025, Terrell, TX) Effective Oct. 1, STAR Transit is initiating service updates in the cities of Hutchins, Lancaster and Wilmer, emphasizing the benefits of STARNow (same-day service) and Demand Response (Dial-A-Ride).

Fully supporting STAR Transit transportation options are the mayors, councils and community members of each city.

Mayor Clyde C. Hairston, City of Lancaster, said “This service ensures that our residents can get to work, keep their appointments, and that our students have every chance to chase their dreams.  As an All-American City, Lancaster continues to be on the move—growing stronger, shining brighter, and connecting every resident to the opportunities that make us the Shining Star of Texas.”

“Our partnership with STAR Transit is not just about transportation; it’s about transforming lives. With the new services, we’re providing affordable, convenient, and desirable mobility options that connect our community to essential services and opportunities.  Together, we’re enriching the quality of life for everyone in Hutchins!” said Hutchins Mayor Mario Vasquez.

“We are excited to welcome STAR Transit service to Wilmer.  Reliable transportation is essential for connecting our residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and shopping across the region,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta.

“This partnership ensures Wilmer families, seniors, and businesses have more options and opportunities to thrive.  We encourage our community to take advantage of this valuable service and experience the convenience it brings,” she continued.

Executive Director Tommy Henricks amplified the mayors’ comments, adding, “STAR Transit is continuing its purposeful expansion of mobility services.  We are committed to meeting people’s transportation needs, supporting community connections, and boosting economic opportunities through innovative and sustainable solutions.”

“Anyone may ride with STAR Transit,” Henricks continued.  “Destinations can include job locations, educational facilities, non-emergency medical appointments, senior centers, and career-training facilities. We can take our riders to run errands and to visit friends as well.”

Through the agency’s Dial-A-Ride service, riders can schedule trips one business day to two weeks in advance. The service offers convenient travel within the three cities, as well as connections to DeSoto, Duncanville, and Cedar Hill. Riders may use this service to book trips into Dallas for medical appointments.  Trips are based on availability.

For same-day travel needs, STAR Transit offers STARNow, an on-demand service available within Wilmer, Hutchins, and Lancaster. STARNow also provides direct connections to DART’s UNT Dallas and Camp Wisdom stations, linking residents to the broader regional transit network.

“By connecting in this way, our riders have access to virtually every transit option in DART’s service area,” said Henricks.

To book a ride, users should download the STARNow app on the Apple App store or the Google Play store, or call (877) 631-5278.  Se habla español.  To learn more about STAR Transit routes and services, visit www.STARtransit.org.

About STAR Transit

Founded in 1988, STAR Transit is the fourth-largest transit agency in the North Central Texas region—and the largest not funded by sales tax. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, STAR Transit provides over 215,000 rides annually using a fleet of 55 ADA-compliant vehicles.

Revenue is generated through federal and state grants, along with local partnerships with cities, counties, and businesses. STAR Transit offers safe, affordable, and convenient transportation to the general public, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities—providing access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, entertainment, and more.

With over 100 employees, the agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX. For more information, visit www.STARtransit.org

The public comment period is underway for the transit updates in Hutchins, Lancaster and Wilmer. The public comment period will end at the close of business on September 19th. There are several ways to complete a Public Comment Form.

• Complete and submit the form online: Public Comment Form
• Mail: Print and complete the Public Comment Form and mail to: STAR Transit, Attention Teresa Elliott, P.O. Box 703, Terrell, TX 75160
• Fax: Print and complete the Public Comment Form and fax to (972) 563-0048.
• Pick up a form at Operations Center: STAR Transit, 500 Industrial Blvd., Terrell, Texas 75160
• Email: Email request to STAR Transit Customer Care at [email protected]

For more information, call 877-631-5278 or go to STAR Transit’s website, www.STARtransit.org.

In observance of Labor Day, STAR Transit’s offices will be closed Monday, September 1. This includes demand response, same day service and all bus routes operated by STAR Transit. For more information call 877-631-5278 or visit www.STARtransit.org. Enjoy time with family and have a safe holiday.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING PRESENTATION: HLW_ServiceUpdate_VPM_8 29 25

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that STAR Transit will hold one virtual public meeting to involve citizen participation regarding public transit updates in Hutchins, Lancaster and Wilmer. Anyone wishing to make comments are invited to attend and express their views.

