News

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit Elects Longtime Executive Director to Board

 (TERRELL, TX) – May 2, 2022 – Omega Hawkins, who retired as STAR Transit’s Executive Director in 2019, is the organization’s new Primary Place 1 board member.

The board elected Hawkins on April 19.  Previously, she was serving as Alternate Member Place 1. The board re-elected three officers at the same meeting: Jerry Dittman, Chairman; Carrie Gordon, Vice Chairman; and Dana Macalik, Secretary.

Hawkins had been executive director for more than 40 years when she retired. Tommy Henricks was promoted to Executive Director from Chief Financial Officer when Hawkins retired.

“STAR Transit is in such a wonderful position today,” Hawkins said. “It’s made a great transition to on-demand transportation, and I’m delighted to serve the organization as Primary Place 1 board member.”

Hawkins’ perspective on STAR Transit and the growth of its network and region is invaluable, Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit Executive Director, said.

“Omega has such a depth of institutional knowledge,” Henricks said. “She’s an indispensable resource to the organization and our board.”

Dittman retired from the City of Mesquite where he served as Deputy City Manager. He was elected STAR Transit chair in 2021.

Gordon is Mayor of Balch Springs and was elected STAR Transit’s Vice Chair in 2021.

Macalik serves on the Rockwall City Council and is former Mayor Pro Tem. She was elected STAR Transit secretary in 2021.

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

STAR Transit Celebrates Rider Appreciation Week, April 25-30

(TERRELL, TX) – April 21, 2022 – STAR Transit celebrates Rider Appreciation Week, April 25–April 30, offering free rides and other giveaways.

“All rides are free, and we’re bringing the Rider Appreciation Week Prize Patrol back,” Kim Britton, STAR Transit’s deputy executive director, said. “Our riders in Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Seagoville, Balch Springs, Mesquite, Hutchins and DeSoto should watch for our Prize Patrol. They’ll be surprising riders with giveaways, including lanyards and bags and other free things.”

“We want to thank our riders,” Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit’s executive director, said. “They trusted us with their mobility needs through COVID and continue to do so well after more than four decades in transit.”

Riders are encouraged to post selfies on their social media pages throughout the week, using the hashtag, #STAppreciatesMe.  STAR Transit will post pictures on the STAR Transit Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/startransit and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/startransit_official/.

For more information on 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 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

STAR Transit announces Employee and Driver of the Year

(Terrell, TX) – Nine individuals were recently honored during STAR Transit’s Quarterly Driver Safety Meetings.  Vickie Dabney was announced as the 2021 Employee of the Year, and Gabriela Rodriguez received the 2021 Driver of Year award.

Nominees for Driver of the Year included Rodriguez along with James Janicek, Alice Manning and Saundra Bates.

Ms. Rodriguez has been with the agency almost three years and drives all of STAR Transit’s service area.  Antonio Harris, Transportation Director, said, “Gabi is team player and not afraid to take on new challenges.  She cares for each of our riders as if they are family.  We are very proud of her and the work she does”.

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

Nominees for Employee of the Year included Dabney, Shelby Ward and Nicole Blanton.

Vickie has been with the agency nine years and serves as the Dispatch Supervisor, managing the dispatch team and trip scheduling.  Tommy Henricks, Executive Director, said, “Being a dispatcher and scheduler is no easy task.  It’s challenging, fast-paced and can be stressful.  Vickie handles each day with skill and tact.  We are so lucky to have her and appreciate her hard work.  Congratulations Vickie!”

As the recipient of Employee of the Year, Vickie 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 – Keith Ford and Nicole Blanton; Humanitarian Award – James Janicek; Outstanding Service – Alice Manning; Extra Mile Award – Mark Frazier; Admin Rookie of the Year – Ella Talavera, and Driver Rookie of the Year – Valero DeLaCruz.

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

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.

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit Offers Free Rides To Voters

 

TERRELL, Texas—STAR Transit is offering free, round-trip rides to local polling places, encouraging all eligible voters to participate.

The free service is available on the day of the Texas primary elections, Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

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 reservationist 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 (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 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, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

 

For Immediate Release

 

TERRELL, Texas—STAR Transit has dedicated its Operations Center at 500 Industrial Blvd. in Terrell to Roy Ferrell, who served in a primary role in providing affordable and efficient transportation services in the area for almost 20 years of dynamic growth.  Beginning in 2002, he served as Board Chair of KART until it became STAR Transit.  He then transitioned to chairman of this agency, serving through 2021.

