News

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit announces Employee and Driver of the Year

TERRELL, Texas — Dec. 21, 2022 — Nine people were recently honored during STAR Transit’s Quarterly Driver Safety Meetings and Employee Appreciation Week.  Rosalyn Bain was announced as the 2022 Employee of the Year, and Brock Vawter received the 2022 Driver of Year award.

Nominees for Driver of the Year included Vawter, Bradley Danyluk, Kenneth Pierce, and Pat Strange. Mr. Vawter has been with the agency for over eight years and drives all of STAR Transit’s service area.

“It’s wonderful to work alongside someone that makes rider safety a priority and takes pride in the work he does every day,” Antonio Harris, STAR Transit’s transportation director, said. “This award is very well deserved.”

As recipient of Driver of the Year, Vawter received $1,000.

Nominees for Employee of the Year included Ms. Bain, Antonio Harris, and Margaret Casey. Ms. Bain has been with the agency for over eight years and serves as asset management coordinator.

“Rosalyn had many successes throughout the year,” Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director, said. “The smooth transition from our legacy fleet management software to a new vendor was a highlight. She made coordinating the change and training staff look effortless. Congratulations Rosalyn!”

As the recipient of Employee of the Year, Bain received $500 and two paid days off.

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.

• Outstanding Customer Service: Shirley Tamang and Jasmine Wynn
• Humanitarian Award: Valerie Orr
• Outstanding Service: Janice McLean
• Extra Mile Award: Ricky Ragan
• Admin Rookie of the Year: Lucy Betancourt
• Driver Rookie of the Year: Kenneth Pierce

“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 135,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Friday, 12/23 (In observance of Christmas Eve)

• STAR Transit admin office is closed.
• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service in Kaufman County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville nor DeSoto.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101).
• Hutchins Rte. 401 will operate a normal schedule.
• GoLink operated by STAR Transit will operate a normal schedule.

Saturday, 12/24 (Christmas Eve)

• No STARNow service in Mesquite nor Balch Springs.
• No fixed route service (Hutchins Rte. 401).

Sunday, 12/25 (Christmas Day)

• No fixed route service (Hutchins Rte. 401).

 Mon., 12/26 (In observance of Christmas)

• STAR Transit admin office/Call Center is closed.
• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service in Kaufman County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville nor DeSoto.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401).
• No GoLink operated by STAR Transit service.

Sun., 1/1 (New Year’s Day)

• No fixed route service (Hutchins Shuttle Rte. 401).

Mon., 1/2/2023 (In observance of New Year’s Day)

• STAR Transit admin office/Call Center is closed.
• No Demand Response service.
• No STARNow service in Kaufman County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville nor DeSoto.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401).
• 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 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 Thanksgiving, STAR Transit will be closed Thursday, November 24th and November 25th.  This includes:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Mesquite City Council Member Debbie Anderson Elected to STAR Transit Board of Directors

TERRELL, Texas — Oct. 31, 2022 — Debbie Anderson, a Mesquite City Council member and longtime active resident, has been elected by the STAR Transit Board of Directors to serve as one of its seven primary members.

Anderson replaces Mesquite Mayor Dan Aleman on the board. She has served on the Mesquite City Council since 2021 and is president and former secretary of the Mesquite Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association; 17-year president of Mesquite’s Creek Crossing Community Watch Group-East; former commissioner and chair of the Mesquite Planning & Zoning Commission; former vice president of the Mesquite Heart Board; 2018 WISE award recipient by Mesquite Social Services; and Mesquite Citizen of the Year 2020, named by the City of Mesquite.

“Our members reflect a cross section of STAR Transit’s service area,” said Jerry Dittman, STAR Transit’s Board chairman. “This structure ensures STAR Transit’s Board maintains a regional focus that’s responsive to our communities’ needs. Debbie Anderson is uniquely qualified by her record of service to serve on our board.”

STAR Transit is the public transportation provider for the city of Mesquite.  Citizens can use STAR Transit to conveniently ride to work, school, healthcare appointments, restaurants, recreation centers and movies, and connect to points beyond via the DART Green Line, including hospitals, downtown and the region’s airports.

“Debbie knows Mesquite well and will be an invaluable asset,” Dittman said. “We strive to provide Mesquite residents with the flexibility to use our service when and where they want to travel, and Debbie will be a wonderful voice in helping us improve the service.”

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 public, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 135,000 rides annually. The agency is headquartered in Terrell.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ride Free To Vote

TERRELL, TX— Oct. 25, 2022 — STAR Transit is offering free, round-trip rides to local polling places on Election Day, encouraging all eligible voters to participate.

The free service is available Tuesday, Nov. 8.

All STAR Transit services are available, including Demand Response, Fixed Routes and STARNow. To ride free on STARNow, use the code Vote2022. Rides must be in the STAR Transit service area or STARNow zone and are based on availability. Voters must tell bus operators and reservationists they are riding to and from the polls.

To schedule a free ride to vote, call STAR Transit no less than 30 minutes in advance of the desired trip. Scheduling agents are available during normal business hours, 8 a.m.–4 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 – https://www.kaufmancounty.net/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 135,000 rides annually. The agency is headquartered in Terrell, Texas. For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

STAR Transit Seeks Public Input on DeSoto’s Transit Priorities

TERRELL, Texas – Oct. 12, 2022 – STAR Transit is seeking public feedback about its services in DeSoto, as part of a comprehensive evaluation that will build a foundation for development of recommendations on potential system enhancements.

