Alternate Fuels Program
StarTran is acknowledged nationally as a leader within the transit industry in the utilization and promotion of alternative fuels. The following alternate fuels programs are in place:
- Ethanol Bus Program
- Between 1994 and 2000, four ethanol-powered (95% ethanol, 5% gasoline) buses were operated in regular transit service. In 2000, the engines were replaced, and until 2008, when the 02Diesel Fuel Program was terminated, the entire fleet was powered by an 8% ethanol / 92% diesel fuel blend.
- Biodiesel Program
- Since January 1994, two StarTran buses have been powered by biodiesel fuel (75% diesel/25% soybean oil). Since 2008, the entire fleet has been powered by biodiesel. Utilization of biodiesel significantly reduces the exhaust particulants emitted and lowers the utilization of diesel fuel.
StarTran Services for Persons with Disabilities
StarTran is in compliance with all transit-related regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The following services are available to maximize transportation opportunities within Lincoln for persons with disabilities:
- All StarTran regular route service is accessible to persons with disabilities. StarTran currently operates 60 full-size accessible vehicles, including 45 state-of-the-art "low-floor" accessible full-size vehicles which were included in the StarTran fleet beginning in F.Y. 2001-2002. The accessibility devices are utilized approximately 250 times per month. Persons with disabilities who utilize all StarTran regular route services are eligible for significantly reduced fares (85 cents/trip or $16 for a 20-ride pass).
- The StarTran HandiVan and Brokerage afford complementary paratransit services for persons with disabilities. The programs realize a total average ridership of 4,651 per month - 2,961 (HandiVan), 1,690 (Brokerage).
- Accessible formats for bus schedules including large print, braille, computer diskette, and audio tape, are available. StarTran routes/schedules are available at various outlets and on the Internet.
• Bus Schedules - Coordination of special transportation services provided by other public and private providers/agencies is encouraged and promoted to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of available special transportation services.
Automatic Vehicle Locator Program
The StarTran AVL Program is being installed, which, when completed, will afford the following features:
- Automatic bus stop location announcements, in compliance with the ADA
- Location of all StarTran vehicles, including vehicle speed and operator identification
- Emergency indication
- Patron access to vehicle location
StarTran Marketing, Promotion, Special and Other Services
Marketing and promotion of StarTran services is "directed" to groups and individuals most likely to utilize those services, i.e., low income, senior centers, students, downtown employees, etc. The following are the marketing promotion, special and other services offered by StarTran:
- Low-Income Bus Pass Program
- This program was initiated on October 1, 2004, enabling eligible low-income individuals to purchase a StarTran 31-Consecutive Day Pass at the reduced price of $7.50 (bus) and $15 (HandiVan). Low Income patrons are eligible for the Passport Saver Program also.
- Employee Pass Program
- Twelve employers are participating in the Employee Pass Program, which provide StarTran 31-Day Passes at reduced cost to employees. StarTran routinely contacts other employers to increase participation in this program.
- Senior Center Programs
- Presentations to residents of retirement complexes and at senior centers are provided by StarTran staff. Such presentations promote and familiarize seniors with available StarTran services. Seniors are eligible for significantly reduced fares (85 cents/trip or $16.00 for a 20-ride pass) on regular StarTran services.
- StarTran/University of Nebraska Transportation Program
- Contractual agreements have been executed with the University of Nebraska since August, 1994 for cooperative operation of the StarTran/UNL Transportation Program. This program provides for: 1. No fare charged for utilization of all StarTran regular transit services by UNL faculty, staff, and students; and 2. Operation of the #24 Holdrege route service between downtown and UNL East Campus, traversing the UNL City Campus. The costs associated with this program are compensated by UNL to the City of Lincoln. This cooperative program between UNL and StarTran benefits both entities, addressing UNL parking issues and increasing StarTran revenues and ridership by approximately 464,800 trips per year.
- Bus Advertising Program
- StarTran contracts for the sale and placement of advertising on StarTran vehicles. Currently, eleven StarTran buses are being utilized for the painted bus advertising program. This program generates approximately $115,000/year in revenues.
- "Boo at the Zoo" Shuttle Service
- StarTran provides transit shuttle service from three outlying lots, transporting a total for all five nights, of over 5,000 people, to and from the Zoo, for their largest fund-raising event.
- Stuff the Bus
- Promoting to the public to contribute new goods for a charitable organization. Our goal has been achieved of one full bus for Friendship Home each of the last four years.
- Speakers Bureau Presentations
- Contacts have been made to over sixty-five local clubs and organizations offering presentations by StarTran staff at meetings of those clubs/organizations.
- Big Red Express Services
- Express transit services to and from Memorial Stadium are provided for all home UNL football games. Such service is provided at five locations each football season (Holmes Lake, Southeast Community College, Westfield Shoppingtown Gateway, North Star High School and Southwest High School), averaging ridership of approximately 5,100 trips per game.
- Passport Saver Program
- StarTran rewards loyal passport users with the Passport Saver Program. Simply save your 31-Day Passes for eleven consecutive months and get the twelfth pass FREE.
- StarPass
- StarTran offers a discounted summer youth pass, which is valid for the months of June, July, and August. Children, ages 5-18, are not only entitled to unlimited rides on StarTran buses with this pass, but also receive special offers from participating sponsors.
- New Fare Devices
- StarTran installed new fare boxes and introduced new magnetic strip fare device technology in September, 2007.