News

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit announces Employee and Driver of the Year 

TERRELL, Texas — November 24, 2025 — Seven employees were recently honored during STAR Transit’s Annual Bus Roadeo and Employee Awards Luncheon. Ted Crouch was named the 2025 Employee of the Year, and TD Youngblood received the 2025 Driver of the Year award.

Nominees for Driver of the Year included Youngblood, Nola Martin, Unterrius Collier, and Joe Rauls. Youngblood, who has been with the agency for over 9 years, currently drives in Kaufman County.

“TD has been a steadfast and dependable member of our team for over nine years. His commitment to safety, customer service, and professionalism sets the bar high for all of us”, Antonio Harris, STAR Transit transportation director, said.  “We’re grateful for the positivity and dedication he brings to STAR Transit every day.”

As the recipient of Driver of the Year, Youngblood received $1,500.

Nominees for Employee of the Year included Crouch, Jasmine Wynn, Chelsie Wheatley, and Nicole Blanton.  Crouch has been with the agency for three years and works as a fleet assistant.

“Ted’s exceptional work ethic, dedication, and positive outlook have stood out throughout the year,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director. “This honor is a testament to his outstanding contributions and the value he adds to our organization.”

As the recipient of Employee of the Year, Crouch received $1,000.

STAR Transit launched the Employee of the Year and Driver of the Year initiative in September 2015.

In addition to the top honors, the following employees also received recognition:

• Driver Rookie of the Year: Unterrius Collier
• Extra Mile Award: Kenneth Pierce
• Outstanding Service: Bradley Danyluk
• Outstanding Customer Service: Esther Carrillo
• Omega Hawkins Award: Eleanor Luttrell

“These programs allow us to honor the remarkable employees who go above and beyond for our riders. Congratulations to each of our recipients,” Henricks said.

About STAR Transit.  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, 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 headquarters in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

For Immediate Release

TERRELL, TX — 10/20/2025 — STAR Transit is offering free, round-trip rides to local polling places for early and election day voting for the upcoming elections.  All registered voters within the STAR Transit service area are eligible to ride free.  The service area includes Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Seagoville, Balch Springs, Mesquite, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster and Wilmer.

Early voting free rides will be available weekdays from Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 31, and on Saturday, October 25 in Balch Springs, Mesquite, and Terrell only.  Free rides on Election Day will be available Tuesday, November 4.

All STAR Transit services, including Demand Response, Fixed Routes, and STARNow are eligible for this offer.  To ride free, tell the bus operator or reservationist you are riding to and from the polls, or use the code Vote2025 on the STARNow App.  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 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 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

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit Provides Transportation Connections to State Fair of Texas

TERRELL, TX — September 29, 2025 — STAR Transit, a regional public transit agency, is proud to provide transportation connections to the State Fair of Texas.  Riders can conveniently take STAR Transit to a variety of DART stations to connect to Fair Park.

“STAR Transit is proud to connect residents and visitors to the State Fair,” says Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director.  “For just a few dollars, you can connect to the State Fair with STAR Transit and DART, saving the expense, time, and headache of finding parking near the fairgrounds.”

STAR Transit conveniently connects to DART at seven southeast Dallas County locations:

• Buckner Station via Balch Springs Midtown Express 101; STARNow
• Camp Wisdom Station via STARNow
• Glenn Heights Park & Ride via STARNow
• Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center via STARNow
• Lawnview Station via STARNow (Operates in Mesquite/Balch Springs on Saturdays, 8 am – 5 pm)
• Red Bird Transit Center via STARNow
• UNT Dallas Station via STARNow

“Whether you take on-demand STARNow service or the fixed-route, STAR Transit connects you to where you want to go,” adds Henricks.

STAR Transit provides public transit in Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Balch Springs, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Mesquite, Seagoville, Lancaster, Hutchins and Wilmer.  For more information on how to use STAR Transit to connect to the State Fair of Texas, visit STARtransit.org/how-to-ride/connections-to-DART, 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, persons 60 and older, veterans, and individuals with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, entertainment, and more.  Over 100 employees are responsible for providing more than 215,000 rides annually.  The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

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/.