Press Releases

Released : June 17, 2010
Track the Teton Valley Buses Online

Jackson, WY - Want to know where the Teton Valley buses are? Now you can log on to:  http://bus.linx.coop to see the real time location of the START buses that go over Teton Pass. You can track either bus as it moves between Driggs and Jackson. If you’re riding the bus, you can check it out on the free Wi-Fi that is now available on both Teton Valley commuter buses.

This is another feature of the LinxComm unit that has allowed START to offer Wi-Fi to riders on the Teton Valley buses for the past few weeks. LinxComm was developed by Chris Larson, Technology Specialist for the Yellowstone Business Partnership. It is brought to Teton Valley riders in a partnership between START Bus,  Linx; the newly formed regional transportation cooperative and Silverstar Communications. Linx provided all of the funding for the design, development, installation and maintenance of LinxComm and START provides the bus and riders to test it out.

The Yellowstone Business Partnership is a regional non-profit with a sustainability focus.  YBP received rural stimulus funds through the Idaho Department of Transportation to test the feasibility of a regional transportation cooperative connecting the Greater Yellowstone region. Upon completion of the six month feasibility study phase, Linx was formed in January with existing public and private provider members from Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. 

Released : May 11, 2010
Wi-Fi on Teton Valley Bus

Jackson, WY –START Bus riders commuting over Teton Pass can now enjoy free Wi-Fi on the bus. This is thanks to a piece of equipment called LinxComm that is being piloted in a partnership between START and the newly formed regional transportation cooperative Linx, which has been ushered into existence through the efforts of the Yellowstone Business Partnership. Linx provided all of the funding for the design, development, installation and maintenance of LinxComm and START provided the bus and riders to test it out.
The LinxComm unit is being tested on the START’s MCI Coach that leaves Driggs in the morning at 6:35am and returns from Jackson at 5:10pm. “We are excited to have the opportunity to offer this service to our riders,” said Michael Wackerly, START Director. “START is glad to partner with Linx in this pilot program. We hope that it is successful and that we will have the ability to have this system on more of our buses.” It is as easy as logging on in a coffee shop, once you are on the bus find the wireless network Linxbus#2 and connect.
The LinxComm unit was developed by Chris Larson, Technology Specialist for the Yellowstone Business Partnership.  In addition to Wi-Fi, LinxComm has the capability to feed START automatic vehicle location and future capabilities will include on-time stats per bus per stop and on-board electronic ticketing capacity.  “The START run over Teton Pass, with its patchy cell coverage, is a good test for wireless connectivity”  said Chris Larson “In addition, since the money for LinxComm came from Idaho, it is good to have Idaho commuters testing the technology and benefitting from the get-go.” Silverstar Communications is the wireless provider partnering with Linx for this testing phase.
The Yellowstone Business Partnership is a regional non-profit with a sustainability focus.  YBP received rural stimulus funds through the Idaho Department of Transportation to test the feasibility of a regional transportation cooperative connecting the Greater Yellowstone region. Upon completion of the six month feasibility study phase, Linx was formed in January with existing public and private provider members from Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. 

Released : September 8, 2009
Commuter Pass and Ticket Book Price Reduction

Jackson, WY – START Bus will be using funds received from a JARC (Job Access and Reverse Commute) Grant from the Federal Transit Administration, to reduce fees on its commuter routes serving Teton County, ID and Star Valley, WY. The fee reduction will begin with tickets and passes being sold for October 2009 and will be in place for one year. Monthly passes will be reduced from $140 a month to $105 a month and 10 ride ticket books will be reduced from $58 to $42. The one-way rate of $8 will remain unchanged.
“We are glad to have the opportunity to offer this reduction to our commuters,” said Michael Wackerly, START Administrator. “This reduced price will be valid for at least one year and has been made possible with grant money. We will need to reevaluate the fares next year. We hope this reduction will boost ridership and we will be able to keep the costs down in the future with the additional revenue.”
Riders will still benefit from buying a pass for more than one month at a time. Under the new fee schedule riders can purchase their monthly pass for $105 and each consecutive month purchased at the same time will be discounted to $95. A rider wishing to buy a pass for a whole year will receive the consecutive month discount as well as the twelfth month free. A year pass from October 2009 through September 2010 would cost a rider $1055.
Tickets and passes will be available at the discounted rate beginning September 24, 2009. They can be purchased between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday at the Jackson Town Hall at 150 East Pearl St. or at the START Administrative offices at 450 West Snowking Ave.
START hopes that everyone commuting from Star Valley and Teton Valley, ID will take advantage of this great deal. It is a wonderful opportunity to give the bus a try and see if it fits your schedule. Please visit www.startbus.com for schedule information.
Please contact START at 733-4521 with any questions or concerns.

