Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find out if there is a route that works for me?
A: The StarMetro site provides route and schedule information.
Q: Where do I park my car?
A: PARC-ing is free, thanks to our sponsors. Designated spots will be marked with signs showing riders where to leave their vehicles. Participants are asked not to park in other spaces in these lots.
Premier Health & Fitness Center, 3521 Maclay Blvd. So. – The PARC-ing spaces are located on the southwestern corner on South Maclay Blvd., across the street from Baden Baden and Sage Restaurant.
Smith, Thompson, Shaw, & Manausa Law Firm, 3520 Thomasville Road – The PARC-ing spaces are located alongside Village Square Blvd., across the street from Po’Boys Creole Cafe.
Q: How much does it cost to ride StarMetro?
A: One-way StarMetro tickets for most riders cost $1.25. Seniors (60+), youth, and people with disabilities — with valid IDs – can ride for 60 cents each way. FAMU/FSU/TCC students – with valid IDs – can ride for free. Necessary transfers are included in these prices. PARC riders will receive a special StarMetro bus pass with one week of free rides. For more information about fares, go to the StarMetro site.
Q: How often must I commit to riding StarMetro if I sign up for this program?
A: We ask that you use StarMetro on average, at least twice a week. However, if you plan to sign up for the Guaranteed Ride Program (mentioned below), you must use public transportation at least three times a week.
Q: What else am I agreeing to by joining the Park-and-Ride Community (PARC)?
A: Participants will be asked to complete three simple online surveys: one before the project begins, one half-way through, and one at the end. You will also be invited to participate in a focus group. The results of this research will help us improve future park-and-ride efforts in our community.
Q: Does StarMetro have Internet access?
A: Express Route 80X, which is tentatively scheduled to be extended to Thomasville Road on October 30, 2007, will be fitted with Wi-Fi.
Q: Will I save time riding StarMetro?
A: Yes and no. Depending upon your final destination, it might actually take you as long or longer to get to work on StarMetro than it does driving your car. However, you can use the “found time” to read the newspaper, listen to music, catch up on e-mail, or simply relax. You can feel good about saving money on gas, not adding to rush-hour traffic, and making a difference in our community.
Q: What should I keep in mind when I start riding StarMetro?
A: Alert your boss that you will be riding StarMetro and that you may be arriving or leaving at different times that usual. Give yourself extra time the first day, and review your route plan so that you can comfortably get home from work.
Q: What if I have an emergency and need to be somewhere immediately or have to stay late at work unexpectedly?
A: Commuter Services of North Florida offers a free Guaranteed Ride Home Program, which provides public transportation users with a voucher that can be used for a free taxi ride for emergencies. This service is available to commuters who ride StarMetro at least three days a week. Participants can learn more about this program and obtain a voucher by visiting www.commuterservices.org or calling 1-888-454-RIDE.
Q: Is there a limited number of times that I can use the Guaranteed Ride Home Program?
A: No. When you use a voucher, you will receive a new one within a few days. However, these vouchers are only intended for emergencies. If you anticipate that you will need to stay late at work, you should plan to drive or make alternative arrangements for that day.
Q: How clean are the buses?
A: StarMetro buses are thoroughly cleaned each day and are climate-controlled to make for a comfortable ride.
Q: Is it safe to ride StarMetro?
A: Absolutely. The drivers are well-trained, and security officers patrol the C.K. Steele Plaza at all hours.
Q: Will the buses keep running after the pilot project has ended?
A: StarMetro plans to continue service to north Thomasville Road area indefinitely.
November 2, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Do you know if the buses have been fitted for Wi-Fi yet?
November 29, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Will I be able to take my bike on the 80X, and will I be able to get off the bus closer to my job, or do I have to go all the way to the downtown plaza and catch a regular bus out to my job site (Park and Magnolia)? What streets are used on the route for 80X?