STAR Transit will be launching a mobile app, STARNow, powered by Spare.
The app allows riders to book and pay for their same day trips, working in conjunction with the newly launched Micro-transit (Mobility on Demand) service in Mesquite and Terrell. ”Increasing our service options along with the inclusion of technology has long been a priority for STAR Transit and a request from our partners and riders. With the expansion of Micro-transit service in Mesquite and Terrell we are meeting the evolving transportation needs of our current riders and offering new and innovative options for potential riders,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit Executive Director. “Our goal is to gather data from these two pilots over the next six to eight months, share with our partners and, if feasible, expand this transit option to other service areas,” he continued. Riders can book a trip in the Mesquite or Terrell 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:
· Open the STARNow app on a mobile device.
· Tap on the "Where to?” box and select a drop-off location by searching for a point-of-interest or address. When selecting a pickup spot use the current location (the default) or enter the pickup location/address manually.
· Add additional passengers or request accessibility features by tapping on the “Passenger” or “Wheelchair” icons.
· If scheduling a trip in advance, select a later time by tapping “Schedule” in the lower right corner. Trips can only be scheduled for the same day.
· Choose to add a credit card and pay for the trip in the app or select cash and pay on the vehicle.
· Review the estimated pickup and drop-off time and tap “Request Ride” when ready.
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.
Pick up and drop off points must be inside the Mesquite and Terrell travel zones. STARNow Mesquite serves the DART Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center (6151 Duck Creek Dr, Garland, TX 75043), Eastfield College (3737 Motley Dr) and Hanby Stadium (410 East Davis St) for connections to DART Rail and buses.
If a rider does not have a smartphone, trips may be booked by calling 877-631-5278. Micro-transit service is a shared ride service in which multiple people use the same vehicle to arrive at similar destinations. STAR Transit drivers have an iPad that will show the shortest route for taking passengers to their individual drop off location. Vehicles are STAR Transit branded and ADA compliant. Service is available weekdays in Mesquite from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and in Terrell, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. STAR Transit will not operate this service on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Rides within the Mesquite and Terrell travel zone are $3.00 each way, $1.50 for qualified seniors, veterans and disabled riders. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
