STAR Transit has updated its service by fine-tuning options for public transportation in east Dallas County to improve efficiencies and affordability.
“We are listening carefully to our riders and the public to better understand their needs,” said Tommy Henricks, executive director, STAR Transit. “Convenience and timeliness are important to all of us, and this is why we are encouraging use of our easy to use app, STARNow. Our partnering cities are truly the ones who are helping to make our transportation services available in their communities. STAR Transit is not funded by sales tax revenues. Cities like DeSoto, Mesquite and Balch Springs are generous with their funding that supports safe, affordable and convenient transit services for their residents.”
DeSoto
Currently, there are two demand response buses, Monday-Friday, operating from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and one fixed-route bus (DeSoto) Route 501, Monday-Friday. Effective Oct. 1, a third bus was added with funding by the city’s Section 5310 grant for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities.
“DeSoto has been working closely with STAR Transit since 2018 to better meet the mobility needs of our residents. While the existing fixed route and demand response services are working well, we determined that we could improve service for our seniors and persons with disabilities by providing additional demand response transit opportunities,” said DeSoto Mayor Curtistene S. McCowan, who also serves as chair of the Best Southwest Partnership’s Transportation Committee. “Adding a third demand response bus allows us to meet the peak time demands and gives added flexibility to enhance demand response service at times when our seniors and others are faced with important last-minute appointments that they absolutely must get to.”
Mesquite
Effective Oct. 1, Mesquite’s STARNow hours include new Saturday service from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And Monday through Friday service hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The extended hours also apply to demand response. COMPASS hours remain the same.
“These additional hours of transit service will provide new opportunities for our residents in terms of access, employment, education and more. We are proud to be partners with STAR Transit,” said Mesquite Mayor Bruce Archer.
Balch Springs
No changes are being made to Demand Response service and MTX Route 101. Route 102 ceased current operations, with STARNow being in place to give riders more flexibility.
Balch Springs Mayor Carrie Gordon reflected on her early engagement with STAR Transit when she pushed to locate a primary care facility in Balch Springs and responded to pleas by senior citizens for transportation to medical appointments. Service with one bus was launched, and her vision of providing accessible transportation is now a reality.
“I am so proud to see the expansion of STAR Transit into southeast and southwest Dallas County, particularly knowing that it all started here,” said Gordon. “Our Demand Response and MTX Route 101 bus service continues, plus we are excited about launching the STARNow service, giving our riders more flexibility to meet their transportation needs.”
Hutchins
Due to FedEx adding of shifts at its southeast Dallas County Distribution Center, service hours are being extended on Hutchins Shuttle Route 401 on Saturdays and Sundays. When the extended hours launch later in October, the shuttle will run seven days a week 5:30 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 12:29 a.m.
STAR App now free
The STARNow app is free and may be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Pay store. Trips may be scheduled for immediate pickup or for later on the same day. Payment may be made by credit card or in cash at the time of pick-up. Once a trip is created, riders will receive real-time updates via text, phone call or app notifications and can track vehicle location and estimated arrival time in the app. If a person does not have a smartphone, a trip may be booked by calling 877-631-5278.