“Roy served with his heart, always expressing his love for our riders,” said Omega Hawkins, current board member, who retired as Executive Director in 2019.   “I am proud to have worked with Roy over the decades.  No challenge was too great for him to manage.”

Ferrell and Mrs. Hawkins were instrumental in laying the groundwork for STAR Transit becoming a state recognized rural transit district and political subdivision of the state of Texas.

Under their guidance, they also oversaw the building and renovation of the Operations Complex’s main building as well as building number two.  During this period, construction of the onsite fueling station along with service expansions in Rockwall County, Seagoville, Balch Springs, Mesquite, Hutchins and DeSoto occurred.

Tommy Henricks, current Executive Director, spoke about Ferrell’s tenaciousness.  “As our agency’s board chair, Roy always encouraged us to treat our clients with respect and always had their best interest at heart.  He also held our staff members accountable.”

Ferrell stated, “STAR Transit has always held a special place in my heart.  The people of Kaufman County and the other counties we serve appreciate the good job STAR Transit does.”

He and his wife Kay are longtime residents of Kaufman and have been married 49 years.  They have three sons, named here along with their wives: Ken Ferrell (Jennifer), Kirk Ferrell (Helaena), and Nick Ferrell (Jaime) along with eight grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  His family was in attendance for the dedication.

Ferrell is a true public servant.  He served in the Navy and is a retired Dallas firefighter.  He served on the Kaufman City Council and Economic Development Board of Directors for many years. He and his wife are members of First Baptist Church in Kaufman.

Jerry Dittman, current chairman of the STAR Transit board stated “Roy left me some big shoes to fill.  I often heard him say welcome to his house when a guest would enter the building, and this truly is the house that Roy built.  This building would not be here without you.”

A permanent plaque placed by the front door of the OC recognizes Ferrell as a community leader whose compassion for people guided the agency’s growth over the decades.

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 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, STAR Transit will be closed Monday, January 17.  This includes:

• STAR Transit admin office/Call Center.
• Demand Response service.
• STARNow service in Kaufman County, Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville nor DeSoto.
• Fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/COMPASS Rte. 201/Hutchins Rte. 401.)

These services will resume regular operation on Tuesday, January 18.

• GoLink operated by STAR Transit will operate a normal schedule.

For more information call 877-631-5278 or visit www.STARtransit.org.

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit’s same day service in DeSoto
costs only $2 per ride  

TERRELL, Texas—Rides within STARNow’s on-demand DeSoto travel zone now cost $2, “a bargain” according to riders who are enthusiastically using the new service.

“Our drivers are telling us how well received our new service is,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director. “They are finding it very convenient for going to work, school, shopping and out to eat.   Transit on demand adds tremendous flexibility. It means you no longer have to be at a fixed spot at a fixed time to come aboard and go where you need to go.”

The service began operating Monday-Friday, 6 am to 6 pm, starting Dec. 1.  By calling customer service or using the STARNow mobile app, DeSoto riders can expect a vehicle at their curb within 15-20 minutes.

Rides within the DeSoto travel zone were free through Dec. 31. Effective Jan. 3, rides within the travel zone are $2. Fares for qualified seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities are $1, and children 12 and under remain free. Riders must be 13 or older to ride unaccompanied.

DeSoto residents may continue pre-booking medical trips by contacting the agency’s call center.  Fares remain $1 to $12 depending on the mileage.

Riders can book a trip in the DeSoto travel zone in real time via the STARNow mobile app which can be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Play store.

“Riders are truly in control of booking and cancelling rides.  Yes, they may call our scheduling agents, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.   But the app is easy to operate,” Henricks continued. “Once a trip is created, riders receive real-time updates via text or app notifications and can track vehicle location and estimated arrival time in the STARNow app.”

To Book a Ride: 1.    Open the STARNow app on your mobile device. 2.    Tap on the “Where to?” box and select your drop-off location by searching for a point-of-interest or address. When selecting your pickup spot you can use your current location (the default) or enter your pickup location/address manually. 3.    Add additional passengers or request accessibility features by tapping on the “Passenger” or “Wheelchair” icons. 4.    If you want to schedule your trip in advance, select a later time by tapping “Schedule” in the lower right corner. Trips can only be scheduled for the same day. 5.    Choose to add a credit card and pay for your trip in the app or select cash and pay on the vehicle. 6.    Review your estimated pickup and drop-off time and tap “Request Ride” when ready.

