The Saginaw Transit Regional Authority (STARS) announced four grants that have received approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) at a press conference on Friday, Oct. 16. These grants will be used to fund projects that increase regional mobility.
The first project will develop a connection linking Delta College, SVSU, and MBS International Airport with the goal of increasing access to education, employment, and travel. This initiative is built upon STARS’s current partnerships with community organizations, including a program allowing SVSU students, staff, and faculty to commute with STARS for free. All you need to do is show your SVSU to the driver to board.
“We saw a 15% increase in ridership after it became free [for SVSU students],” said Executive Director of STARS Amy Bidwell. Bidwell anticipates an early 2027 launch for this new ‘education line’ and is expecting yearly growth.
According to Executive Director of Governmental and Community Affairs John Kazynski, SVSU’s most recent survey reported that one-third of resident students don’t bring cars to campus and one-third of students don’t have access the reliable transportation. This new development with STARS will help connect students to the Great Lakes Bay Region.
“Regional challenges require regional solutions,” said Kaczynski during the conference. “…when we strengthen the entire region, we make new opportunities for future generations.”
Other STARS projects funded by these MDOT grants include collaborating with other local transportation authorities to connect military veterans to resources across city and county boarders; a study examining the potential use for autonomous transit technology to transport patients, professionals, and visitors around Saginaw’s medical campuses; working with MBS International Airport to create a ground transportation plan to increase access to the airport.
STARS board member Jimmy Greene stressed these projects are “all about the people.”
“Nothing happens without drivers, executives, and partners that believe in the vision,” stated Greene. “We’re in the good times.”
