What does public transportation look like in DeSoto? Curious Texas investigates

A reader in DeSoto asked Curious Texas, a project from that allows you to join in on the reporting process, about the status of public transportation options in the city.

Before partnered with STAR Transit in April 2018 the city had no known public transportation, officials told The News. They said potential expansion of DART light rail service to more areas south of Dallas had been discussed, but the conversation did not move forward.

What is STAR Transit?

STAR Transit’s Route 501 services DeSoto residents along multiple stops for $1 and is free for children 12 and under with a paying rider, seniors 60 years old or older, veterans and disabled riders.

Stops along the route include ones near the Kohl’s e-fulfillment center, the Walmart distribution center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center and the DART Blue Line’s UNT Dallas station, according to STAR.

“The service along DeSoto’s Route 501 not only makes it easier for our residents to run errands, or connect to other transportation hubs, but also the frequent stops at our industrial parks help many get to work or even seek out new employment opportunities,” Curtistene McCowan, the late mayor, said in a 2019 news release discussing the partnership.

STAR Transit also operates a Demand Response service in DeSoto for shared curb-to-curb rides. A third demand-response bus was added last year to attempt to shorten wait times for seniors and riders with disabilities.

Future transportation options

The final presentation of the Southern Dallas County Transit Study, which the North Central Texas Council of Governments conducted to develop a comprehensive public transportation plan for Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville and Lancaster, was last month.

According to the project website, the study intended to:

• Coordinate transit and freight planning to facilitate movement.
• Improve local and regional mobility, as well as environmental and air quality.
• Examine the integration of transit service with local bus, bicycle, pedestrian, private automobile and intercity travel modes.

The presentation outlined three phases over a period of up to 20 years, with the first focusing on microtransit zones in each city and regional connections. Microtransit refers to on-demand curb-to-curb service, such as STARNow and DART GoLink.

The study envisioned Phase 1 to cost up to $1.6 million, with the cities sharing the cost and the federal government matching 50%. The proposed service areas and potential cost for DeSoto was outlined in the chart below:

Next steps

The NCTCOG will update its plan based on input from the public and an advisory committee before preparing its final report.

Transportation assistance for low-income residents

Low-income DeSoto residents are also eligible for help through the city’s Transportation Assistance Program, which a Community Development Block grant started funding in 2018.

The program provides the following for applicants who meet eligibility requirements:

• Taxicab transportation for essential services including doctors’ appointments or trips to the grocery store or pharmacy.
• A voucher providing $100 per month for transportation in the Dallas and Ellis County area.

The city last accepted applications in October. Anyone who would like to apply in the future can email transportation@desototexas.gov or call 972.230.7350 for more information.