Released : June 15, 2009
START's New Hybrid Buses are Here

Jackson, WY – Last week START took delivery on two 29ft low floor Gillig Hybrid buses to be used primarily for the Town Shuttle. Theses buses are powered by a clean diesel hybrid electrical propulsion system. They are an eco-friendly alternative for public transportation.
Reduced emissions and fuel savings are just some of the benefits of these new hybrids.
“We are excited about the new hybrid buses. Not only are they better for the environment, but they are a comfortable ride,” said Michael Wackerly, START Administrator. “These buses will be great for our town shuttle. We anticipate they will be quieter than the standard diesel buses, so they will reduce the noise of buses operating in town.”
The purchase price of one of the two buses is funded by a federal stimulus grant covering 100% of the cost. The purchase price of the other bus is funded by a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant covering 80% of the cost. The Town of Jackson and Teton County both contribute to provide the 20% local match necessary to fund the rest of the cost.  It is expected that using these buses will reduce fuel consumption by approximately 35%.  Over the twelve year life of the bus, this fuel savings will more than make up for the purchase price of the hybrids.
“We are very proud that they are the first hybrid buses in the state of Wyoming,” Wackerly said. “This is another way that Jackson and Teton County are at the forefront of environmental consciousness.” 
The hybrids have a new design as well. You will see them around town painted in START Bus blue with the START logo and the bucking horse and rider on the side. These buses should be in service by early next week.

Released: May 12, 2009
Limited Memorial Day Service on Commuter Routes

Jackson, WY - START Bus will run only one bus to and from Jackson on both its Star Valley and Teton Valley commuter routes on Monday, May 25th, Memorial Day. The Star Valley bus will depart Etna at 6:35am and return from Jackson at 4:50pm. The Teton Valley bus will depart Driggs at 6:35am and return from Jackson at 5:10pm. START will be running its full service summer schedule on all other routes. The summer schedule begins May 23, 2009. A preview of the summer schedule is available on the homepage of this website or by clickeing here: Star Valley, Teton Valley, Town Shuttle, Teton Village

Released : May 12, 2009
Star Valley Time Change and New Bus Stop

Jackson, WY - Beginning on May 26, 2009 there will be a new departure time for buses from Star Valley to Jackson. The third bus inbound to Jackson in the morning will again depart Etna at 6:55am, as it did this winter. This will be the year-round departure time for this bus until further notice. Return trips from Jackson to Star Valley remain unchanged. Please see the Summer Schedule for exact times.

START would also like to remind everyone of the limited bus service on Monday, May 25th, Memorial Day. Only the 6:35am departure from Etna and the 4:50pm return bus from Jackson will run.  Regular service will resume on May 26, 2009, including the time change explained above. A preview of the summer schedule can be found on the homepage of the START Bus website www.startbus.com.   

Also, beginning May 25, 2009 buses departing Jackson heading to Star Valley will no longer pull in to the Smith’s parking lot. There is a new bus stop on Highway 89 about 300 yards south of the intersection with High School Road. Buses will pull off the highway into this stop if riders are visible. Due to heavy congestion and significant additional time maneuvering the parking lot, START feels this is the best solution. START hopes to provide safer and timelier service as a result of this change. Please help START to spread the word about this new stop. Buses will continue to pull into the Smith’s parking lot inbound to Jackson, if riders request this stop. Call 307.732.8651 with any questions.

