Mesquite, TX – September 17, 2019 – The Mesquite City Council authorized a supplemental agreement to the current Interlocal Agreement with STAR Transit to provide additional transit options, highlighted by a new Mobility on Demand service.
City Manager Cliff Keheley said, “This new agreement allows the city to better address the transportation needs of our growing and diverse community. It demonstrates our eagerness to adapt our programs to continue reliable public service to our customers.” Keheley also stated that the City and STAR Transit gathered public feedback in July regarding proposed changes to Mesquite’s current transit program.
Beginning Nov. 1, the new Mobility on Demand feature of the transportation service plan will allow Mesquite residents to contact STAR Transit to request a ride by calling 877-631-5278 or via a STARNow App, and anticipate service within about 15 - 45 minutes. The ride sharing format will take travelers, age 13 and older, within a defined service area to various points of interest that include Town East Mall and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center. The fare will be $3 per rider and a discounted fare of $1.50 for qualified senior citizens age 60+, military veterans and disabled riders. The Mobility on Demand service will be available from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday.
The current public transit system, COMPASS (City Of Mesquite PASsenger Shuttle), has been a nonstop weekday express shuttle service since March 2012. Riders can travel from the Mesquite Park and Ride located at Hanby Stadium at 410 East Davis Street to the Lawnview Station on the DART Rail Green Line. The new plan will continue this service during morning and afternoon peak commuter times with new hours. The fare will be $1 each way and free for qualified senior citizens age 60+, military veterans and disabled riders.
Mesquite residents will also continue to have access to STAR Transit’s Demand Response program from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. It allows riders to customize their transportation needs in advance for planned trips within STAR Transit’s service area and scheduled medical appointments outside of the service area. Fares range from $1 - $12 per trip, with discounts available for qualified senior citizens age 60+, military veterans and disabled riders.
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Media Contact
Wayne Larson, Director of Communications and Marketing
214-449-8092 wlarson@cityofmesquite.com