Rockwall City Council Approves Additional Funding for STAR Transit

(ROCKWALL, TX – Nov. 17, 2016) The Rockwall City Council approved additional funds for transportation services in Rockwall at its meeting on November 7. The Rockwall City Council previously approved $55,200 in the Fiscal Year 2017 operating budget to fund the continuation of transportation services in the City in response to the change in funding STAR previously received from State and Federal resources. STAR Transit has been the provider in Rockwall County for more than a decade. As a result of the 2010 Census, Rockwall County was redefined from a rural area to an urban service area. This designation changed the available State and Federal funding sources from which STAR could receive assistance for operational costs associated with providing transportation services to citizens of Rockwall.

Currently, 75% of all riders in the city limits of Rockwall are either elderly or disabled and 25% are general population riders. A public meeting was held on October 25, 2016 to inform customers of the funding limitations, gather feedback and concerns, and hear how the potential changes will impact Rockwall residents.

The City Council has now approved $10,020 per month for six months beginning in December 2016 for services to continue, uninterrupted at its current level. During the first six months, the City and STAR will work together to identify ways to improve upon concerns identified as a result of conversations with our residents and from the public meeting. A formal agreement will be finalized soon.

“I attended the public meeting on October 25, 2016 and listened to the issues that concern our elderly and disabled residents. They were all pleased to learn medical appointments were going to be a priority, but many were concerned with how they would get to the grocery store or to other places around the city,” said Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt. “Rockwall has an active senior population. The Rockwall City Council recognizes the importance of ensuring our seniors and disabled residents have transportation to specific destinations in the city. The additional funding ensures that these seniors and disabled citizens of Rockwall can get to appointments, the grocery store, shopping, local entertainment, and exercise programs.”

“STAR Transit has enjoyed a long-term partnership with the City of Rockwall,” said Roy Ferrell, Chairman, STAR Transit Board of Directors. “We are grateful that the Rockwall City Council is funding operations that will allow STAR to continue serving all citizens of Rockwall. STAR Transit looks forward to working with the City to provide the best transportation service our customers and the taxpayers expect to receive.”

For more information, contact Joey Boyd, Director of Internal Operations, City of Rockwall.

Submitted by Lauri Dodd, Public Information Officer / Marketing, City of Rockwall

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