News

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.

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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, 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.

 TERRELL, Texas — February 14, 2025 — Eight people were recently honored during STAR Transit’s Quarterly Driver Safety Meeting and Employee Appreciation Week.  Kristina Isenmann was announced as the 2024 Employee of the Year, and Janice McLean received the 2024 Driver of Year award.

Nominees for Driver of the Year included McLean, Gregory Celestine, James Burnett and Bobby Ford.   McLean has been with the agency for 10 years and drives in Kaufman County.

“Janice’s consistent commitment to safety, customer service, and teamwork sets a standard for others to follow”, Antonio Harris, STAR Transit transportation director, said.  “We’re proud to have her as part of the team, and this well-deserved recognition reflects the hard work and positive attitude she brings every day”.

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

Nominees for Employee of the Year included Isenmann, Vickie Dabney, Johnny Dorsey and Lisa Stuart.   Isenmann has been with the agency three years and works in the Call Center.

Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director, said, “Kristina has gone above and beyond this year, consistently demonstrating exceptional work ethic, dedication, and a positive attitude. This well-deserved recognition is a reflection of her hard work, commitment, and the value she brings to the agency every day.”

As the recipient of Employee of the Year, Isenmann received $1000.

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

In addition to Driver of the Year and Employee of the Year, the following employees also received recognition.

• Driver Rookie of the Year: Johnie Johnson
• Extra Mile Award: Gary Williams
• Outstanding Service: Felicia Smith and Johnny Dorsey
• Outstanding Customer Service: Vickie Dabney
• Omega Hawkins Award: Alice Smith

“These programs recognize many of the outstanding employees we have on our team.  Congratulations to all our recipients!” Henricks said.

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.

Friendly Reminder: The public comment period for the discontinuation of Hutchins Shuttle Route 401 will be open through the close of business on February 14th at 4:00 pm. To give comments, call 877-631-5278 or send comments to [email protected]. You can also complete the form HERE.

Miss the meetings… Download a copy of the presentation here: PM_HutchinsRte401_2 5 25

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING PRESENTATION: PM_HutchinsRte401_2 5 25

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that STAR Transit will hold a virtual meeting to notify riders/citizens about the discontinuation of the Hutchins Shuttle Route 401 and provide transportation alternatives. The last day of operation is February 16, 2025.  Anyone wishing to make comments is invited to attend and express their views.

When: Wednesday, February 5^th @ Noon

STAR Transit will conduct the meeting via phone/virtual conference.  The virtual meeting will be accessible in the following ways:

• Via Teams – Use this link to register: https://bit.ly/PMHutchinsShuttle2025 or scan QR Code.

• Dial in by phone – +1 323-676-6303,,230511832# United States, Los Angeles
  • Find a local number
  • Phone conference ID: 230 511 832#
• STAR Transit’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/startransit/

Assistive listening devices, materials in other alternative formats, American Sign Language interpreters and other accommodations will be made available upon request. Contact Teresa Elliott, 877-631-5278 (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 be open through the close of business on February 14, 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]

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

 Tues., 12/24 (Christmas Eve)

• STAR Transit admin office closed/Call Center 4:30 am – 7:30 pm, booking GoLink trips only.
• No Dial-a-Ride service.
• No STARNow service in Kaufman County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill nor Duncanville.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401).
• GoLink Inland Port Connect operated by STAR Transit will operate a reduced bus schedule.

Wed., 12/25 (Christmas Day)

• STAR Transit admin office/Call Center is closed.
• No Dial-a-Ride service.
• No STARNow service in Kaufman County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill nor Duncanville.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401).
• No GoLink Inland Port Connect operated by STAR Transit service.

Wed., 1/1/2025 (New Year’s Day)

• STAR Transit admin office/Call Center is closed.
• No Dial-a-Ride service.
• No STARNow service in Kaufman County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill nor Duncanville.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401).
• No GoLink Inland Port Connect 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 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 215,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

The 5310 Public Involvement Virtual Workshops provide an opportunity to gather input from a diverse group of local stakeholders and the public to assist TxDOT in making decisions regarding the Federal Funding for the 5310 Program and identify how they can best use their resources to serve the mobility needs of the community. TxDOT is seeking the participation of, seniors, individuals with disabilities, representatives of public, private, and nonprofit transportation and human service providers, and other members of the public who share TxDOT’s goal of improving the local mobility services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Regional public workshops will be held in December 2024 and January 2025. The comment period for the virtual public workshops will close on Jan. 17, 2025.

Visit txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/statewide/fta-5310-fy25.html.  The landing page is accessible 24/7 and includes the online survey, schedule, meeting links, flyers, and other meeting materials. Each workshop can be accessed by clicking on the name of the district/region. If you have schedule conflicts and can’t attend the meeting, TxDOT still wants feedback, just complete the online survey at your convenience.