Released : January 6, 2008
New START Bus Wrap Design Doesn't Cover Windows

Jackson, WY – You may have noticed the new wrapped START bus around town that allows riders to see out the windows. START Bus responded to feedback from the community and left the windows of its new bus, #299, unwrapped.

Decorated with a montage of historical transportation oriented photos provided by the Jackson Hole Historical Society, START is excited about the new bus wrap design. “We have had a lot of comments from community members that the wrapped windows are difficult to see out of,” said Michael Wackerly, START administrator. “We have tried something new with this wrap and hope that it will be in line with our original goal of displaying images that reflect the unique character of our community while making the riding experience more enjoyable.”
START Bus again invited local non-profit organizations to submit photographs that reflect the character of Jackson Hole to be considered for the bus wrap program.

The program called for non-profits to submit images without text, logos, or illustrations while still conveying the organizations message.

If you haven’t seen the new bus yet, come by the library on Thursday, January 15th between 5:00 and 6:00pm to view the bus and enjoy some cake. The Jackson Hole Historical Society is showing the film “Easy Rider” that evening at the library and the bus will be there for everyone to see. START is proud to be partnered with the Jackson Hole Historical Society on this newest wrap and invites everyone to come and celebrate it.

Released : November 10, 2008
Star Valley Time Change

Beginning December 1, 2008 there will be a new departure time for buses from Star Valley to Jackson. Return trips from Jackson to Star Valley remain unchanged. All departure times are as follows:
                                                                                                                                          

  

START would also like to remind everyone that there will not be bus service on Thanksgiving day. Service will resume on November 28, 2008 with the current Fall schedule and the Winter schedule will begin on November 29, 2008. A preview of the winter schedule can be found on the homepage of the START Bus website www.startbus.com.  Thank you for riding the bus.

 

Released : November 10, 2008
No START Service Thanksgiving Day

START Bus will not be operating on Thursday, November 27, 2008. START Bus apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. Thanksgiving is the only day of the year START does not have service.

Released : September 11, 2008
Changes to Star Valley Route and Commuter Fare Increase

Jackson, WY – At its meeting today, the START board decided to change the timesof the routes between Star Valley and Jackson and to increase the fares on all commuter routes. The schedule changes will begin when the fall schedule takes effect on Monday, September 29th and the fare increase will become effective October 1, 2008.
The Star Valley route changes effective September 29, 2008 are as follows:

• The 5:35am bus from Etna will remain unchanged and two buses will depart Etna at 6:35am. One will pick up in Etna and Alpine and the other at Nordic Ranches.

• There will not be a mid-day run from Star Valley to Jackson. The 12:40pm run from Jackson to Star Valley will remain unchanged.

• Buses will depart Jackson for Star Valley at 4:50pm and 5:20pm.

• The last bus to leave Jackson will be the 5:20pm bus. There will no longer be a bus that departs Jackson at 6:10pm.

    

The board also made a decision to increase the fares on all commuter routes by a little over 10%. The rising cost of fuel and additional operating expenses were cited as reasons for the increase. The board will reevaluate all fares in the spring when it works on the budget for the following year.
Effective October 1, 2008

• Monthly passes will cost $140 for the first month and each consecutive month purchased at the same time will cost $120
• Ticket books of 10 tickets will cost $58
• Single rides will cost $8

Please contact START at 733-4521 with questions or concerns.

 

Released : June 16, 2008
Fuel Prices Boost Ridership - Heighten Need for New facility

Jackson, WY – The cost of fuel is hitting everyone’s wallet and more and more people are turning to START Bus as the solution. START Bus is experiencing record increases in ridership due to the recent dramatic increase in the cost of fuel. From May 1 to June 15 START ridership has increased by 55% when compared to the same time period last year.   The cost of fuel is having the most dramatic effect on commuter riders from Teton Valley Idaho and Star Valley.  Ridership on the commuter runs operated by START Bus from these areas is up 71% from last year, during the same time period.

