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Star Transit pitches microtransit service to Lancaster; council to consider contract for October start
Summary
Star Transit proposed two microtransit options for Lancaster (a higher‑capacity 28‑hour/day model and a smaller 20‑hour/day starter plan), described fare structure and Uber integration, and told council it could start service as soon as Oct. 1 if approved in July.
Star Transit representatives presented the city council on June 16 with two microtransit proposals aimed at providing on‑demand, curb‑to‑curb public transportation inside Lancaster city limits.
Tommy Hendricks (who introduced the presentation) and a Star Transit colleague described the agency as a public subdivision that provides demand‑response and same‑day StarNow service across Kaufman, Rockwall and parts of Ellis County. Star Transit said about 80% of its trips serve elderly and disabled riders and that vehicles and services are ADA‑compliant.
Star Transit proposed two options for Lancaster: a recommended plan that would provide 28 hours of dedicated service per day (Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. coverage) and supplemental same‑day trips via a TNC integration (Uber) to cover overflow, and a reduced‑service alternative of roughly 20 hours per day with lower Uber usage. The higher option was described in the presentation as supporting about 2,500 trips per month before city‑level cost‑sharing and after federal/state grants; Star Transit said grant funding typically covers around 60% of operating costs for partner jurisdictions.
Fares would be distance‑based for the demand‑response service (roughly $6 for typical trips) and $1–$2 for StarNow zone rides, with discounts for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. Star Transit noted limits: Uber cannot be guaranteed wheelchair accessibility, so dedicated accessible vehicles would be dispatched for those trips.
Council members asked how the Star Transit model compares with DART service and whether local employers could help fund operations. Presenters said Star Transit’s microtransit model is intentionally flexible, that interlocal agreements are normally 12‑month renewable contracts, and that staff-level tracking would allow the city to identify Lancaster residents who use the service. Star Transit recommended a six‑week public outreach period if the council approves an agreement in July and said it could implement service beginning Oct. 1 to coincide with the city’s FY 2025–26 budget cycle.
Council members expressed broad interest in starting with a more modest baseline plan and evaluating ridership before increasing service levels. City staff said they would work with legal to prepare a standard agreement for council consideration on the last meeting in July.
