Author: Kim Britton

CDC has issued an order that requires face masks to be worn by all travelers while on public transportation (which includes all passengers and all personnel operating vehicles). People must wear masks that completely cover both the mouth and nose while awaiting, boarding, disembarking, or traveling on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares as they are traveling into, within, or out of the United States and U.S. territories. Public transportation operators must use best efforts to ensure that any person on the vehicle wears a mask when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. Depending on the circumstances, public transportation operators must take the following actions:

• Board only those wearing a mask.
• Instruct people that wearing a mask on the vehicle is a requirement of federal law and that not complying with the requirement is a violation of federal law.

For the full article and for more information visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Kim Britton, Deputy Executive Director
STAR Transit
[email protected]

STAR Transit Board Elects New Officers

TERRELL, TX – Jerry Dittman, Carrie Gordon, and Dana Macalik have been elected chair, vice chair and secretary respectively by the Board of Directors of STAR Transit, the agency which provides reliable and affordable transportation to residents and/or persons working in Kaufman and Rockwall counties as well as the cities of Seagoville, Balch Springs, Mesquite, Hutchins and DeSoto.

Retired from the City of Mesquite where he served as deputy city manager, assistant city manager and assistant director of public works over the years, Dittman has also been in senior management with a national construction company in the transportation sector.  In his military career, he managed a 10-person workforce of engineers, architects, construction inspectors and support personnel in executing projects for the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps in Japan. His service on STAR Transit’s board is long-standing, first as Mesquite’s alternate voting member and most recently as the board’s vice chair.

Currently serving as mayor of Balch Springs, Gordon also held that position from 2009 to 2015 and was first named to STAR Transit’s board in 2015. For decades, she has applied her professional expertise to numerous municipal positions, such City Administrator for the City of Wilmer and senior urban planner for the City of Dallas. Her firm, Carrie Gordon Consulting, specializes in land use and zoning matters.  Gordon’s list of community leadership roles is extensive, including the Balch Springs Industrial & Economic Development Corp., Type A Board of Directors, and the Balch Springs Charter Review Commission.

Macalik, who is in her second term as a Rockwall council member, is the CEO/Team Leader for the Keller Williams Realty Rockwall office. Previously she served as president of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce.  Macalik’s family has made its home in Rockwall County for five generations.  She serves on numerous nonprofit boards and commissions, and this year she is president of the Rockwall Rotary Club.

County and municipal governments may recommend persons to serve on STAR Transit’s Board of Directors.  Board members must be a resident of, or work in the county from which a recommendation is coming.    A term is four years and a person may be reappointed.

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. Revenues are derived from federal and state grants as well as local partnerships with cities, counties and businesses.   STAR Transit provides safe, affordable and convenient transportation to the general public, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment, etc. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 235,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

In observance of Presidents’ Day (Monday, 2/15), STAR Transit admin office/Call Center will be closed.  This includes:

• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service in Terrell, Kaufman, Mesquite nor Balch Springs.
• No fixed route service in Seagoville, Balch Springs, Mesquite, Hutchins and DeSoto.

These services will resume regular operation on Tuesday, February 16.

GoLink operated by STAR Transit will operate a normal schedule on 2/15.  For more information call 877-631-5278 or visit www.STARtransit.org.

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, STAR Transit will be closed Monday, 1/18. This includes our administrative offices as well as the following:

• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service.
• All fixed routes will operate a normal schedule.
• GoLink operated by STAR Transit will operate a normal schedule.

For more information call 877-631-5278 or visit www.STARtransit.org.

LIMITED SCHEDULE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 Thursday, 12/24 (Christmas Eve)

• STAR Transit office is closed.
• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service in Terrell, Kaufman, Mesquite nor Balch Springs.
• All fixed routes will operate a normal schedule.
• GoLink operated by STAR Transit will operate a normal schedule.

 Friday, 12/25 (Christmas Day)

• STAR Transit office is closed.
• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service in Terrell, Kaufman, Mesquite nor Balch Springs.
• No fixed route service.
• No GoLink operated by STAR Transit service.

Saturday, 12/26

• No STARNow service in Mesquite.
• Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401 will operate a normal schedule.

 Friday, 1/1 (New Year’s Day)

• STAR Transit office is closed.
• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service in Terrell, Kaufman, Mesquite nor Balch Springs.
• No fixed route service.
• No GoLink operated by STAR Transit service.

For more information, call 877-631-5278, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or visit www.STARtransit.org.