“STAR Transit is working hard to improve transit in DeSoto, and we want to hear from you,” Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director, said. “Please take our brief survey to tell us about your experience and what you want to see from transit in the future. If you don’t use transit, that’s OK. We want to hear from everyone.”

The survey is open and can be accessed via:

• Survey link, English: https://bit.ly/DeSotoTransitSurvey22
• Survey link, Spanish: https://bit.ly/DeSotoTransitStudy_Enespañol
• Facebook: facebook.com/startransit
• Instagram: @startransit_official

The digital version of the survey will remain open through Nov. 30. STAR Transit also plans to distribute the surveys in person in the city.

STAR Transit operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes she or he has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with STAR Transit. If you need any accommodations or prefer to receive a hard copy of the survey, please contact STAR Transit at (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 public, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 135,000 rides annually. The agency is headquartered in Terrell.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

STAR Transit is requesting proposals for the procurement of a Transit Scheduling Software Project #2023111.  STAR Transit will issue an award to the vendor that provides the best value proposal.

RFP Issued:	Friday, September 30, 2022
Deadline for Questions:	Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Responses to Questions Posted:	Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Proposals Due:	November 16, 2022, by 3:00 P.M. CST
Interviews (if needed):	November 21 – November 27, 2022
Notice to Proceed (NTP):	Anticipated on or before December 7, 2022

Below are the related documents:

2023111_Transit Scheduling Software_ADDENDUM 1

2023111_RFP_Transit Scheduling Software v2_Amended

2023111_Transit Scheduling Software_ADDENDUM 2

2023111_RFP_Transit Scheduling Software v3_Amendment 2

2023111_TransitSchedSoftware_Q&A – 10.19.22

STAR Transit reserves the right to make changes to the above-mentioned schedule. All such changes shall be made by an amendment to the solicitation or a letter to all the firms.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

STAR TRANSIT INTRODUCES GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN MESQUITE THROUGH ON-DEMAND SERVICE

MESQUITE, Texas — 9/22/22 — STAR Transit will transition Mesquite’s Route 201 (COMPASS) bus to on-demand service Oct. 1, giving passengers greater flexibility in travelling throughout the area. Additionally, the service area will be expanded to travel to places previously not covered.

Passengers can use their STARNow mobile app or call 877-631-5278 to schedule on-demand service aboard STAR Transit’s fleet of vehicles.  STARNow on-demand service in Mesquite operates 6 am-8 pm. weekdays, and 8 am-5 pm Saturdays.

During the transition, rush-hour passengers travelling between the Mesquite Park & Ride at Hanby Stadium and DART’s Lawnview Station will be able to catch shuttles at Hanby once an hour between 6 am and 8 am weekdays, rather than the Route 201 (COMPASS) bus. On the return trip, passengers will be able to catch shuttles at Lawnview Station to Hanby once an hour between 3 pm and 6 pm weekdays.

“STAR Transit is enthusiastic about enhancing our riders’ experience by offering more flexibility and customization. The STARNow mobile app makes riding with us easier than ever, and we look forward to serving even more Mesquite residents through our expanded STARNow zone,” Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit’s executive director, said. “Passengers won’t have to ride on someone else’s schedule. They will just have to step aboard.”

Rides within the STARNow travel zone cost $2 each way. Seniors 60 and older, veterans and riders who have disabilities ride for $1 each way. Children 12 and under ride for free, with another passenger who’s on a paid fare.

“In our survey of people in Mesquite this summer, we asked riders and potential riders what they want from their public transit service,” said Henricks. “More than 80 percent of the respondents say they want the service to be reliable. And more than 80 percent tell us they want it to be easy to use. These changes are making it much easier for people in Mesquite to reliably travel around the city, whenever and wherever they want to go. They can use their mobile app to schedule same-day service, or they can just call us.”

STAR Transit conducted a Mesquite Ridership Satisfaction Survey between May 30 and July 15 this year. A total 158 surveys were completed, and the city publicized the survey on the STAR Transit web site and social media, City of Mesquite social media, news media, outdoor advertising on STAR Transit vehicles, and announcements in the STARNow app. Besides reliability and ease of use, the survey respondents gave high priority to safety and friendliness, frequency, time savings, and speed.

Henricks continued “The survey results support replacing the COMPASS bus service with a revamped on-demand service, allowing riders greater flexibility in deciding when and where they travel.”

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 public, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, and entertainment. More than 100 employees are responsible for providing over 135,000 rides annually. The agency is headquartered in Terrell. For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

In observance of Labor Day, STAR Transit will be closed Monday, September 5.  This includes:

STAR Transit is requesting proposals for the procurement of a Solar PV Project #2022111.  STAR Transit will issue an award to the vendor that provides the best value proposal.

RFP Issued:	July 6, 2022
Deadline for Questions:	July 15, 2022 by 4:00 P.M. CST
Responses to Questions Posted:	July 19, 2022 by 4:00 P.M. CST
Proposals Due:	July 26, 2022 by 3:00 P.M. CST
Interviews (if needed):	July 27-29, 2022
Notice to Proceed (NTP):	Anticipated on or before August 10, 2022

STAR Transit reserves the right to make changes to the above-mentioned schedule. All such changes shall be made by an amendment to the RFP and shall be posted on STAR Transit’s website at https://www.startransit.org/about-us/business-center/.