The program is free for those who meet the requirements, and rides are offered to various locations in Buda, Kyle and San Marcos. Riders can make reservations up to 30 days in advance but no later than two days before. Eligible destinations include non-emergency or routine medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and more.
At the Oct. 11 meeting, the council unanimously voted to extend STAR operating hours and to hire another driver. The new hours following that meeting are Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
At the Dec. 6 meeting, the council had another discussion regarding the program and its limitations.
"Part of the [action taken in October] was that we look into the total cost if we were to expand the program into the [extraterritorial jurisdiction]," city clerk Alicia Ramirez said. "Generally, we get up to about 30 requests for the ETJ."
The ETJ is land on the outskirts of a city's limits, though residents living there may still have a Buda address and/or zip code. The city can annex land in the ETJ into the city limits for developments or tax base purposes.
The ETJ outweighs the 65 and older population of Buda proper by nearly 1,000 residents, according to agenda documents; The city of Buda has around 1,500 residents 65 and older while the ETJ has around 2,330.
"I could certainly see limiting ETJ folks to Kyle, Buda and not having to go to San Marcos," Council Member Terry Cummings said. "I think that would be very, very doable."
If service expanded into the ETJ, the number of requests would increase, Ramirez said, as the current ridership within city limits has more than doubled in the past year.However, an increase in requests and ridership would also result in an increase in costs for the individual taking the calls and the driver.
The council elected to figure out how to fund the potential expansion during the next budget cycle and discuss the matter with the city's Task Force on Aging.
For more information or to schedule a call, contact 512-532-1014.