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About STAR Transit.  Founded in 1980, STAR Transit’s mission is to provide safe, affordable and convenient transportation to the general public, seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities for access to jobs, health care, personal services, retail, and entertainment, to name a few reasons why riders use STAR Transit. Its highly trained and experienced staff and operators are customer-service driven and safety-focused. STAR Transit is a political subdivision of the state of Texas and provides over 235,000 rides every year, with that number always increasing.  The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

 

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Kim Britton, VP, Planning & Development
STAR Transit
[email protected]

 

STAR Transit celebrates Rider Appreciation Week, November 9 -14

TERRELL, TX – STAR Transit will celebrate Rider Appreciation Week, November 9 – 14.

“To thank our riders, we are hosting a weeklong celebration with plenty of perks.  The riders are the inspiration that keep us going and make us want to provide the best service we can.  They are the reason we are doing so well after more than 40 years,” said Tommy Henricks, Executive Director.

To celebrate, STAR Transit is offering free rides on all modes of service for the entire week.

Kim Britton, VP, Planning and Development said, “Not only are we providing free rides but the Giveaway Team is back.  Transit riders in Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Seagoville, Balch Springs, Mesquite, Hutchins and DeSoto should be on the lookout for our staff.  They will be out and about all week, surprising riders with giveaways, including free rides, lanyards and bags.  You never know when they’ll board a STAR Transit bus armed with lots of freebees.”

“We are encouraging riders to post selfies on their social media pages using the hashtag, #STAppreciatesMe,” Britton continued. “STAR Transit will post pictures on the STAR Transit Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/startransit and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/startransit_official/.”

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

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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. Revenues are derived from federal and state grants as well as local partnerships with cities, counties and businesses.   STAR Transit provides safe, affordable and convenient transportation to the general public, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment, etc. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 235,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

 

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Kim Britton, VP, Planning & Development
STAR Transit
[email protected]

STAR Transit Offers Free Rides To Voters

TERRELL, Texas (October 7, 2020) – STAR Transit is offering free, round-trip rides to local polling places, encouraging all eligible voters to participate in this year’s general election.

The free service is available during early voting Tuesday, Oct.13, through Friday, Oct. 30, and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.  Please note below that reservations must be made in advance.

All STAR Transit services are available, including Demand Response, Fixed Routes and STARNow.  To ride free on STARNow, use the code Vote2020.  Rides must be in the STAR Transit service area or STARNow zone and are based on availability.  Voters must tell bus operators they are riding to and from the polls.

To schedule a free ride to vote, call STAR Transit at least one business day but not more than two weeks in advance of the desired trip.  Scheduling Agents are available during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Monday-Friday at (877) 631-5278.  To book a STARNow ride, use the STARNow app which can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Se Habla Español.

Election Day Voting Locations:

• Kaufman County – http://www.kaufmancounty.org/elections/
• Rockwall County – http://www.rockwallvotes.com/
• Dallas County – http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/

Make your voice heard by casting your ballot.

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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. Revenues are derived from federal and state grants as well as local partnerships with cities, counties and businesses.   STAR Transit provides safe, affordable and convenient transportation to the general public, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment, etc. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 235,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Kim Britton, VP, Planning & Development
STAR Transit
[email protected]

STAR Transit updates routes, services in east Dallas County;
Cities are in lockstep in-forward thinking partnership.  

 

Terrell, TX – The Cities of DeSoto, Mesquite and Balch Springs are joining with STAR Transit in announcing service updates effective Oct. 1, fine tuning options for public transportation in east Dallas County that improve efficiencies and affordability.

“We are listening carefully to our riders and the public to better understand their needs,” said Tommy Henricks, Executive Director.  “Convenience and timeliness are important to all of us, and this is why we are encouraging use of our easy to use app, STARNow.”

Henricks continued, “Our partnering cities are truly the ones who are helping to make our transportation services available in their communities,” Henricks continued. “STAR Transit is NOT funded by sales tax revenues.  Cities like DeSoto, Mesquite and Balch Springs are generous with their funding that supports safe, affordable and convenient transit services for their residents.”

DESOTO

Currently, there are two demand response buses, Monday-Friday, operating from 6 am to 6 pm., and one fixed route bus (DeSoto) Route 501, Monday-Friday.   Effective Oct. 1, a third bus is being added with funding by the city’s Section 5310 grant for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities.

“DeSoto has been working closely with STAR Transit since 2018 to better meet the mobility needs of our residents.  While the existing fixed route and demand response services are working well, we determined that we could improve service for our Seniors and persons with disabilities by providing additional demand response transit opportunities,” noted DeSoto Mayor Curtistene S. McCowan who also serves as Chair of the Best Southwest Partnership’s Transportation Committee. “Adding a third demand response bus allows us to meet the peak time demands and gives added flexibility to enhance demand response service at times when our seniors and others are faced with important last-minute appointments that they absolutely must get to.”

MESQUITE

Effective Oct. 1, Mesquite’s STARNow hours include new Saturday service from 8 am to 5 pm.   Monday through Friday, hours are 6 am – 8 pm.   COMPASS hours remain the same.

