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How to Ride

Rider Rules

So that all of our guests may enjoy a safe and comfortable ride, please observe the following rules of the road:

  • No food allowed on buses. Beverages allowed in spill-proof containers only.
  • No profanity, rude, or inappropriate behavior.
  • No hazardous, explosive, incendiary or flammable materials or devices.
  • No radios.
  • Service animals are welcome.
  • No smoking, including e-cigarettes.
  • Shirt and shoes required.
  • No wet clothing.
  • All strollers should be folded before boarding and not obstruct the aisle.
  • At the end of a route, the driver may take a break and guests may be asked to deboard the bus.

Bus Arrival Time

There is a 30 minute window for pick up.  15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the scheduled pick up time.

5 Minute Wait

STAR Transit buses will wait five (5) minutes at the scheduled pick up point.

Seatbelt & Safety Restraints

STAR Transit drivers and all demand response passengers riding in a regular vehicle seat must be secured with the safety restraint devises available in each vehicle.  In addition, all wheelchairs and mobility devices on fixed routes and demand response vehicles must be secured with the securement devices available in each vehicle.

Child Safety Seat

STAR Transit agrees to adhere to the current Texas Department of Public Safety standard and practices of child restraint laws.  (See http://www.txdps.state.tx.us)  The parent or legal guardian, or escort will be responsible for providing the proper child safety seat to be determined by the current law.  STAR transit does not provide these devices.

STAR Transit reserves the right to refuse transportation services if the proper child restraint seat is not provided.

Limit Of Carry On Baggage

For the protection of the drivers and riders, passengers are only permitted to carry on up to five (5) shopping bags or up to two boxes they manage independently without assistance from the driver.  All items must be secured with no loose items.  The following are examples of securement:

  1. Under the seat
  2. Held in the passenger’s lap
  3. Seat belted in the seat next to the passenger

FAQs

Q: Do you have travel training sessions available for citizens new to using public transportation?
A: Yes. Please contact STAR Transit’s office at 877-631-5278 for more information.

Q: Do I have to pay a second fare if I connect from one route or service to another? (i.e., DART GoLink to STARNow)
A: Yes. You always pay your fare when boarding the bus.

Q: Will I have to pay an additional fare if I use a demand-response service to access a STAR Transit fixed route?
A: Yes. You always pay your fare when boarding the bus.

Q: Where do I find a schedule?
A: Bus transportation schedules are available at the following locations:

  • On the bus
  • STAR Transit, 500 Industrial Blvd., Terrell, TX 75160 (M-F, 8:00 am 4:00 pm)
  • Online

Q: Where do I wait for the bus?
A: Look for green bus stop signs located along the fixed route. The route served is listed on the sign. Use a hand motion to signal the bus driver at the bus stop. It is a good idea to arrive at your bus stop five minutes before the bus is due to arrive. Ask the bus driver questions about the route when you get on the bus. They are there to help.

Q: Are STAR Transit buses ADA compliant?
A: Yes, STAR Transit vehicles are ADA compliant and can handle most mobility devices.

Q: Will STAR Transit honor a FREE DART Jury Duty Day Pass?
A: Yes, we will honor the FREE DART Jury Duty one day pass on our bus routes that connect to a DART station.

Q:  What is the difference between Demand Response and STARNow?
A:  Demand Response are pre-booked trips and STARNow are same day trips.

Q:  Do you have a bag policy?
A:  For the protection of the drivers and riders, passengers are only permitted to carry on up to five (5) shopping bags or up to two boxes they manage independently without assistance from the driver.  All items must be secured with no loose items.  The following are examples of securement:

  1. Under the seat
  2. Held in the passenger’s lap
  3. Seat belted in the seat next to the passenger

Q:  What is the cancellation policy?
A:  STAR Transit requires one (1) hour cancellation notice before scheduled pick-up time. Less than one (1) hour notification is considered a No-Show. Failure to cancel may result in the loss of transportation privileges.

