FIXED ROUTES

Fixed route service is provided on a repetitive, fixed-schedule basis along a specific route with vehicles stopping to pick up and deliver passengers to specific locations; each fixed-route trip serves the same origins and destinations, unlike demand responsive and taxicabs. Fixed route buses depart from the plaza every 40 minutes.

LIFT

LIFT Service is by appointment only and is primarily for disabled passengers or those over the age of 62. It is STARS' paratransit bus service equipped specifically for wheelchair users and comes curb-to-curb, picking up passengers at their homes and transporting them to another location.

FARES

Passengers are requested to have the correct change in any denomination of coins. Bus operators do not carry change and are not allowed to go into a passenger's purse or wallet to get change. Have exact change ready when boarding the bus.

STARS operates daily except for Sundays and the following major holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4 th , Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For further route or schedule information, please call (989) 907-4000. STARS can help you plan your trip on fixed bus route buses. When you call, be ready with your:

•  Current Location (Address)

•  Destination (Address)

•  Arrival Time Needed

•  Return Time Needed

Fixed Routes

Adults                                                $1.00

Seniors (Age 62)                                $ .50

Persons with Disabilities                   $ .50  ( STARS SILVER or GOLD Card required )

Children :          

42” or taller than farebox                  $ .50

Under 42” or shorter than farebox   FREE

Transfers                                            FREE

(Ask bus operator for transfer when paying fare)

The Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) is authorized to provide public transportation services in the Saginaw Metropolitan Area. STARS' services include fixed route buses and the curb-to-curb, LIFT bus service. All STARS vehicles are accessible to wheelchair users.

STARS is a governmental organization that relies upon public funds coming from local, state, and federal entities in order to operate.

A Board of Directors leads STARS and their monthly meetings are open to the public.

GENERAL INFORMATION

If you have questions or concerns about our service, or need information about route or time schedules, please contact us at one of the numbers listed below Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

What is the Fashion Line ?

The Fashion Line is a bus route that circulates around the Fashion Square Mall area, stopping at major locations along Bay and Tittabawasee Roads. Such stops include but are not limited to Target, WalMart, SVSU, Meijer, and other restaurants and businesses along those roads.

What is Park –n- Ride ?

If you do not feel like driving and dealing with traffic or expensive gas prices, park your car at any allowable location where the bus stops, and get on a STARS bus – maybe along the Fashion Line! It's a good way to go shopping or to other appointments without having to worry about using your automobile, so hop on board! And remember …

Come Ride With Us … We're Going There, Too!

Customer Service Information

Tel: (989) 907-4000

TDD: (989) 753-5859
Fax Number: (989) 753-8255

E-mail: cservice@saginaw-stars.com

For more information, visit our website:

www.saginaw-stars.com

Administrative Office

301 East Genesee Avenue, Suite 500

Saginaw, MI 48607

Operations Center (Bus Plaza)

615 Johnson Street

Saginaw, MI 48607

Current as of August 2005

Fixed Route Service Information continued :

GALAXY CARDS

Galaxy Cards are our new fare punch cards and may be used on both Fixed Routes and LIFT service. LIFT fare usage (cost) is dependant upon zone charges. Costs are as follows:

Cost         Number of Rides

$4.50       5 Regular

              10 Seniors, SILVER, GOLD Card Holders

$8.50     10 Regular

              20 Seniors, SILVER, GOLD Card Holders

$16.00   20 Regular

              40 Seniors, SILVER, GOLD Card Holders

(Costs reflect discounted prices and may be subject to change.)

TOKENS

All purchases of tokens are limited to qualifying agencies only. A qualifying agency is defined as a non-profit organization or governmental entity purchasing transportation on behalf of an individual being provided services by that agency. Qualifying agencies may contact (989) 907-4000 for volume discounts.

Tokens are no longer sold to the general public.

STARS CARD

The STARS Card is now available for purchase. This card will entitle the holder to unlimited usage on STARS' Fixed Route system for one month. The card has a regular cost of $40.00 and a cost of $20.00 to any STARS' eligible half- fare card holder (Seniors, SILVER, GOLD Card passengers).

For any STARS Card purchase, the buyer shall receive a STARS photo identification card designating the month and year the pass is valid. The buyer must come to the Operations Center, 625 Johnson Street in Saginaw to have their photo taken and the STARS card can be processed immediately.

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR BUS

Each STARS bus is identified with a route number on it that can be seen from all angles of the bus: on the sides, and on the header on top of the front windshield. The route numbers are the same as identified in this guide. Also, look for the STARS colors of blue and purple to quickly notice your bus!

HOW TO BOARD THE BUS

•  Arrive at your STARS bus stop sign 3 to 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

•  Wait at a STARS bus stop sign or at the plaza.

•  As the bus approaches, look for the route number and destination street name on the bus.

•  Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, and then board at the front of the bus.

•  To save time, always have your Galaxy pass, STARS Card, or cash fare ready before boarding.

•  Always carry the exact change or your Galaxy Card or STARS Card. Operators cannot make change.

•  If you need to transfer to another bus to complete your trip, ask the bus operator for a transfer when you board.

•  If you are a senior or are disabled, please be sure to have identification ready before boarding. This may include any of the following: STARS picture ID, Medicare card, driver's license or Secretary of State ID card.

•  Galaxy cards may be used on the LIFT service, however be sure when booking your trip that your pass will have enough punches on it to cover the fare for that trip.

