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Star Transit reports ridership up 29% and expands app usage
Summary
Star Transit director reported a 29% year-over-year ridership increase through November 2025, rollout of a rider phone app accounting for 12% of rides, and plans to replace vehicles in 2026; commissioners asked for senior-use breakdowns and praised service viability.
Star Transit Director Dwayne Pacheco told the Board on Tuesday that ridership through the first 11 months of 2025 increased about 29% compared with 2024, a jump he attributed to new vehicles, expanded advertising, the rollout of a rider phone app (Star Public Transit) and added part‑time drivers that increased service hours.
Pacheco said the system operates countywide with door-to-door service in Rock Springs and Green River and five daily shuttles between the cities; the service is heavily subsidized by the Federal Transit Administration and primarily serves riders with no alternative transportation, including low‑income and disabled passengers. He said 70% of riders indicated they would have no alternative transportation without the service and that respondents reported improved social connections. The transit authority has 15 staff (5 full-time) and a fleet that includes about 10 buses and one van; the authority plans vehicle replacements in 2026.
Rider Bob Neesen praised the service as essential for medical appointments and daily needs. Commissioners asked Pacheco for an age breakdown; Pacheco said he did not have exact percentages in the meeting but estimated seniors could represent roughly half of riders and offered to provide precise figures later. Commissioners also discussed CDL driver shortages and Pacheco explained the use of non-CDL buses to expand part-time staffing.
The board thanked Star Transit for the update and encouraged efforts to expand advertising and secured sponsorships to support operations.