“These additional hours of transit service will provide new opportunities for our residents in terms of access, employment, education and more. We are proud to be partners with STAR Transit,” said Mayor Bruce Archer.

BALCH SPRINGS

No changes are being made to Demand Response service and MTX Route 101.  Route 102 ceased current operations, with STARNow being in place to give riders more flexibility.

Mayor Carrie Gordon reflected on her early engagement with STAR Transit when she pushed to locate a primary care facility in Balch Springs and responded to pleas by senior citizens for transportation to medical appointments. Service with one bus was launched, and her vision of providing accessible transportation is now a reality.

“I am so proud to see the expansion of STAR Transit into southeast and southwest Dallas County, particularly knowing that it all started here,” said Gordon. “Our Demand Response and MTX Route 101 bus service continues, plus we are excited about launching the STARNow service, giving our riders more flexibility to meet their transportation needs.”

HUTCHINS

Due to FedEx’s adding of shifts at its southeast Dallas County Distribution Center, service hours are being extended on Hutchins Shuttle Route 401 on Saturdays and Sundays.   When the extended hours launch later in October, the shuttle will run seven days a week (Monday through Sunday); 5:30 am to 11:59 am and 4 pm to 12:29 pm.

STARNOW APP IS FREE

The STARNow app is free and may be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Pay store. Trips may be scheduled for immediate pickup or for later on the same day.  Payment may be made by credit card or in cash at the time of pick-up.   Once a trip is created, riders will receive real-time updates via text, phone call or app notifications and can track vehicle location and estimated arrival time in the app.  If a person does not have a smartphone, a trip may be booked by calling 877-631-5278.

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. Revenues are derived from federal and state grants as well as local partnerships with cities, counties and businesses.   STAR Transit provides safe, affordable and convenient transportation to the general public, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment, etc. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 235,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

STAR TRANSIT SERVICE UPDATE FOR KAUFMAN AND TERRELL
RIDE FREE SEPT. 1-30!

The Kaufman Trolley and Terrell Route 803 will NOT resume services which were temporarily suspended in March due to the pandemic.

STARNow, same day service in Terrell and Kaufman remains available through the STARNow app which can be downloaded FREE from the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

Fares for STARNow Terrell and Kaufman are FREE Sept 1 – 30.  This is part of a promotional time period associated with the launch of this service in Kaufman.

Pick up and drop off points must be inside the Terrell or Kaufman travel zone. This service DOES GO between the two zones.  Wait time is based on vehicle availability.

SERVICE HOURS:  Monday – Friday, 7 am – 6 pm

See the travel zone and learn how to schedule a ride by going to:  www.STARTransit.org.

Don’t have a smartphone?
Book your trip by calling 877-631-5278.

Demand Response service remains unchanged.

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Kim Britton, VP, Planning & Development
STAR Transit
[email protected]

BUS DRIVERS TO RECEIVE PAY INCREASE BASED ON PERFORMANCE
AND TO BOOST RECRUITMENT

 

Terrell, TX – Transit drivers will receive a pay increase, effective Sept. 6, in recognition of their consistent performance and the agency’s solid growth projections in counties east and south of the City of Dallas.  On Tuesday (Aug. 25), the Board of Directors approved raises for drivers currently on board as well as a higher starting pay rate, with the expectations that demand for the agency’s transportation services will increase considerably throughout fourth quarter 2020 and 2021.

“Our drivers are exceptional.  Their driving skills are top-notch, and safety is always paramount.  Equally important is their friendliness and respect for our riders—they are there to answer questions, to assist persons getting on and off their vehicles, and to meet the travel schedules that our riders are depending upon,” said Tommy Henricks, Executive Director.

Henricks said the higher wages will allow STAR Transit to be competitive with other transportation services in recruiting dependable, customer service-oriented drivers.

Hourly Wages and Benefits

There are two base pay classifications. New hires will now start at $15 an hour, a $3 bump from $12.  A Driver Incentive Program for fulltime drivers is in place, with pay increasing from $13.50 an hour to $16.50 an hour. Raises are also given based on merit.  Holidays, personal time off, and vacation time often add up to approximately 30 days of additional compensation.  On day one of their employment, employees are eligible for medical insurance and a retirement plan that matches employee contributions dollar for dollar.

Hiring Now

“The demands for public transportation are increasing throughout the region, and it is important for STAR Transit to be staffed and ready to serve all segments of the population,” said Henricks.

For more information about driver qualifications and available driver positions, go to www.STARTransit.org.

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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. Revenues are derived from federal and state grants as well as local partnerships with cities, counties and businesses.   STAR Transit provides safe, affordable and convenient transportation to the general public, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment, etc. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 235,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.