Mesquite, TX – October 1, 2020 – The City of Mesquite has joined with STAR Transit and other area cities in announcing updated services and routes effective Oct. 1. The updated public transportation in east Dallas County will improve the efficiency and affordability of STAR Transit for residents who use COMPASS, STARNow and Demand Response.
“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 Mayor Bruce Archer.
Effective Oct. 1, Mesquite’s STARNow app will include new Saturday service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. And the new Monday through Friday hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. STARNow is an app that allows riders to book and pay for their same day trips from their phone. Trips may be scheduled for immediate pickup or for later 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 the 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.
The new extended hours of service also apply to STAR Transit’s Demand Response service, which is also a shared ride curb-to-curb transit service. The Demand Response buses will operate Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents must schedule a ride at least one business day but not more than two weeks in advance of the desired trip. Riders will provide their name, address, destination, appointment time and a time to return home. Exact cash or STAR Transit tickets are required each time the customer boards the bus. To schedule a ride, call 877-631-5278.
The Mesquite COMPASS hours will remain the same. STAR Transit connects you to the DART Rail Green Line via COMPASS, the City of Mesquite PASsenger Shuttle. Mesquite COMPASS is a weekday express bus service between Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium and Lawnview Station. The first bus leaves Hanby Stadium at 5:02 a.m. and the last bus departs Lawnview Station at 7:38 p.m. Call 877-631-5278 for more information. Visit www.cityofmesquite.com/COMPASS for details on the service.
“We are listening carefully to our riders and the public to better understand their needs,” said Tommy Henricks, Executive Director. “Convenience and timeliness are important to all of us, and this is why we are encouraging use of our easy to use app, STARNow.”
Henricks continued, “Our partnering cities are truly the ones who are helping to make our transportation services available in their communities,” Henricks continued. “STAR Transit is NOT funded by sales tax revenues. Cities like Mesquite are generous with their funding that supports safe, affordable and convenient transit services for their residents.”