“START Bus is very excited that more people in our community have started to ride START Bus to save money and fuel,” said Michael Wackerly, START administrator. “The increased demand for public transit has however heightened the need for constructing a facility for operating and storing START Buses.”

START Bus is currently operating out of the public works building and storing all of its buses outside.  Storing the buses outside reduces the life of the buses as well as increases the cost and amount of maintenance needed to keep them running.  The space available for maintenance of buses at public works is filled, to overflowing, with the current START Bus fleet.  START cannot add buses to the fleet until a larger maintenance facility is available. If the current trends continue, and gas prices continually contribute to increased ridership, a new facility is the next step for START to be able to increase service and keep up with demand.

“This need is now growing dramatically,” Wackerly said.

START Bus is proud of its contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of the Jackson Hole community and would like to increase that contribution moving into the future. Currently, START must keep its buses running all night when the temperatures are low because they are stored outside.

“START Bus would be much more effective in the Town and County’s efforts to meet the 10x10 goal (a joint initiative to reduce both organization’s fuel and electrical consumption 10% by the year 2010) if it had a new facility,” said Wackerly. “We are serious about reducing energy and fuel emissions in this community and a bus storage and maintenance facility would be a huge step in that direction.”

There will be an issue on the SPET ballot in August to provide the first piece in funding this facility.

Released : February 18, 2008
START Continues to Break Records and Plans for the Future

Jackson, WY – START Bus carried the most people ever in a single month with 125,954 riders in January, this coming on the heels of a record breaking year in 2007. For START to continue to increase ridership and grow at the same rate it is currently enjoying, the organization will need additional resources.

“START Bus is very excited to be able to continue to break records,” said Michael Wackerly, START administrator. “Carrying over 125,000 riders in one month is something to be proud of; it means that more people every year are choosing to ride the bus and we want to make sure that everyone will have a seat as we continue to grow and move into the future.”

Total ridership this January is up 16% from last year, with ridership on the Teton Village routes up 15%, Town Shuttle routes up 13% and the Star Valley route up 37%.

“The buses running between Town and Teton Village have been overcrowded during peak hours this season with a lot of people having to stand for the trip or some even occasionally being left at a stop and asked to wait for the next bus,” Wackerly said. “Even the Star Valley commuter route has come close to capacity and any further increase in ridership will require that more buses be added to that route, in order to accommodate everyone.”

“START is actively pursuing alternatives that will allow us to continue to meet the needs for public transportation,” Wackerly said. “We are working with the Town, County and Wyoming Congressional delegates to try and procure funding for a new facility, new buses and increased operating expenses. All of these will be essential to ensuring we can keep up with current and future demand. START will be looking to the entire Jackson Hole Community for support on the funding needed to provide effective public transit in the future. ”

START Bus is also proud of its contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of the Jackson Hole community and would like to increase that contribution moving into the future. Currently, START must keep its buses running all night when the temperatures are low because they are stored outside.

“START Bus would be much more effective in the Town and County’s efforts to meet the 10x10 goal (a joint initiative to reduce both organization’s fuel and electrical consumption 10% by the year 2010) if it had a new facility,” said Wackerly. “We are serious about reducing energy and fuel emissions in this community and a bus storage and maintenance facility would be a huge step in that direction.”

The Town of Jackson and Teton County’s ongoing support of START Bus has been an essential part of the success of the system. START is jointly funded by the Town, County and the Federal government. The START Board and START staffers are working with all these funding agencies to develop a plan to provide for a new facility and other resources START will need in the future.

Released : January 23, 2008
Another Record to START the Year

Jackson, WY – START Bus broke another ridership record by carrying 712,562 people in 2007 and continues to be a convenient and green solution for the Jackson Hole community.

