News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STARNow’s On-Demand Rides in Seagoville Only $2, Effective Nov. 1

TERRELL, Texas—Rides within STARNow’s on-demand Seagoville travel zone will cost $2 effective Nov. 1.

The service began operating Monday-Friday, 6 am to 6 pm, starting Oct. 4. STAR Transit cancelled Route 301 and applied those resources to convenient mobility options for customers. Passengers who used Route 301 for rides to DART’s Buckner Station can use the STARNow mobile app to book travel according to their individualized schedules.

By calling customer service or using STARNow, Seagoville riders can expect a vehicle at their curb within 15-20 minutes, Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director, said. Rides are based on availability.

“The STARNow app makes it even more convenient for riders to use STAR Transit to go to work, school, shopping, and out to eat,” Henricks said. “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.”

Rides within the Seagoville travel zone were free through Oct. 31. 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.

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

Riders can download the STARNow mobile app from the Apple App store and Google Play store.

To book a ride:

1. Open the STARNow app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the “Where to?” box and select drop-off location. To select pickup spot, use your current location or enter your address manually.
3. Add extra passengers or request accessibility features by tapping the “Passenger” or “Wheelchair” icons.
4. To schedule in advance, select “Schedule” in the lower right corner. Trips can only be scheduled for the same day.
5. To pay in the app, add a credit card. Or you can select “cash” and pay in the vehicle.
6. Tap “Request Ride” when ready.

Riders may schedule the service by phone Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.  “The app is easy to operate,” Henricks said. “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.”

Information: www.STARtransit.org, email [email protected], or call 877-631-5278.

Miss the meeting?  Click this link to view the presentation.  DeSoto_PM_STARNow_10 27 21

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that STAR Transit will hold two public meetings to involve citizen participation regarding service changes in DeSoto. STAR Transit will provide information regarding service revisions and implementation of same day service, the STARNow App and fares. Anyone wishing to make comments are invited to attend and express their views.

When: Wednesday, October 27 @ 10:00 a.m.
Where: DeSoto Senior Center, 204 Lion St. , DeSoto, TX 75115

When: Wednesday, October 27 @ 6:00 p.m.
Where: DeSoto City Hall, Council Chambers, 211 Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115

STAR Transit will simultaneously conduct these meetings via phone/virtual conference. The virtual meeting(s) are accessible in the following ways:

Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84963278762
Dial: 1 346 248 7799 (Meeting ID: 849 6327 8762)
Facebook: 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, 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 be open through the close of business on November 10, 2021.  There are several ways to complete a Public Meeting Comment Form.

• Complete and submit the form online: Public Comment Form
• Mail: Print and complete the PublicMeetingCommentForm_10 27 21 and mail to: STAR Transit, Attention Teresa Elliott, P.O. Box 703, Terrell, TX 75160
• Fax: Print and complete the PublicMeetingCommentForm_10 27 21 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STAR Transit launches STARNow – Same Day App in Seagoville;
ride free through October

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

Effective Oct. 4, demand response service will operate Monday through Friday, 6 am to 6 pm.  Route 301 is cancelled with STAR Transit applying those resources to provide timely and convenient mobility options for its customers. Passengers who have been depending on Route 301 for rides to the DART Buckner Station can use STARNow to book travel according to their individualized schedules.

“We’re encouraging everyone to use STARNow to its fullest by offering free fares through October 31,” Henricks said. Effective Nov. 1, rides within the travel zone are $2.00.  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.

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

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

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.

“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.”

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

Miss the meeting?  Click this link to view the presentation. Public Meeting Presentation

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that STAR Transit will hold two virtual public meetings to involve citizen participation regarding service changes in Seagoville. STAR Transit will provide information regarding revisions and implementation of same day service, the STARNow App and fares.  Anyone wishing to make comments are invited to attend and express their views.

When:     Thursday, September 16 @ 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

STAR Transit will conduct these meetings via phone/virtual conference.  The virtual meeting(s) are accessible in the following ways:

Via Zoom:           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83233610003
Dial:                      1 346 248 7799 (Meeting ID: 832 3361 0003)
Facebook:           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, 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 be open through the close of business on September 30, 2021.  There are several ways to complete a Public Meeting Comment Form.

• Complete and submit the form online: Public Comment Form
• Mail: Print and complete the PublicMeetingCommentForm_9 16 21 and mail to: STAR Transit, Attention Teresa Elliott, P.O. Box 703, Terrell, TX 75160
• Fax: Print and complete the PublicMeetingCommentForm_9 16 21 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Purchase STAR Transit monthly, day passes with mobile fare app GoPass

TERRELL, Texas – STAR Transit has joined the GoPass app network, allowing riders to purchase monthly and day passes that can be used on fixed routes and STARNow.  Single ride passes are also available.

“Convenience and affordability are important criteria in how we serve our customers,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit Executive Director.  “The GoPass app is an easy, cashless way to purchase passes.”

The app allows users to plan a trip, pay for the pass, and store until ready for use.

Henricks continued, “Riders can securely store a debit and credit card in the app for faster purchases. Riders can choose from a single ride pass, day pass, or 31-day pass.”

A 31-day pass for fixed routes is $48, a day pass is $3 while the single ride ticket stays $1.  Fixed route trips are free for seniors 60+, veterans and/or disabled riders with a STAR Transit reduced fare ID.  Children under 12 also ride free with a fare paying adult.

STAR Transit fixed routes serve Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville, Hutchins and DeSoto.

On STARNow, a 31-day pass is $48.  $24 for seniors 60+, veterans and/or disabled riders with a STAR Transit reduced fare ID, a day pass is $3/$1.50 while a single ride pass remains $2 and $1.  Children under 12 ride free with a fare paying adult.