Virtual Public Meeting
When: Friday, August 29th @ Noon

STAR Transit will conduct the meeting virtually. The virtual meeting will be accessible in the following ways:

STAR Transit’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/startransit/
Via Teams – Use this link to register: https://bit.ly/2025HLWUpdates
Via Teams – Scan this QR Code to register:

Assistive listening devices, materials in other alternative formats, American Sign Language interpreters and other accommodations will be made available upon request. Contact Teresa Elliott, 469-474-2309 (V), 1-800-RELAYTX (735-2989) (TTY). Providing at least 72 hours notice (or two weeks notice for American Sign Language interpreters) will help to ensure availability.

Un traductor español estará disponible.

The public comment period will end at the close of business on September 19, 2025. For more information, call 877-631-5278 or go to STAR Transit’s website, www.STARtransit.org.

There are several ways to complete a Public Comment Form.

• Complete and submit the form online: Public Comment Form
• Mail: Print and complete the Public Comment Form and mail to: STAR Transit, Attention Teresa Elliott, P.O. Box 703, Terrell, TX 75160
• Fax: Print and complete the Public Comment Form and fax to (972) 563-0048.
• Pick up a form at Operations Center: STAR Transit, 500 Industrial Blvd., Terrell, Texas 75160
• Email: Email request to STAR Transit Customer Care at [email protected]

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that STAR Transit will hold four in-person and one virtual public meeting to involve citizen participation regarding public transit updates in Wilmer, Hutchins and Lancaster. Anyone wishing to make comments are invited to attend and express their views.

Wilmer In-person Public Meeting #1
When: Monday, August 25th @ 11:30 am
Where: Wilmer Senior Center, 220 1st Street, Wilmer, Texas 75172
WILMER PUBLIC MEETING PRESENTATION: WilmerServiceUpdate_PM_8 25 25

Virtual Public Meeting
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING PRESENTATION: HLW_ServiceUpdate_VPM_8 29 25
When: Friday, August 29th @ Noon

STAR Transit will conduct the meeting virtually. The virtual meeting will be accessible in the following ways:

STAR Transit’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/startransit/
Via Teams – Use this link to register: https://bit.ly/2025HLWUpdates
Via Teams – Scan this QR Code to register:

Lancaster In-person Public Meeting #2
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 @ 12:30 pm
Where:  Senior Life Center, 240 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Lancaster, TX 75134
LANCASTER PUBLIC MEETING PRESENTATION: LancasterPM_ServiceUpdate_9 10 25

Hutchins In-person Public Meeting #3
When: Thursday September 11, 2025 @ 10:30 am
Where: Hutchins Senior Center, 500 W Hickman St, Hutchins, TX 75141
HUTCHINS  PUBLIC MEETING PRESENTATION: HutchinsPM_ServiceUpdate_9 11 25

Hutchins In-person Public Meeting #4
When: Thursday, September 11, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
Where: Hutchins Senior Center, 500 W Hickman St, Hutchins, TX 75141
HUTCHINS  PUBLIC MEETING PRESENTATION: HutchinsPM_ServiceUpdate_9 11 25

Assistive listening devices, materials in other alternative formats, American Sign Language interpreters and other accommodations will be made available upon request. Contact Teresa Elliott, 469-474-2309 (V), 1-800-RELAYTX (735-2989) (TTY). Providing at least 72 hours notice (or two weeks notice for American Sign Language interpreters) will help to ensure availability.

Un traductor español estará disponible.

The public comment period will end at the close of business on September 19, 2025. For more information, call 877-631-5278 or go to STAR Transit’s website, www.STARtransit.org.

There are several ways to complete a Public Comment Form.

• Complete and submit the form online: Public Comment Form
• Mail: Print and complete the Public Comment Form and mail to: STAR Transit, Attention Teresa Elliott, P.O. Box 703, Terrell, TX 75160
• Fax: Print and complete the Public Comment Form and fax to (972) 563-0048.
• Pick up a form at Operations Center: STAR Transit, 500 Industrial Blvd., Terrell, Texas 75160
• Email: Email request to STAR Transit Customer Care at [email protected]

In observance of Independence Day, STAR Transit will be closed Fri., 7/4. This includes demand response, STARNow as well as all fixed route service. For more information call 877-631-5278 or visit https://www.startransit.org/2025-holidays/.

