St. Tammany Parish Government STAR Transit Feasibility Study

STAR Transit is a demand response transit system that operates within the boundaries of St. Tammany Parish. This system is open to all residents within the Parish. The program operates two types of services: rural transportation and urban transportation. It is designed to transport passengers to and between essential services and destinations. This service is non-emergency and provides curb-to-curb service on a call-in, first come, first served basis.

The St. Tammany Parish Grants Department has hired Wingate Engineers to assist the St. Tammany Parish Government with a needs assessment of public transit for St. Tammany Parish, including a review of the current operations of STAR Transit.

As a part of Wingate’s scope of services, our team is responsible for:

• Review the current demand/response service and explore the need to change the service types to receive the maximum ridership potential or continue the current type of service. This can include fixed routes, deviated fixed routes, etc.
• Research and assist in implementing potential resources of local matching funds.
• Review the Parish and Contractor’s policies and recommend any potential changes to allow for a more efficient service.
• Hold at least two public meetings (one on the west side and one on the east side of the parish) to obtain input from the public concerning public transit.
• Hold stakeholder meetings to discuss improved transit options, including but not limited to:
  • Elected officials
  • Municipal officials
  • Social service organizations and government agencies
• Examine potential partnerships between STAR Transit, businesses, social service organizations, and other local government agencies.