Regional Mobility

“We are in the unique position of partnering with DART in many ways, Henricks said. “This is significant for workers who are commuting to their jobs on a regular basis, and we are proud to be contributing to our region’s mobility.”

GoPass is not available for demand-response rides.  The app is free on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information about the GoPass app, go to www.STARtransit.org, email customer service at [email protected] or call 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 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 Independence Day, STAR Transit will be closed Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5.  Therefor we will not operate the Hutchins Shuttle Rte. 401 on Sunday, July 4.  No service will operate Monday, July 5.  This includes:

• Demand Response service.
• STARNow service in Terrell, Kaufman, Mesquite nor Balch Springs.
• Fixed route service.
• GoLink operated by STAR Transit

These services will resume regular operation on Tuesday, July 6.

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

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Kim Britton, VP, Planning & Development
STAR Transit
[email protected]

FREE RIDES TO ALL VACCINATION LOCATIONS  

TERRELL, Texas – STAR Transit is providing free rides for persons with confirmed appointments to get the COVID 19 vaccine shots.  The curb-to-curb service extends outside of the agency’s service area. Rides are available Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  For this purpose, STAR Transit is temporarily adding Saturday service from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Reservations should be made at least one service day in advance and are based on vehicle availability.

“STAR Transit understands the reasons why receiving the vaccine is so important for everyone, and we are committed to helping in the best way we can—offering free rides to all persons living and working in our service area,” said Tommy Henricks, Executive Director.

“We are treating this request like we would a medical appointment which means a person within our service area can travel to any vaccination site in our service area including all of Dallas County”, he continued.

To schedule a free ride, call STAR Transit at least one business day but not more than two weeks in advance of the desired trip.  Scheduling Agents are available during normal business hours Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at (877) 631-5278.  Se Habla Español.  For same day service in Terrell, Kaufman, Mesquite and Balch Springs, book through the STARNow app, using the promo code C19VA for the no-fare ride. (The app can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.)

STAR Transit serves Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Seagoville, Balch Springs, Mesquite, DeSoto and Hutchins.

The Fleet Department continues intense cleaning and sanitizing of all vehicles throughout the day. Drivers have been provided hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and are equipped with disinfecting spray to use during their shifts.

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

Media Contact:
Kim Britton, Deputy Executive Director
STAR Transit
[email protected]

STAR Transit announces Employee and Driver of the Year

(Terrell, TX) – Eight individuals were recently honored during STAR Transit’s Employee Appreciation Meetings.  Jeff Rohman was announced as the 2020 Employee of the Year, and Wynette Blackburn received the 2020 Driver of Year award.

Nominees for Driver of the Year included Blackburn along with Eleanor Luttrell and Yolanda Hamilton.

Mrs. Blackburn has been with the agency six years and drives STARNow in Kaufman County.  Antonio Harris, Transportation Director, said, “Wynette is one of the hardest working drivers we have.  She is not afraid to take on new challenges and cares for our riders as if they are family.  We are all very proud of her”.

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

Nominees for Employee of the Year included Rohman, Teresa Elliott, Sherri Faulk and Kenyatta Brown.

Jeff celebrated his sixth anniversary in July.  Tommy Henricks, Executive Director, said, “As our Asset Management Director, Jeff and his team have been instrumental in keeping our vehicles sanitized and clean during the pandemic, ensuring our drivers and riders feel safe when traveling with us.  STAR Transit is very thankful to have him.  Congratulations Jeff!”

As the recipient of Employee of the Year, Jeff 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 Leadership – Kim Britton; Outstanding Customer Service – Shelby Ward; Humanitarian Award – Sherri Faulk; Outstanding Service – Antonio Harris; Admin Rookie of the Year – Star Ramirez, and Driver Rookie of the Year – Yolanda Hamilton.

“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 235,000 rides annually.   The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.

STAR Transit is a Texas Rural Public Transportation District and Governmental Entity organized and existing under Chapter 458 of the Texas Transportation Code.

STAR Transit now has an open Board of Directors position for Place 3.

Under our current ByLaws, this open nomination process is open to citizens in our entire service area.  Nominations will be accepted from any official elected to public office in the STAR Transit service area or any identified member of the public who has established residency in the STAR Transit service area.

To be eligible to serve on the Board, the individual must maintain a place of permanent residence or full-time employment in the STAR Transit service area, currently in Kaufman and Rockwall Counties and the Cities of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Mesquite, and Seagoville.

Nominations require the use of a STAR Transit Board Nomination Form and completed Board of Directors Application.  The form allows residents to nominate a Board of Director and an associated Alternate.  Alternates to the STAR Transit Board vote only upon absence of the Primary Board Member.

To be considered, the forms must arrive to STAR Transit by March 31, 2021.

Under our process, the Nominations Committee of the Board of Directors will review all eligible nominations and make a recommendation at an upcoming Board of Directors meeting.

For a copy of our ByLaws, Nomination Form and/or Board of Directors Application, click on the link below.

ByLaws
Nominations Form
Board of Directors Application

For additional information, please feel free to contact Teresa Elliott, Executive Assistant at [email protected] or 469-474-2309.

CDC has issued an order that requires face masks to be worn by all travelers while on public transportation (which includes all passengers and all personnel operating vehicles). People must wear masks that completely cover both the mouth and nose while awaiting, boarding, disembarking, or traveling on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares as they are traveling into, within, or out of the United States and U.S. territories. Public transportation operators must use best efforts to ensure that any person on the vehicle wears a mask when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. Depending on the circumstances, public transportation operators must take the following actions:

• Board only those wearing a mask.
• Instruct people that wearing a mask on the vehicle is a requirement of federal law and that not complying with the requirement is a violation of federal law.

For the full article and for more information visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html