“We are really thrilled to be able to celebrate another record breaking year at START Bus and we look forward to continued success,” said Michael Wackerly, START administrator. “It is interesting how the numbers are matching up each year. In 2003 we carried over 300,000 riders, in 2004 over 400,000, in 2005 over 500,000, in 2006 over 600,000 and our numbers this year keep us on the same pace. We are on track to carry over a million riders in 2010 if resources allow us to increase service. START has always been committed to meeting the needs of the community and each year the numbers indicate that we are accomplishing that goal.”

“I want to thank our drivers, mechanics and all the employees in the Transit and Public Works departments with the Town of Jackson,” said Wackerly, “without their hard work and innovation it would not be possible for us to reach this level. I would also like to thank our partners in the community, particularly the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the Teton Village Association whose ongoing support is integral to the success of START Bus.”

“I believe the community sees the environmental benefits of choosing to ride the bus over driving their cars,” Wackerly said. “Our community is conscious of its impacts and makes choices to reduce them. We all understand the unique environment in which we live and are striving to preserve it.”

Released : November 16, 2007
Off-Season Numbers Indicate Record in 2007

Jackson, WY. START Bus had 39% more riders in October 2007 than in
October 2006. Those numbers help to put START on pace to serve over
700,000 riders this year.

Not only are the fall numbers up, but in April 2007 START carried
62% more riders than the same month in 2006. These numbers indicate
START’s services are being used more throughout the entire year
than in the past. April and October show the largest increase in
ridership of all the months, so far this year.

Some of this success can be attributed to the addition of the new
Teton Valley commuter service, however in October the Town shuttle
numbers increased 24% and trips between town and Teton Village had
47% more riders than last year.

START thanks everyone for doing their part by riding the bus.

Released : April 26, 2007
START Bus Starts Service Between Driggs and Jackson

Jackson, WY. START Bus officials announced April 1 the beginning of year-round service between Driggs and Jackson with stops in Victor and Wilson. Service began Monday, April 16.

“We've worked very closely with the Idaho Department of Transportation, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, elected officials from Teton County, Idaho and Wyoming, as well as elected officials from the town's of Jackson, Victor, and Driggs," said Michael Wackerly, Transit Administrator. "It took the coordinated effort of citizens and the hardworking officials of multiple agencies over several years to make this a reality. We're providing a long needed service and we are extremely excited to begin," stated Wackerly.

"We will have bus stops in Driggs and Victor at the Driggs Community Center, the Victor Park and Ride, and the Victor Gateway. There will be a stop at Nora's if you need to go to Wilson. Riders will be able to get to Teton Village or the Aspens via the Stilson Park and Ride. You can also get to Jackson Hole High School, the Middle School, Summit High School or any other Town Shuttle stop by transferring at Albertson's,” said Wackerly.

"We're encouraging people to use the service by letting them ride free in April if they purchase a pass for May. We think if you are committing to using the START Bus instead of your car, six weeks should be long enough to determine if the service is going to work for you. We want to make this viable for as many people as possible so there are several fare options including a monthly pass for $125, a one-way ticket for $7 or a book of ten tickets for $52. Passes can be purchased at Jackson Town Hall or by sending us a check with a self-addressed/stamped envelope," Wackerly said. "The bus schedule is posted on our website at www.startbus.com and we're publishing it in the Teton Valley News, the Planet, and the JH Daily and Weekly, so make sure and pick up one of those papers if you'd like to ride."

People having questions about the new service can contact START Bus at 307-733-4521 or online at www.startbus.com.

Released : April 5, 2007
START Bus Announces New Town Shuttle Route

Jackson, WY. START Bus officials announced today changes to the Town Shuttle route serving the Town of Jackson. Service on the revised route begins Monday, April 9.

“The START staff and Board has worked very hard to identify a Town Shuttle route that we believe maximizes the safety and efficiency of START’s Town Shuttle” said Michael Wackerly, Transit Administrator. “This route has been designed to provides the best service possible in the Town of Jackson with the amount of funding available. Though the bus will no longer stop on Town Square it will provide several stops within two blocks of the square.