For more information, go to www.STARtransit.org, email customer service at [email protected], or call 877-631-5278.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Thur., 12/23 (In observance of Christmas)

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

 Friday, 12/24 (Christmas Eve)

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

Saturday, 12/25 (Christmas Day)

• No STARNow service in Mesquite.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401.)

Friday, 12/31 (In observance of New Year’s Day)

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

 Saturday, 1/1/2022 (New Year’s Day)

• No STARNow service in Mesquite.
• No fixed route service (Balch Springs Rte. 101/Hutchins Rte. 401.)

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.

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit launches STARNow – Same Day App in DeSoto;
ride free through December  

TERRELL, Texas—Customer service enhancements are now providing anyone living, working and/or playing in the City of DeSoto same day trips, according to Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit Executive Director.  By calling customer service or using the STARNow app, riders can expect a vehicle to arrive at their curb within 15-20 minutes of making their request.  Rides are based on availability.

Effective Dec. 1, demand response service will operate Monday through Friday, 6 am to 6 pm. Route   501 is cancelled with STAR Transit applying those resources to provide timely and convenient rides for its customers.  Passengers who have been depending on Route 501 for rides to the DART UNT Station can use STARNow to book travel according to their individualized schedules.

“DeSoto is fortunate to have a partner as hands-on, conscientious, and effective as STAR Transit,” said DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor.  “They have continuously worked with us to come up with the best ways to provide solid mobility and transit options for our residents. Their latest service changes reflect that.”

Given the pandemic and changing transit trends in the region, the mayor noted many riders have moved away from fixed route systems and gravitated to service that comes “directly to them and takes them where they need to go.” It also allows them to request rides on the same day which allows for on-demand travel.

“We agree with STAR Transit that this is a better way to service our customers and hope that the residents of DeSoto take full advantage of this new service,” said Mayor Proctor.

Everyone is encouraged to use STARNow to its fullest by offering free fares through Dec. 31. Effective Jan. 3, rides within the travel zone are $2.  Fares for qualified seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities are $1 and children 12 and under remain free.  Riders must be 13 or older to ride unaccompanied.

DeSoto residents may continue pre-booking medical trips by contacting the agency’s call center.  Fares remain $1 to $12 depending on the mileage.

Riders can book a trip in the DeSoto travel zone in real time via the STARNow mobile app which can be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Play store.

“Riders are truly in control of booking and cancelling rides.  Yes, they may call our scheduling agents, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.   But the app is easy to operate,” said Henricks. “Once a trip is created, riders will receive real-time updates via text or app notifications and can track vehicle location and estimated arrival time in the STARNow app.”

To Book a Ride:

1.    Open the STARNow app on your mobile device.

2.    Tap on the “Where to?” box and select your drop-off location by searching for a point-of-interest or address. When selecting your pickup spot you can use your current location (the default) or enter your pickup location/address manually.

3.    Add additional passengers or request accessibility features by tapping on the “Passenger” or “Wheelchair” icons.

4.    If you want to schedule your trip in advance, select a later time by tapping “Schedule” in the lower right corner. Trips can only be scheduled for the same day.

5.    Choose to add a credit card and pay for your trip in the app or select cash and pay on the vehicle.

6.    Review your estimated pickup and drop-off time and tap “Request Ride” when ready.

For more information, go to www.STARtransit.org, email customer service at [email protected], or call 877-631-5278.

For Immediate Release

STAR Transit Offers Free Rides To Voters

TERRELL, Texas (October 28, 2021) – STAR Transit is offering free, round-trip rides to local polling places, encouraging all eligible voters to participate.

The free service is available on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2.

All STAR Transit services are available, including Demand Response, Fixed Routes and STARNow.  To ride free on STARNow, use the code Vote2021.  Rides must be in the STAR Transit service area or STARNow zone and are based on availability.  Voters must tell bus operators they are riding to and from the polls.

To schedule a free ride to vote, call STAR Transit at least one business day in advance of the desired trip.  Scheduling Agents are available during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 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 235,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.