In observance of Memorial Day, STAR Transit will be closed Mon., 5/26. For more information call 877-631-5278 or visit https://www.startransit.org/2025-holidays/.  Have a safe holiday and enjoy this time with friends and family!

For Immediate Release

Ride Free to Vote with STAR Transit

TERRELL, TX — April 17, 2025 — STAR Transit is offering free, round-trip rides to local polling places for early and election day voting for the upcoming local elections.  All registered voters within the STAR Transit service area are eligible to ride for free.

Early voting free rides will be available weekdays from Tuesday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 29, and on Saturday, April 26 in Balch Springs, Mesquite, and Terrell only.  Free rides on Election Day will be available Saturday, May 3, in Balch Springs, Mesquite, and Terrell only.

All STAR Transit services, including Demand Response, Fixed Routes, and STARNow are eligible for this offer.  To ride for free, tell the bus operator or reservationist you are riding to and from the polls, or use the code Vote2025 on STARNow.  Rides are subject to availability and must be in the STAR Transit service area or STARNow zone.  Free rides are only available to voters traveling to and from the polls.

To schedule a free ride to vote, call STAR Transit at least 30 minutes in advance of the desired trip.  Scheduling agents are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at (877) 631-5278.  To book a STARNow ride, download the STARNow app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  Se habla español.

For more information on voting locations, visit:

• Dallas County – www.DallasCountyVotes.org
• Kaufman County – www.KaufmanCounty.net/434/Current-Election-Information
• Rockwall County – www.RockwallVotes.com

“We’re proud to support our community and offer free rides to vote,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit Executive Director.  “Voting is one of the most important ways to have your voice heard, and we’re here to help get you to the polls—no fare required.”

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About STAR Transit.  Founded in 1988, STAR Transit is the fourth-largest transit agency in North Central Texas—and the largest operating without sales tax funding. Instead, it relies on federal and state grants, along with local partnerships with cities, counties, and businesses. STAR Transit provides safe, affordable, and convenient transportation for the general public, seniors (60+), veterans, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to jobs, healthcare, shopping, entertainment, and more. With a team of over 100 employees, the agency facilitates more than 215,000 rides annually. STAR Transit is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit Celebrates Rider Appreciation Week, April 21-26

TERRELL, TX — April 9, 2025 — STAR Transit is delighted to announce the return of Rider Appreciation Week, April 21-26.  The annual celebration features a full week of free rides and other giveaways.

“Rider Appreciation Week is our opportunity to show how much we value our riders in the communities we serve,” said Kim Britton, STAR Transit’s deputy executive director. “From April 21–26, all rides will be free, and our Rider Appreciation Squad will be out and about surprising riders with exciting free giveaways!”

Passengers across Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Balch Springs, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Mesquite, and Seagoville should keep an eye out for the Rider Appreciation Squad as they board STAR Transit vehicles throughout the week.

“Our riders are the heart of STAR Transit,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit’s executive director. “For over four decades, STAR Transit has provided safe, affordable, and convenient transportation to North Central Texas, and we deeply appreciate our riders’ ongoing support.”

Get Social! 

Riders are encouraged to join the fun by sharing selfies on social media throughout the week using the hashtag #STAppreciatesMe. STAR Transit will also feature photos on its Facebook (facebook.com/startransit) and Instagram (instagram.com/startransit_official) pages.

For more information about STAR Transit, visit STARtransit.org or call 877-631-5278.

###

About STAR Transit.  Founded in 1988, STAR Transit is the fourth-largest transit agency in North Central Texas—and the largest operating without sales tax funding. Instead, it relies on federal and state grants, along with local partnerships with cities, counties, and businesses. STAR Transit provides safe, affordable, and convenient transportation for the general public, those 60+, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to jobs, healthcare, shopping, entertainment, and more. With a team of over 100 employees, the agency facilitates more than 215,000 rides annually. STAR Transit is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.