News

STAR Transit announces Employee and Driver of the Year

 

 

 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.

Closed Monday, 2/17/25

In observance of Presidents Day, STAR Transit will be closed Monday, 2/17. This includes demand response, STARNow (same day service) and route 401.
The Call Center will be available to book GoLink Inland Port Connect trips. For more information call 877-631-5278 or visit www.STARtransit.org.

Public Meeting Notice_Discontinuation of Hutchins Shuttle Route 401

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 5th @ Noon

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

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]

 

STAR Transit Announces Holiday Schedule

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.

 

TxDOT hosting 5310 Public Involvement Virtual Workshops

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.

 

Omega Hawkins Recognized with Key to the City and Annual Award in Her Honor

 

 

For Immediate Release

TERRELL, Texas — Nov. 12, 2024 — Longtime public transit advocate Omega Hawkins was honored with the Key to the City by Terrell Mayor Rick Carmona, who proclaimed October 26 as “Omega Hawkins Day.”

“A true champion of public transit, Omega’s advocacy spans over four decades in Terrell and across North Central Texas,” said Mayor Carmona.

Hawkins began her career in 1980 with Kaufman County Senior Citizens Services and then Kaufman Area Rural Transit (KART), the precursors to the creation of STAR Transit in 2011.  Hawkins served as STAR Transit executive director until retiring in 2019, after which she served on its board of directors.

“Omega has worked tirelessly to expand public transit access for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and rural communities,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director.  “All these years later, STAR Transit offers affordable transit service to people from all walks of life across four counties.  We owe this success to Omega’s dedication.”

At the same ceremony, the first annual Omega Hawkins Award was presented to Alice Smith for exemplifying Hawkins’ values of safety, reliability, kindness, and compassion.  Smith has been a driver for over 11 years.

The following STAR Transit employees also received recognition:

  • Extra Mile Award: Gary Williams
  • Outstanding Customer Service Award: James “JJ” Janicek
  • Outstanding Service Award: Felicia Smith
  • Rookie of the Year: Johnnie Johnson
  • Driver of the Year: Janice McLean

“Our dedicated team follows in the footsteps of Omega Hawkins, continuing to provide outstanding public transit service.  Congratulations to all our award recipients!” concluded Henricks.

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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.

 

Ride Free to Vote with STAR Transit

TERRELL, TX — October 16, 2024 — STAR Transit is offering free, round-trip rides to local polling places for early and election day voting, encouraging all registered voters to participate.

Free service for early voting will be available weekdays across the entire STAR Transit service area from Monday, October 21 through Friday, November 1.  In Balch Springs, Mesquite, and Terrell only, free service is also available for early voting on Saturday, October 26.  Free service to the polls is available across the entire service area on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.

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 Vote2024 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 for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  Se habla español.

For more information on voting locations, visit:

“We’re proud to support our community and offer free rides to vote,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit Executive Director.  “Regardless of your political affiliation, we want to empower our community members to make their voices heard by casting a 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, 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.

STAR Transit connects you to the State Fair of Texas

For Immediate Release

TERRELL, TX — September 23, 2024 — 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 six southeast Dallas County locations:

  • Buckner Station via Balch Springs Midtown Express 101; STARNow
  • Lawnview Station via STARNow
  • UNT Dallas Station via Hutchins Shuttle 401; STARNow
  • Red Bird Transit Center via STARNow
  • Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center via STARNow
  • Glenn Heights Park & Ride via STARNow

“Whether you take on-demand STARNow service, or one of our fixed-routes, 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, and Seagoville.  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.

Upcoming Board Meetings

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February 18, 2025 2:00 pm Download
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