Safety and efficiency will be improved by avoiding the congestion on Cache St at the square. Service will be improved by making the route use the same streets in both directions, with stops serving the eastbound route located across the street from stops serving the route headed westbound. Service will also be improved by increasing frequency of buses on the route from 30 minutes to 20 minutes (from noon to 6 PM).”

The new START Town Shuttle route serves the center of town by turning right on Willow as it is headed west on Broadway. It would then go north to Deloney where it would turn left to North King and then turn right to Gill. Then left past the Home Ranch parking lot. It will cross Cache and turn right on Glenwood to Mercill where it will turn left past the Historical Center. Then it travels west to Millward where it turns left and heads south all the way to Pearl where it turns right and is back on the existing route. It will operate on these same streets both when it is west bound and when it is eastbound. It will require new bus stops at Millward & Deloney, Mercill & Glenwood, Gill & Cache and Willow & Deloney. The Town Shuttle route east of Willow and west of Millward will not be changed from the existing route.

People having questions about the new service can contact START Bus at 307-733-4521 or online at www.startbus.com .

START Wraps New Buses

January 23, 2006 - START Bus announced today that four recently purchased buses would be sporting new graphics selected from the entries in its community bus graphics program. Last fall, the transit agency invited local non-profit organizations to submit photographs that reflect the character of Jackson Hole to be considered for a new program aimed at displaying community messages on the sides of buses. The program called for non-profits to submit images without text, logos, or illustrations. "The challenge for non-profits was to come up with an idea that conveyed their message and the essence of Jackson Hole without using the standard marketing strategies such as logos. People really had to think outside the box, and as a result we received a lot of very creative entries," said Michelle Feaver, Marketing Assistant.

Initially, the program was set up to place two images from the selected non-profits on each side of the new buses. When the entries were received, however, the agency decided to take a different approach. "We were so impressed with the quality and the creativity of the photographs that we had to figure out how to include as many images as possible on our buses. So we decided to select as many as we could that met the technical criteria," said Feaver. Selected entries include the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Dancer's Workshop, Jackson Community Recycling, the Conservation Alliance, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

START Bus will spend all of this week wrapping the buses. "It takes about a day to wrap an entire bus" said Steve Ainslie, Operations Manager. By the end of the week, START plans on having all four buses wrapped. By the weekend, Jackson residents should be able to spot all the new buses. START Bus will continue the community bus graphics program indefinitely. "We hope that any non-profit that wants to have their message on our buses will eventually have an opportunity to do so, " said Michael Wackerly, Transit Administrator. For more information on the community bus graphics program, call 732-8651.

START Selects Half-Millionth Rider

January 13, 2006 - START Bus held its first board meeting of the year with a celebration of sorts. START board members were drawing the ticket for the half-millionth rider award. The board announced that out of the hundreds of entries it received, 28-year old Wilson resident Patrick McDermott had been selected as its half-millionth rider. "We actually far surpassed the half-millionth rider mark," said Transit Administrator, Michael Wackerly. "We ended the year with 530,638 riders which is a record for START. We carried 21% more riders this year than we did last year," Wackerly said.

Patrick in many ways is a typical START bus rider. He works at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as a winter trail groomer full-time. With his employee pass he rides the bus five-days a week. "The resort has been very supportive in our efforts to reduce traffic along the Village Road by encouraging their employees to ride the bus," said Wackerly. "They engage in an active campaign to entice their employees to ride the bus by purchasing them bus passes." Eventually, the free bus pass becomes a strong incentive to ride the bus. As McDermott says, "I didn't ride for the first three-years, but then I noticed that all my friends were riding, so I thought I might as well give the bus a try. It's so easy and convenient, I plan on continuing to ride," said McDermott.

As the half-millionth rider, McDermott had several prize options including a yearlong Star Valley commuter pass, Village Road pass or $200 cash. McDermott selected the $200 cash prize. "I'll definitely take the cash! This is cool! Thank you START bus!"