Main Menu Skip to Content
Search Help
Search StarTran
InterLinc Home Page
lincoln.ne.gov
City of Lincoln
StarTran

Highlights for 2006

Alternate Fuels Program

StarTran is acknowledged nationally as a leader within the transit industry in the utilization and promotion of alternate fuels. The following two StarTran alternate fuels programs are currently 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 are now powered by an 8% ethanol/92% diesel fuel blend. StarTran continues to be one of few transit systems utilizing ethanol-powered buses.
Biodiesel Program
Since January, 1994, two StarTran buses have been powered by biodiesel fuel (75% diesel/25% soybean oil). Utilization of biodiesel significantly reduces the exhaust particulants emitted by the two buses, and lowers the utilization of diesel fuel.
02Diesel Fuel Program
Effective February 11, 2005 StarTran entered into a contractual agreement with 02Diesel Corporation for the provision of blended diesel/ethanol (92%/8%) to fuel all but two diesel-powered StarTran vehicles. The utilization of this blended fuel has been initiated and has resulted in nearly the entire fleet of StarTran vehicles having significant reduction in black smoke, particulate matter and ozone-damaging exhaust gases, at the same cost as regular diesel fuel. Full-bus advertisement of corporate sponsors is being placed on nine buses promoting this clean air program.

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:

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., senior centers, students, downtown employees, etc. The following are the marketing, promotion, special and other services offered by StarTran:

Employee Pass Program
Twelve employers are participating in the Employee Pass Program, which provide StarTran 31-consecutive-day passes at reduced cost to employees. StarTran contacts other employers to encourage 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 (60 cents/trip or $12.00 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 to operate the StarTran/UNL Transportation Program. This program provides for: 1. Utilization of all StarTran regular transit services by UNL faculty, staff, and students at no cost; 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, having addressed UNL parking issues and by increasing StarTran revenues and ridership by approximately 423,400 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 $60,000/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 4,000 people, to and from the zoo, for their largest fundraising event.
Stuff the Bus
Promoting to the public to contribute new goods for a charitable organization. Have nearly reached our goal of one full bus for Friendship Home these last four years.
Holiday Lights Tours
Tours of many of the Holiday lights displayed in Lincoln have been conducted each December since 1995. Over 2,000 patrons participate in the tours each December, many of whom are "first-time" bus riders.
Historical Tours
Historical tours are conducted periodically, narrated by the City-County Planning Department historical planner.
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 seven locations each football season (Holmes Park, Southeast Community College, Department of Roads, Slumberland/Toys R Us, SouthPointe Pavilions, Westfield Shoppingtown Gateway, and Home Depot), averaging ridership of approximately 5,000 fans per game.
Passport Saver Program
StarTran rewards loyal passport users with the Passport Saver Program. Simply save your 31-Consecutive-Day passes for eleven consecutive months and get the twelfth pass FREE.
Low-Income Bus Pass Program
This program was initiated as a six-month "pilot" program on October 1, 2004. Due to the success of the program and securing additional funding the program has become a standard type of fare offered by StarTran. The program enables eligible low-income individuals to purchase StarTran 31-Consecutive-Day Passes at the reduced price of $5 (bus) and $10 (HandiVan). Low Income patrons are eligible for the Passport Saver Program also.
Smart Commute
Patrons who utilize StarTran can increase their home-buying power. It rewards homeowners who purchase a home within one-quarter mile of a public bus stop by adding a portion of potential transportation savings to their qualifying income. When you qualify for the Smart Commute Initiative you also receive three free StarTran 31 Consecutive Day passes.
Star Pass
StarTran offers a discounted summer youth pass, which is valid for the months of June, July, and August. Children, ages 6-18, are not only entitled to unlimited rides on StarTran buses with this pass, but also receive special offers from participating sponsors.
Senior Wristband - "Get on Board"
StarTran has offered seniors (age 62+) free rides on designated days just by wearing (and showing the driver) their "Get on Board" wristbands. This is to encourage seniors to try public transportation, whether it's to medical appointments, to meet friends, to shop, or to just take a ride for fun.
Validate
StarTran