The background
The STAR program was established in 2005 to promote independence and enhance the quality of life of those 60 years old and older as well as individuals with disabilities living in the city. The program is free and provides transportation services via bus to various locations throughout Buda, Kyle and San Marcos for nonemergency or routine medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands.
City Council discussed the possibility of expanding STAR program services in late 2022, at which point the council decided to wait until the next budget cycle to determine how to approach the matter, as previously reported by Community Impact.
The impact
The city applied for the grant through CapMetro’s Call for Transit projects and has been awarded $144,284 to purchase a second bus for the STAR program.
City Clerk Alicia Ramirez said the process to receive the funding, obtain the bus, and have it up and running will take about 12-18 months. The new bus will be ready for riders by early 2025 at the latest.