Q:  What is the no-show policy?
A:  STAR Transit buses will wait five (5) minutes at each scheduled pick up point for customers. Customers who are more than five (5) minutes late or fail to meet the bus for any reason are considered No Shows.

Customers are given notice that three (3) No-Shows in a thirty (30) day period will result in the suspension of services for a period up to of one (1) month. In the event the problem continues, service can be suspended permanently.

Q:  Am I able to receive a refund if I cancel a trip?
A:  Your card isn’t charged until your trip is complete. Some banks may show a temporary hold for the fare, but it’s automatically released if the trip doesn’t happen.

Q:  Can I set up recurring trips in the Demand Response program?
A:   Yes. Recurring trips can be scheduled once the same trip has been completed consistently for 30 days.  Recurring trips are subject to availability.

Q:  How far in advance do I have to schedule a trip with a client advocate?
A:   One business day up to two weeks in advance.  Trips and Client Advocates are are subject to availability.

Q:   How do I opt into the Uber service with STARNow?
A:   When you book through the app, you’ll be prompted to review and approve the fleet agreements to opt in.  When booking through the call center, reservationist will ask if you approve the fleet agreements.

Q:  Does it cost extra to ride with Uber?
A:   No

Q:  Do I tip drivers?
A:  No

Q:  If a driver cancels my trip, do I receive a refund or am I able to rebook the trip without paying the fare?
A:   Your card isn’t charged until your trip is complete. Some banks may show a temporary hold for the fare, but it’s automatically released if the trip doesn’t happen.

Q:  Where do you provide service in Dallas?
A:   Trips to DART UNT Dallas Station, DART Camp Wisdom Station, UNT Dallas Campus, Dallas College – Cedar Valley Campus and Paul Quinn College can be booked via STARNow – same day service and can be scheduled via the STARNow or GoPass app or by calling 877-631-5278. We do provide trips into Dallas for medical appointments, but these must be scheduled in advance by calling 877-631-5278.

Q:  Can I use the GoPass app to book a trip?
A:   Yes

Q:  Does STAR Transit have a day or month pass?
A:   Yes.  Passes can only be used on the STARNow (same day) service or Balch Springs Midtown Express Rte. 101.

Day Pass:

  • $3.00 (Passengers ages 13 – 59)
  • $1.50 (60+, veterans and/or disabled riders with a STAR Transit reduced fare ID.)
  • Day Passes valid for unlimited rides on the date of purchase only through 4 a.m. the following day. Day Passes are available on the GoPass App or by calling 877-631-5278.

31-Day Pass:

  • $48.00 (Passengers ages 13 – 59)
  • $24.00 (60+, veterans and/or disabled riders with a STAR Transit reduced fare ID.)
  • 31-Day Passes valid for 31 consecutive days and are available on the GoPass app or by calling 877-631-5278.

Q:  How do riders sign up for a STAR Transit Paratransit pass?
A:   All STAR Transit vehicles are ADA compliant, so a separate Paratransit pass is not required. We don’t operate paratransit as a separate service.

Q:  Can I pay with cash?
A:   Yes! Exact cash is accepting on STAR Transit vehicles.

Q:  How do I get an Uber through STARNow?
A:  To have Uber as a potential ride option, there must be a payment method (credit/debit card) on file or purchase a STAR Transit bus pass. Must be set up before booking your trip.

Q:  Can I get an Uber for a pre-booked/Dial-A-Ride trip?
A:   No, Uber rides are only available for STARNow same-day trips, not pre-booked ones.

Q:  Why is there another rider in my Uber vehicle?
A:  STAR Transit provides public, shared-ride transportation. This means other riders may be picked up or dropped off along your route — even when the trip is provided by Uber. To help ensure you arrive on time, we recommend setting your trip to “Arrive By” rather than “Leave At” when booking your A leg.