•  If you are eligible for discounts provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), request an ADA application from the STARS service desk or by calling (989) 907-4000 and one can be mailed to you.

HOW TO GET OFF THE BUS

•  STARS' large buses have chords along the side walls that you pull to signal the operators that you would like to get off. Make sure you do so about one block away from your destination so the bus operator will hear the signal in time to let you off.

•  Other buses have brightly colored strips mounted along the walls, which you can push to signal you want to get off.

•  Exit only when the bus has come to a complete stop. If you will be crossing the street, to ensure safety, wait for the bus to leave and watch for traffic before proceeding.

•  Make sure you remove all your personal belongings before you get off the bus.

•  If you find an item that another passenger has left on the bus, notify the operator immediately.

•  If you have questions for the operator, make sure you ask after the bus has come to a complete stop so he/she is not distracted while operating the bus.

LOST AND FOUND

STARS maintains a Lost and Found box at the Operations Center at 615 Johnson Street.

Items are kept for approximately two weeks, and then discarded. Should you lose something and need to inquire of its whereabouts, you must call or personally come to the Operations Center with proper identification to claim your lost item(s). Operators are not responsible for lost and found items.

WHERE TO BOARD THE BUS

Bus stop signs are located at most fixed route locations. You may also board the bus at the plaza, 615 Johnson Street, conveniently located near The Dow Event Center in downtown Saginaw.

PASSENGER CONDUCT &

SAFETY RULES

1. Passengers are expected to present proper fare payment at time of boarding which includes cash, tokens and passes. Operators do not carry change.
2. Passengers are not to enter the bus through the rear door unless authorized to do so by the Operator or other transit authority employees.
3. Passengers must present themselves for rides in a condition that does not present a health or safety threat to other passengers or Operators.
4. Wearing of shirts and shoes is required.
5. Profane or vulgar language directed towards other passengers or Operators and loud distracting language and obscene signs or gestures will not be tolerated on STARS' vehicles or premises.
6. Passengers are not to panhandle, solicit, harass, annoy or intimidate other passengers or Operators while on STARS' vehicles.
7. No weapons of any kind or possession of hazardous materials or items can be brought onto STARS' vehicles or premises.
8. Passengers may not carry open containers of food or beverage onto STARS' vehicles.
9. Passengers may not possess or consume alcohol or illegal substances of any kind on STARS' vehicles or premises.
10. Passengers are not to throw any object of any kind within STARS' vehicles or out any door or window.
11. Smoking in STARS' vehicles is prohibited.
12. Spitting, urinating or defecating in STARS' vehicles is prohibited.
13. Urinating or defecating on STARS' premises is prohibited.
14. Use of sound-producing devices without headphones is prohibited.
15. Assistance animals for the blind, deaf, etc., may accompany their owner on all STARS' vehicles. All other animals must be caged.
16. Children in strollers must be removed from the stroller and placed in a seat or on a parent's lap. Strollers must be folded and stored out of the aisle of vehicle.
17. All passengers should remain seated until vehicle comes to a complete stop.
18. Loitering by passengers is prohibited. Passengers will be asked to exit the bus after completing the duration of one round trip.
19. After exiting the bus, passengers should wait for the bus to pass before crossing the street. Do not cross in front of the bus.
20. Passengers who intentionally damage STARS' vehicles or property will be subject to prosecution.

NOTE: At any time, the transportation supervisor or any transit authority management employee may refuse to transport or order off the vehicle any person violating or has violated the “Passenger Rules and Code of Conduct.” No person shall refuse to depart from a STARS' vehicle when ordered to do so by the transportation supervisor or any transit authority management employee.

PENALTY: The penalty for violating the passenger rules and code of conduct will include suspension or forfeiture of riding privileges on STARS' vehicles. Individuals with suspended riding privileges have the right to appeal the decision to the Transit Advisory Committee.

LIFT SERVICE

STARS' LIFT service is a shared-ride, curb-to-curb transportation service, also known as “dial-a-ride”. It requires advance reservations, which must be made by calling (989) 753-9526 or (989) 753-9527.

First priority for LIFT service is offered to disabled persons who are not able to use STARS' Fixed Route buses. Disabled persons are also eligible for half fares based on criteria outlined in STARS' SILVER and GOLD Card applications. To request either application, call (989) 907-4000 or you may pick them up the Operations Center at 615 Johnson Street. If you prefer one by mail, simply indicate this when calling.

The next priority for the LIFT is for other disabled individuals and senior citizens over the age of 62. Remaining LIFT capacity is available to the general public on a first come, first serve basis.

LIFT service is available during the same hours as STARS Fixed Route service, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please note that the last LIFT bus departs the plaza is at 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. LIFT buses do not operate on major holidays.

LIFT trips must begin and end within ¾ mile of a STARS fixed route. LIFT service is available throughout Saginaw Township as well as the City of Saginaw. Trips to or from areas more than ¾ mile from a fixed route will require zone charges in addition to the standard LIFT fare.

NOTE: All LIFT and fixed route buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchair users.

FURTHER INFORMATION

•  If your business or organization would like to purchase multiple tokens or Galaxy Cards, please call (989) 907-4000.

•  If you have suggestions, observations to improve service, questions, customer service inquiries or concerns, please call (989) 907-4000.

Come Ride With Us … We're Going There, Too!